Recently, we treated ourselves to a personalized five-course dining experience at Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro, and let’s just say we’re still thinking about it.
Tucked inside the historic Lake Park pavilion overlooking Lake Michigan, it’s one of those places that feels fancy without feeling intimidating. Between the views, the service, and the food, it’s easy to see why it’s been a Milwaukee favorite for so long.
The experience was curated by Executive Chef Amanda Langler and General Manager and Sommelier Mariana Popescu.
Before the meal, they asked if we had any dietary restrictions or foods we weren’t fans of. Thankfully, there weren’t any “chicken tender only” adults at the table, so we told them to surprise us. They absolutely delivered.
The experience included five courses with wine pairings, a private table right next to the kitchen, personalized menus with our names on them, tableside filleting of the Dover sole, and enough bread to feed a small village.
From start to finish, you could tell how much thought went into every detail. The timing was perfect, the service was incredible, and every course somehow topped the last.
If you’re looking for a special night out, or just want some ambitious inspiration for home, here’s what we had:
Coquilles St. Jacques
Pan-seared sea scallops with butter-braised English peas, carrot purée, Vadouvan curry beurre blanc, and fresh mint.
Crêpe aux Fleurs de Courgette
A delicate zucchini blossom crêpe filled with chèvre and caramelized mushrooms, served with leek soubise.
Sole Meunière
True Dover sole with French beans, fingerling potatoes, and lemon brown butter sauce, filleted tableside.
Tournedos de Bœuf Rossini
Pan-seared beef tenderloin medallion with pomme purée, sautéed asparagus, seared foie gras, and red wine demi-glace.
Petite Clafoutis aux Cerises
A warm French cherry and almond cake with cherry glaze and vanilla ice cream.
(And yes, every course had a wine pairing. No complaints there.)
Needless to say, we left stuffed, happy, and slightly tipsy.
10/10. Would happily do it again.