In its 30th year of operation, Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, has been honored with the Marchio Ospitalità Italiana certification of excellence.
Founded in 1997, the Marchio Ospitalità Italiana certification is a prestigious acknowledgement that represents a seal of quality and authenticity, given to Italian restaurants around the world by the Italian Union of Chamber of Commerce and is supported by ISNART (Istituto Nazionale Ricerche Turistiche – The Chambers of Commerce for Tourism and Culture).
The certification was granted on Oct. 23 at a ceremony in Chicago where Italian Consul Thomas Botzios presented it to Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993, Chef Bartolotta, and Chef Urbieta along with the official plate of Ospitalità Italiana. Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 is the only restaurant in the state of Wisconsin to be recognized by this certification.
“This is an incredibly proud moment for Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993 and a testament to the dedicated work that our family of employees and Executive Chef Juan Urbieta have done to create a genuine Italian culinary experience,” noted Bartolotta in a release. “I would like to thank the Italian American Chamber of Commerce for this extraordinary recognition.
“Italian cooking, culture, and commitment to service runs through every facet of Ristorante Bartolotta dal 1993. Chef Urbieta and his team are committed to producing the most authentic Italian experience possible for our guests. This is an unbelievable honor for the restaurant, and for The Bartolotta Restaurants.”
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.
