Something is brewing for beer lovers and foodies alike on Thursday, Oct. 2, when Saz’s Hospitality Group teams up with Lakefront Brewery for Craft Meets Cuisine, a five-course pairing dinner at South Second, 838 S. 2nd St.
What to expect
The evening, led by Executive Chef Dustin Howard, will showcase dishes designed to highlight the flavor and nuance of Lakefront’s brews. Guests will enjoy creations like white peach–braised pork belly with focaccia crostini, stracciatella, aged balsamic and Calabrian peppers (paired with Chilly Rabbit Cold IPA) and a decadent candied yam bread pudding complemented by Brandy Barrel Aged Pumpkin Imperial Ale.
While the food shines on the plate, the beer takes center stage as well. Lakefront Brewery Co-Founder Jim Klisch will guide diners through each pairing, sharing stories from the brewery’s early days and offering insights into brewing techniques, tasting notes, and the evolution of some of Lakefront’s most iconic beers.
The full menu
Five courses and pairings will include:
- Pork Belly with Chilly Rabbit Cold IPA
- Delicata & Ricotta Salad with Pumpkin Lager
- Autumn Margarita Scallop Crudo with New Grist Gosa Rita
- Zabuton “Denver” Steak with Eastside Dark
- Candied Yam Bread Pudding with Brandy Barrel Aged Pumpkin Imperial Ale
Non-alcoholic options will also be available, including Golden Maple Root Beer, Extended Play NA Beer and crafted mocktails. A complimentary welcome drink will greet attendees upon arrival.
Get your tickets
Craft Meets Cuisine takes place on Thursday, Oct. 2. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with dinner served promptly at 7 p.m. Tickets are $80 (plus fees) per person and 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.
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