THE COMMODORE – A BARTOLOTTA RESTAURANT TO OPEN WEDNESDAY JULY 24, 2024

 

MILWAUKEE, WI – The Bartolotta Restaurants, the premier restaurant and catering organization in the Greater Milwaukee region, has announced a July 24, 2024 grand opening date for The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant; reservations are now open. This historic waterfront property on Nagawicka Lake once served as Hasslinger’s Pleasant View Hotel & Resort when it opened in 1902, and was most recently the Seven Seas for nearly four decades. Developed in partnership with the incredible creative design of Jay Franke, The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant has been reimagined as a fine-dining and events destination that pays great tribute to the past, with contemporary classic touches that will carry the destination decades into the future.

“The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant, while contemporary, takes inspiration and is dedicated to the legacy and rich history of Nagawicka Lake and Lake Country,” says The Bartolotta Restaurants Owner and Co-Founder Chef Paul Bartolotta. “We are excited to unveil this two-year project and bring this iconic property back to life. We view this as a long-term commitment to the Lake Country community as we are now custodians, building new legacies and memories for generations to come. We look forward to greeting our guests with the ‘hospitality heart’ that they have come to know and love from The Bartolotta Restaurants.”

“The kitchen will celebrate Wisconsin’s bounty from farmers, cheesemakers, and creameries,” says Bartolotta. The menu complements the romanticized nostalgia of timeless American classics, in a fresh and contemporary way, with dishes such as:

Classics

• Beef Wellington for Two (created for Sir Arthur Wellesley, First Duke of Wellington, celebrating his victory in the battle of Waterloo)

  • 16oz Prime, Barrel-Cut Filet baked in Puff Pastry with Mushroom Duxelles, Black Truffle-Périgourdine Sauce

• Wiener Schnitzel Homage to Legendary Jack Weissgerber (Respecting the legacy that was built by the Weissgerbers for nearly 40 years)

  • Our Interpretation of a Breaded Veal Cutlet paying respect to the Iconic Restaurateur & Gentleman

Contemporary

• Seared Georges Bay Sea Scallops

  • Champagne-Demi Smoked Salmon Caviar Butter Sauce, Morels, Melted Leek​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Roasted Atlantic Halibut

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Baby Zucchini, English Peas, Asparagus, Pearl Onions, Mushrooms

“The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant enlivens the nostalgia of Lake Country,” continues Bartolotta. “We embrace what life once was and what it can still be. Through this gaze into the rearview mirror, we gain a sense of our own identity, connecting ourselves with the neighbors and guests who were here before us.”

The property has changed hands more than 15 times in the past century, serving as, among other things, a hotel, a discotheque, a girl’s camp, and a school. Today, The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant is a multi-level and multi-functional social and hospitality venue, deeply rooted in Nagawicka Lake history.

On the upper level is the catering and special events space, ideal for a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings to grand galas, weddings, meeting and conferences, and more. The Grand Heritage Ballroom takes its name from the property's era as Heritage on the Lake & Spirit of ’76 Resort & Disco, which can be divided into North and South Heritage Ballrooms. The Baldwin Lounge is a private room anchored by a beautiful fireplace named for former owner Dave Baldwin, with unparalleled views of Nagawicka Lake. The Nagawicka Suite serves as a bridal hospitality suite.

On the main level resides The Commodore Restaurant featuring several dining rooms with beautiful views of the lake. Paying homage to the property's history, the private dining rooms, Margo’s and Pepper’s, are a nod to the once-famed "Margo’s Pepper Tree" restaurant which operated at this location from 1976 through 1978. The first floor also features a large bar with indoor and patio seating.

Outside, the Pleasant View Pavilion offers a charming outdoor space echoing the original Pleasant View Hotel & Resort. The Garden provides a serene outdoor retreat, and The Fountain Patio is a quaint space next to the Pavilion perfect for small receptions and ceremonies.

An exclusive members-only social club, Club 1902, will debut at a later date and will be located on the lower level. The club will offer the most elevated and bespoke experience on the property.

Individuals interested in learning more can visit club1902delafield.com.

The Commodore – A Bartolotta Restaurant will be open Wednesday through Sunday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations can be made at thecommodoredelafield.com. For more information about The Bartolotta Restaurants please visit bartolottas.com.