Snuggle up with some holiday cheer as OnMilwaukee shares stories of everything merry and bright in the spirit of the season.
The OnMilwaukee Ho Ho Holiday Guide is brought to you by Harley-Davidson Museum and MolsonCoors.
This article was made possible in collaboration with The Bartolotta Restaurants.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season at The Bartolotta Restaurants' Dickens Dinners, a time-honored tradition featuring caroling, live readings of “A Christmas Carol” and four delicious courses that are certain to put you and your loved ones in the holiday spirit.
The dinners will take place at The Grain Exchange, 225 E. Michigan St., on Thursday, Dec. 19, Friday, Dec. 20 and Saturday, Dec. 21 from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m.
Experience the magic
This nostalgic celebration begins with the opportunity for a self-guided tour of both floors of the elegant Grain Exchange. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about the historic building. Guests will also be treated to traditional Victorian caroling, a dramatic reading of "A Christmas Carol” and a screening of the film based on the Dickens' classic.
As for the dinner, guests will be treated to a four-course English feast with complimentary wine pairings. The meal will take place in the Grain Exchange Room which will be decked out in festive decor implemented by local designers and florists.
Courses will include:
- First course: British-Style Potted Shrimp
- Second course: Brussels Sprouts and Kale Salad with Candied Cranberries, Shaved Cheese, Dijon Vinaigrette
- Third course: Prime Rib, Duchess Whipped Potatoes, Glazed Rainbow Carrots, Yorkshire Pudding
- Fourth course: Mulled Cider Bread Pudding
Tickets for the Dickens Dinners can be purchased online. The cost is $160 per person and includes four courses with wine pairings along with all of the evening’s nostalgic entertainment. A full cash bar will also be available.
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.
