Milwaukee Film to Host Tribute Dinner to Chicago’s Revolutionary Chef Charlie Trotter on Monday, May 1, Featuring Two-time James Beard Winner Chef Paul Bartolotta at Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | MILWAUKEE, WI – Tuesday, April 25th, 2023: Milwaukee Film is honored to host a tribute dinner to one of Chicago’s most acclaimed and high-profile chefs, Chef Charlie Trotter, featuring six-time nominated and two-time James Beard Award Winner Chef Paul Bartolotta and the team at Bacchus – A Bartolotta Restaurant.

Curated by SamanthaStarr Events, Chef Paul Bartolotta and the team at Bacchus will present an unforgettable dining experience inspired by dishes from Chef Charlie Trotter’s repertoire and in honor of the film “Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter,” showing at The 2023 Milwaukee Film Festival. Guests will enjoy a five-course meal with five pairings on Monday, May 1 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $200 per person (plus service charge) and can be purchased HERE.

When Chef Bartolotta first started working at Spiagga in downtown Chicago in the early 1990s, Chef Trotter was one of the first to welcome him to the windy city. Their friendship deepened as they worked in the culinary world of Chicago and together at countless fundraising events. Chef Trotter even journeyed north to Milwaukee to co-host special events with Chef Bartolotta at Bartolotta’ Lake Park Bistro and Bacchus. “Charlie Trotter was a visionary chef, and he was also a dear friend and an inspiration to many in the culinary community,” says Chef Paul Bartolotta. “Charlie paved the way for countless chefs to express their creativity and push the boundaries of American cuisine, and his influence can still be felt today. I view this as a tribute dinner to a chef and colleague, with whom I shared so many memories of doing events together during my tenure at Spiaggia in Chicago. By showcasing these iconic dishes, we celebrate Charlie’s legacy, the chefs he inspired, and the memories that we have of our time together.”

This five-course meal includes Spring Bean Salad with quail eggs, Smithfield ham, and hazelnut vinaigrette. Langoustines with braised artichokes, carrots, onions, and chervil infused broth. Grilled Tuna with sweet corn relish, avocado puree, and cilantro vinaigrette. Wisconsin Organic Lamb with caramelized endive, morel mushroom puree, and lamb Jus and ending with a Passion Fruit Pudding Cake.

“Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter,” is showing at The Oriental Theatre on April 30 2023 at 4:30 p.m. With exclusive access to never-before-seen material and interviews with luminary chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck and Grant Achatz, this documentary tenderly reveals Trotter’s relentless pursuit of excellence as well as his troubled legacy, showcasing the challenges facing chef and restaurant culture today. Purchase tickets to the screening HERE.

To contact us for more information or to request an interview, email press@mkefilm.org and pr@bartolottas.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.