By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor Published Feb 14, 2019 at 3:26 PM

On Saturday, Feb. 23, Milwaukeeans are invited to celebrate the diversity in the city’s cuisine and culture during the 11th annual Carnival Milwaukee, held from 5 to 10 p.m at Rennaissance Place, 1451 N. Prospect Ave.

The annual fundraiser, which begins at 5 p.m. with appetizers crafted by Vincent High School culinary students, supports the work of the Urban Economic Development Association of Wisconsin (UEDA), will also feature food and beverage from a variety of area restaurants, an interactive photo booth, Carnival raffle and live music from De La Buena and dance performances by Salsabrosa and Panadanza.

A growing list of participating restaurants and vendors include Cakes by Linda Kay, Casablanca, China Gourmet, Cielito Salvadoreno, Colectivo Coffee, Mi Casa Su Cafe, Milk & Honey Liqueur, Mr. Bar-B-Que, Ono Kine Grindz, Screaming Tuna, Speed Queen BBQ, Tall Guy & A Grill, The Cultured Vegan, Xankia and Zarletti.

During the event, UEDA will present Milwaukee Public Library with the second annual Bridge Builder Award in recognition of its unique spaces, services and community partnerships which educate, enlighten and celebrate the diversity of people and activities in Milwaukee.

In an effort to keep the spirit of Carnival Milwaukee alive throughout the year, UEDA is also pleased to announce a new partnership with Emerald Mills, founder of Diverse Dining for a series of four Community Meals to be held in 2019. [Read more about Diverse Dining here].

Tickets for Carnival Milwaukee are $50 and may be purchased online or by calling (414) 562-9904.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor

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.