James Beard Award winner
Adam Siegel
- Discipline
- James Beard Award winner
- Based in
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Venue
- Lupi & Iris · Bar
i. Biography
At Lupi & Iris in Milwaukee, the brief is exacting: fine cuisine, exceptional service, and polished design. Adam Siegel works within that frame with restraint, keeping the room composed and the cooking disciplined. The same approach carries into Il Ponte, where handmade pastas shift the pace and bring a different register of Italian comfort to the table.
The Climb
At Lake Park Bistro in Milwaukee, WI, the early years were built on progression through kitchens that demanded consistency. Adam Siegel started there in 2000 as Executive Sous Chef, then moved up to Head Chef and Executive Chef, a path that reflects steady control rather than quick reinvention. Since 2010, he has been managing partner and Executive Chef of Bartolotta Group, while also serving as owner / Executive Chef of Lupi & Iris. Across those roles, the work stays centered on refined cooking, careful leadership, and the full structure of hospitality.
Today
At Lupi & Iris, Adam Siegel’s role as owner and Executive Chef is defined by balance: technical polish on one side, gracious service on the other. Il Ponte extends that same hand into a New York-style Italian restaurant launching in 2026 in Milwaukee, with handmade pastas and “a good amount of red sauce” as its base. The point is not to narrow the style into a fixed set of classics. “But the menu won’t be overwhelmed with spaghetti and meatballs.” Instead, the menu is being built to widen the frame, with dishes that push beyond what is already common in Milwaukee. “In fact, we’re planning to introduce quite a few dishes that aren’t being served currently in Milwaukee. We’re excited for that.”
In Their Words “In fact, we’re planning to introduce quite a few dishes that aren’t being served currently in Milwaukee. We’re excited for that.” “But the menu won’t be overwhelmed with spaghetti and meatballs.”
Career - Managing partner and Executive Chef — Bartolotta group (2010–present) - Owner / Executive Chef — Lupi & Iris, Milwaukee, WI - Executive Sous Chef — Lake Park Bistro, Milwaukee, WI (from 2000) - Head Chef — Lake Park Bistro, Milwaukee, WI - Executive Chef — Lake Park Bistro, Milwaukee, WI
Recognition
Adam Siegel’s honors include James Beard Award, Best Chef in the Midwest (2008) and James Beard Award, Best Chef in the Midwest (nomination) (2007).
FAQ What is Adam Siegel's current role? As of 2026, Adam Siegel is Owner/Executive Chef. Where did Adam Siegel work before? Adam Siegel's earlier career included Lake Park Bistro, Lake Park Bistro, and Lake Park Bistro. What recognition has Adam Siegel received? James Beard Award, Best Chef in the Midwest (2008).
