Fabulous People: Amanda Langler

A member of The Bartolotta Restaurants family for more than 13 years, Amanda Langler was recently named the new executive chef of Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro. Since 1995, Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro has served as Milwaukee’s premier dining and special event destination. Learn about Chef Amanda Langler…

Follow at: @chefamandalangler

Hometown: New Berlin, WI

First job: My very first job was at a Time Square Watch Kiosk in Southridge Mall; my first culinary job was at Walt Disney World at Chef Mickey’s Contemporary Resort.

Favorite ways to spend your free time in WI: I love exploring new playgrounds with my two kids, going to nature hikes, hunting for sea glass on Lake Michigan beaches.

Your biggest accomplishment and why: Professionally, my biggest accomplishment to date has been being recently named executive chef of Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro. It was years of working hard and honing my skills as both a chef and leader that culminated in the position. Personally, my biggest accomplishments are my two amazing children and husband. Without them, all the success in my career wouldn’t be possible. They motivate me to be a role model and do my best.

The biggest obstacle you overcame: Navigating through the pandemic as a chef and restaurant professional. It was a scary time for many reasons, and I am thankful for my incredible teams at The Bartolotta Restaurants for coming together.

Someone who inspires you and why: My daughter because she forces me to slow down and view life from a different perspective.

Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Be open to critique. It’s OK to not know everything, and that is how we learn. Ask questions about things you don’t know and find leaders that will answer them. Don’t be afraid to apply for the position you don’t think you’ll get; you never know who’s willing to give you a chance with the right attitude.

Favorite quote: “Guests don’t come to us to make culinary discoveries, they come to meet old culinary friends.” –Andre Allard. I found this quote right around the time I was transitioning from Mr. B’s – A Bartolotta Steakhouse – Brookfield to Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro and it resonated both with how I needed to approach the food at Bartolotta’s Lake Park Bistro but also, my journey in returning to French cuisine and the comfort French food brings to me.

Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I love all things Disney and Disneyworld. My family and I go regularly to visit, and it’s just such a magical place and time together.

What makes someone fabulous: Attitude and how they treat people.