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After much anticipation, Troquet, Le Reve’s modern events venue and cooking school is officially open at 1409 N Wauwatosa Ave.
The news has been two years in the making. Initially scheduled to open in March of 2020, plans for Troquet were thwarted by the challenges of the global pandemic, from labor shortages and supply chain issues to construction delays. But, despite delays, the new building is a game changer for the long-time French restaurant, not only providing additional space for events and classes, but also a much-needed new home for a state-of-the-art pastry kitchen, which provides pastries and desserts for the restaurant.
In the end, perhaps the wait has made the opening even sweeter.
Designed to accommodate events, private dining and cooking classes, the space combines the classic elegance found at the French cafe with clean, modern elements. Terrazzo flooring pools with natural light from the building’s lovely Eastern exposure overlooking Root Commons Park.
Meanwhile, Troquet’s copper-plated bar compliments the room’s bronze accents and neutral Moroccan tile.
In addition to private dining events, Troquet will also host cooking classes starting in July. A series of inaugural courses will be offered in collaboration with Sébastien Canonne, M.O.F. co-founder of the French Pastry School in Chicago and Meilleur Ouvrier de France, the highest distinction for an artisan in France.
Additional classes will feature chefs including renowned pastry chef Josh Johnson, John Hittman of Trattoria Stefano and Jason Alston of Heaven's Table.
Each cooking class will feature a 90-minute demonstration during which chefs will prepare a four-course meal for guests while discussing their dishes and techniques and taking questions from the audience. Attendees will go home with full bellies and copies of the featured recipes. Pricing for classes ranges from $85-$150.
As for private events, Troquet accommodates 75 to 80 guests for sit-down events and up to 100 for cocktail style gatherings. Guests can choose from multi-course European inspired seasonal menus to accommodate corporate events, showers, birthdays, private dining and more.
For the full list of cooking classes, or to book an event, visit troquetevents.com.
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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