This week on The Upswing, WTMJ’s Jeff Sherman chats with Milwaukee Journal Sentinel dining critic Rachel Bernhard. They dive into the latest happenings in Milwaukee’s dining scene, from new restaurant openings to closures. It seems the East Side of Milwaukee might be gearing up for a culinary revival. How does it stack up against the suburbs?
During their chat, they explore a variety of cuisines, including French fine dining and Filipino dishes. There’s even buzz about Minnesota burgers and ice cream at 3rd Street Market Hall. Sherman probes into how shows like Top Chef have put Milwaukee on the national map, and what rising food prices mean for both restaurants and diners. Bernhard discusses how being a food critic influences her daily life and even shares her go-to meals at home.
In a later segment, Hunger Task Force chief strategy officer Jonathan Hansen talks about insights from the organization’s summer meals program. As students head back to school, he shares how federal policies are impacting SNAP and other programs. Hansen emphasizes the importance of community support for families as they navigate these changes in 2025 and beyond.
This vibrant dialogue highlights the evolving food culture in Milwaukee and the broader social issues at play. With increasing food prices and the challenges faced by nonprofits, community involvement has never been more critical. This makes us think about how we can support local initiatives and keep our culinary landscape thriving.
For more insights, check out USDA SNAP.