In January, we reported that Hello Falafel, 2301 S. Howell Ave., would close in preparation for the restaurant to be converted into a private event space, essentially an extension for owners Ross Bachhuber and Meliss Buchholz’s Odd Duck restaurant.
After three months of preparation, the team at Odd Duck has announced that it will host its first event in the space: a Spring Foragers and Farmers dinner showcasing some of the season’s freshest and best ingredients.
The event will take place on Sunday, May 20 beginning with a reception at 6 p.m. and dinner at 6:30.
The collaborative multi-course tasting dinner will feature courses from both Executive Chef Ross Bachhuber and Guest Chef Cole Ersel of Engine Company No. 3.
The dinner will explore the best of Wisconsin, showcasing a variety of first-of-the-season farmed or foraged ingredients including fiddlehead ferns, morel and pheasant back mushrooms, spring onions, watercress, ramps, spring peas, spruce tips and rhubarb.
Cost for the dinner and accompanying wine pairings is $100 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited to 24 guests and reservations are required. To purchase seats, call Odd Duck at (414) 763-5881. If demand warrants, Little Duck Kitchen may host an additional seating on Saturday, May 19.
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.
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