Local Charity and Nationally Recognized Restaurant Group Celebrate Longstanding Philanthropic Partnership

On Saturday Aug. 15th, the HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival and The Bartolotta Restaurants will continue their partnership and commitment to promoting awareness in the culinary arts, health and wellness, and providing educational opportunities for young people. The Cooking Studio, a staple of the annual community fundraising event, will showcase an intractive KIDS demonstration by Connor McNeil, Executive Chef at Joey Gerard’s – a Bartolotta Supper Club in Greendale and a Kenosha resident.

Before the musical performances of GRAMMY®-award winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum, Corey Wilkes Quartet, Mississippi blues artist Nora Jean Bruso and the Jerome Porter Quintet begin, the Cooking Studio culinary class will kick off the day’s festivities at 12:45 p.m., with McNeil leading an interactive demo in where kids from the community can get involved and make a classic Shaum Torte for themselves, their families and the audience to enjoy.

“As someone with young kids at home, getting kids involved in cooking is something I am truly passionate about. It is a way for them to learn, be creative, and to see the fruits of their efforts by tasting what they make said Connor McNeil, Chef of Joey Gerard’s. “This interactive demo is an opportunity for us to give back to the community in a fun way and that is something myself and The Bartolotta Restaurants care deeply about. We are beyond excited to be participating in this fun lake side festival again,” said Chef Connor McNeil.

“We are so excited to work with Chef McNeil this year,” said Teri Jacobson, Cooking Studio Co-Chair. “A Kenosha local and now the executive chef at Joey Gerard’s, Connor will be providing a hands-on experience where guests can learn to make a tasty dessert. You will not want to miss his ideas, tips and energy!"

The Bartolotta Restaurants is a nationally recognized restaurant and catering organization co-founded by restaurateur Joe Bartolotta and his brother, four-time nominated and two-time James Beard award-winning Chef Paul Bartolotta.

The premier culinary brand in the Greater Milwaukee region, The Bartolotta Restaurants offers first-class service and cuisine across a portfolio of 18 one-of-a-kind restaurants and catering facilities, including fine dining, upscale casual, upscale food hall, pizzeria, and quick-casual concepts. Its presence as a forward-thinking, respected, and community-minded company has produced a charitable arm, Care-a-lotta, which supports numerous nonprofit organizations throughout Milwaukee.

“It is a pleasure to be returning to this year's HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival Cooking Studio on behalf of The Bartolotta Restaurants added Chef McNeil. “We are proud to continue our long standing partnership with the Mary Lou and Arthur F. Mahone Foundation and we are honored to give back to the community and support the impactful work of the Mahone Foundation.”

The popular Cooking Studio is a state-of-the-art mock kitchen built and donated by Kenosha's BEAR Homes. The interactive cooking demonstration offers a natural complement to the musical programming of the day-long event. The kitchen provides a authentic presentation for the avid foodie or aspiring cooks, with the gorgeous lakefront providing an outdoor atmosphere to learn the tricks of the trade while enjoying a glass of wine or cold beer.

Local area culinary professionals will join Chef McNeil to support the hands on cooking experience with the students, parents and patrons. They will use their expertise to teach and guide the students during the demonstration.

James Schend served as the Culinary Deputy Editor at Taste of Home in Milwaukee, Wisonsin. He was responsible for managing the food editorial team, overseeing recipe contests, and curating all food content for Trusted Media Brands. Prior to this role, Schend worked in a number of high profile positions, such as Content Manager at Williams-Sonoma in San Francisco, CA and Special Projects Manager at Southern Living magazine in Birmingham, AL

“I’m honored to collaborate with the Mahone Foundation for the HarborPark Jazz, Rhythm & Blues Festival Cooking Studio said Schend. “My passion for food, community, and helping young people fuels my commitment to this event.”

Ardis Mahone-Mosley, Cooking studio Co-Chair, said this will be a fun experience for young people and the audience in general, allowing them to interact with culinary experts. “This is the place to be if you want to learn how to make a tasty Schuam Torte, perfect for summertime entertaining,” Mahone-Mosley said. “We are in for another real treat!"