Destination Kohler will introduce its first-ever reconcepted marquee dining establishment this week with the opening of Taverne on Woodlake, 725E Woodlake Rd., a venue showcasing a combination of wood-grilled specialties and elevated comfort food dishes.
The restaurant, which will begin accepting reservations on July 11, has been fully remodeled to create a comfortable interior environment as well as terrace-side al fresco dining overlooking Wood Lake.
What to expect
The new concept, which replaces Cucina Italian Restaurant at The Shops at Woodlake, is modeled after the highly acclaimed Taverne in the Sky, the Green Bay restaurant and bar at Lodge Kohler which offers panoramic views of the iconic Lambeau Field.
Inside, diners will find a mix of modern and romantic decor from warm green leather banquettes surrounding the venues 12-seat L-shaped cocktail bar to the bright window-rich dining room featuring green velvet-backed booths, high- and low-top tables and concrete columns and walls covered in artistic depictions of market-style signs and animals.
Meanwhile, the memorable vintage glass chandelier – purchased at a California artist auction – remains as the focal point of the new restaurant, set against a backdrop of hand-painted wrought iron caging and a mural of airy clouds on the restaurant’s domed ceiling.
Meanwhile, the restaurant’s beautiful lakeside terrace is ideal for guests seeking an al fresco dining experience.
On the menu
The menu at Taverne on Woodlake created by Destination Kohler’s Executive Chef Matt Bauer, features wood-fire-grilled specialties including a double-cut pork chop served with white cheddar grits, braised greens, jalapeno jam and teriyaki salmon served alongside a melange of snow peas, baby carrots, Napa cabbage and mushrooms along with wakame seaweed salad with charred scallion vinaigrette.
Entrees can be accompanied by a variety of starters, from fried smelt with lemon pepper aioli to crispy Korean BBQ cauliflower with sesame seeds, cilantro and lime cream.
Specialty pizzas, including classic Margherita, sausage and pepperoni and specialty pies featuring toppings like rock shrimp and bacon will round out the offerings.
On the sweeter side, desserts by Destination Kohler’s Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Blouin will include options like chocolate whiskey cake with cherry preserves and a warm beer doughnut served with choice of caramel and salted pecan or maple syrup and cayenne bacon dipping sauces.
Beginning July 11, Taverne at Woodlake will be open daily for lunch service from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and for dinner from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Curbside pickup is available. For reservations visit DestinationKohler.com/TaverneOnWoodlake or call 920-452-3888.
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.
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