Biting into a crisp, buttery croissant is an experience that has the potential to incite a sigh of gustatory satisfaction. But it takes skill and perseverance to create a well executed pastry that keeps customers coming back time and time again.
Among the places in Milwaukee which have done so is Le Reve Patisserie & Cafe, which has been gleaned accolades for its French bistro fare and well executed pastries for 15 years.
This week, we’re sitting down with Chef Andrew Schneider, who founded the restaurant alongside Therese Hittman in 2008, to chat about the past, the present and the future of the beloved French eatery. Along the way, we glean insights into Schneider’s journey from aspiring firefighter to chef, the inspiration behind the cafe and the launch of Le Reve’s new events space and cooking school, Troquet.
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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.
