Every chef has a unique story to tell. On this week’s podcast, we talk with Dane Baldwin, chef and owner of The Diplomat about his passion for food and his culinary journey.
From his first food-related job to opening his own restaurant, Baldwin shares stories about his early years working at Sendik’s to his first cooking gig in the kitchen at the former Gil’s Cafe. Along the way, he shares tales from his work at Bartolotta’s, SURG Restaurant Group and – finally – his own restaurant. We also chat about how it feels to make the James Beard Foundation’s semifinalists’ list and what it takes to recreate the flavors of a fast-food burger to create The Diplomac.
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Got an idea for a topic we should consider for FoodCrush? Want to offer feedback on our latest episode? Email me at lori@staff.onmilwaukee.com. You can also give @FoodCrushMKE a follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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.
