By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published May 21, 2024 at 6:18 PM Photography: Kevin J. Miyazaki

Today Visit Milwaukee released the digital edition of its first-ever cookbook. 

Entitled “The Milwaukee Cookbook,” the interactive volume features over 90 recipes from over 60 local chefs and food entrepreneurs. Recipes run the gamut from drinks and appetizers to entrees and desserts. Even more compelling, each dish includes a personal story from the individual who created it.

Led by Visit Milwaukee’s Creative Director Kathryn Lavey, the cookbook was designed not only to celebrate the flavors of Milwaukee but to capitalize on the national attention created by Season 21 of Bravo’s “Top Chef” which is set in Wisconsin and – for the first time – showcases a chef competitor who works professionally in Wisconsin.

Nearly two years in the making, the book was authored by “Milwaukee Magazine” Dining Critic Ann Christensen with photos by acclaimed photographer Kevin J. Miyazaki and a foreward by two-time James Beard Award-winning chef, Paul Bartolotta. 

“We’re so proud to launch 'The Milwaukee Cookbook' and know that it will continue to elevate Milwaukee’s reputation as a world-class dining destination,” says Visit Milwaukee’s Chief Marketing Officer Josh Albrecht in a press release.

“We know that dining experiences drive visitation and spending in Milwaukee, and we’re certain this cookbook will add to that. We can’t wait for even more visitors to see all that Milwaukee’s amazing chef-driven dining scene has to offer.”

The digital version of “The Milwaukee Cookbook” can be accessed online. Physical copies of the cookbook will be sold online at visitmilwaukee.org in time for the 2024 holiday season.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

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 each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, 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.