As 2014 winds to a close, we typically look back at the year that was and look ahead at what the year to come might hold.
The food world is no different, and we've chronicled a lot of what’s taken place this year frequently on Lake Effect. But Kyle Cherek, food contributor and host of the public television show Wisconsin Foodie, spoke with Bonnie North to look ahead – at two particular dining trends he believes will be front and center in 2015.
Firstly, we have the success of the "quirky concept" restaurant. With Milwaukee's food scene continually growing, more restaurants need to distinguish themselves with a unique specialty. "Vanguard opens up and it's basically sausages and booze, but people are loving it," Cherek says. "You can open up just a donut place in downtown, as Holey Moley proved, and this works."
The restaurant scene in Milwaukee is also a prime example of what is happening all over the country. Our Midwestern demeanor and love for good food in not-too-fancy places is changing the very definition of "fine" dining. "Fine dining is now being re-defined in the country with a casual aspect of fine dining, and it's being redefined exactly in sync in Milwaukee," Cherek says.
