MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee’s food scene is continuing to gain national attention for its creative cuisine.
Odd Duck, located in Milwaukee’s Bay View neighborhood, has two first-time nominees from the James Beard Foundation this year.
Ross Bachhuber, chef and owner of Odd Duck, and Sam Ek, executive chef, are both semi-finalists for Best Chef Midwest.
Odd Duck also recently made USA Today’s 2024 Restaurants of the Year list.
Bachhuber said he always wants there to be a balance in his menu. Odd Duck is known for its small plates and a wide range of tastes.
“We want to have dishes that are going to satisfy your meat and potatoes kind of person, but it might be in a different way they have experienced meat and potatoes before and also if you are adventurous, we are going to have all different kinds of new flavors, tastes, textures and cuisines to try,” said Bachhuber.
Ek said this kind of national recognition is important to showcase what Milwaukee and the state of Wisconsin have to offer in its culinary scene.
“We’re not just brats, hamburgers and wings — which I love, for the record — but there is so much more in this city and it’s finally just coming to a head that people are seeing it,” said Ek.
Bachhuber said no matter how much notoriety comes their way, none of it would be possible without the entire Odd Duck team.
“Ducks fly together,” said Bachhuber.