Potawatomi Bingo Casino has been recognized for its menu development initiative by the The National Restaurant Association through a nomination as a finalist for the 2014 Operator Innovations Awards.
The awards celebrate the achievements of progressive restaurant and foodservice operators who drive advancement in the food service industry.
According to the NRA, Potawatomi "uses calculated risks to push the limits of menu development and execution – going beyond sustainable, organic and underutilized local food, SOUL, to incorporate invasive species, offal and indigenous ingredients on menus throughout the property."
Examples of activities in this area include Potawatomi's efforts include annual competitions during which Potawatomi's culinary staff are challenged to prepare offal in creative and delicious ways, and a wide variety of culinary initiatives including the annual Native American Heritage Month dinner, which this past year featured Chef Lois Frank, Native culture and indigenous foods expert.
NRA award winners will be announced Saturday, May 17 at the Destination: Celebration gala during the annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago. Tickets for the gala can be purchased online.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
