Holiday Folk Fair International’s Chefs Stage to Feature Traditional Recipes

MILWAUKEE, WI – Traditional ethnic cooking will be showcased on the American Culinary Federation Chefs of Milwaukee Chefs Stage presented by TightSeal Exteriors and Baths at the 81^st  annual Holiday Folk Fair International, America’s premiere multi-cultural festival, which will be held Fri., Nov. 22 – Sun., Nov. 24, 2024, at the Exposition Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wis.

 The cooking demonstration schedule is as follows:

Friday, November 22

• 4:30 p.m.: Dynah Edang, The Finance Foodie Lady, LLC – Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)
• 5:30 p.m.: Joe Parajecki, American Culinary Federation Chefs of Milwaukee Chapter President – Serniczki (Polish Farmers Cheese Pancakes)
• 6:30 p.m.: Angelica Varona – Tabirak (Filipino Dessert Soup/Stew) and Picadillo (Filipino Ground Beef Stew)

Saturday, November 23

• 11 a.m.: Chef Ryan Gill, Potawatomi Hotel & Casino – Ox Tail Soup
• 12 p.m. Thai American Association Representatives – Thai Mini Coconut Pancakes 
• 1 p.m.: Chef Lisa McKay, Lisa Kaye Catering, LLC – BBQ Shrimp
• 2 p.m.: Angelica Varona – Tabirak (Filipino Dessert Soup/Stew) and Picadillo (Filipino Ground Beef Stew)
• 3:30 p.m.: Lisa DeSanctis – Panna Cotta with Peach Compote (Italian)
• 4:30 p.m.: Chef Malina Lee – Champurrado (Mexican Chocolate Beverage)
• 5:30 p.m.: Ellie Koutromanous, Honey Butter Café – Loukoumades (Greek Donuts with Honey and Walnuts)

Sunday, November 24

• 11 a.m.: Chef Maritza Paz, Chef Paz Restaurant – Alfajores (Traditional Peruvian Confection)
• 12 p.m.: Chef Pedro Tejada, La Cocina del Sur – Llapingachos (Ecuadorian Stuffed Potato Patties)
• 1 p.m. Angelica Varona – Tabirak (Filipino Dessert Soup/Stew) and Picadillo (Filipino Ground Beef Stew)
• 2 p.m. Lisa DeSanctis – Panna Cotta with Peach Compote (Italian)
• 3 p.m. Giwon Lee, Korean American Association Milwaukee – Kimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls)

A program of the International Institute of Wisconsin, Holiday Folk Fair International celebrates the cultural heritage of the people living in southeastern Wisconsin. This year’s theme, “Celebrate the Culture of Traditional Art,” will allow Fairgoers to explore how traditional art represents one’s cultural heritage, as it conveys traditions, values, and beliefs. The featured food at the 2024 event will be traditional desserts, which have a historical significance to many cultural groups.

Special attractions in 2024 include invited international performers and artisans, featuring Folk Ensemble Lindyo from Croatia and Rocky Mountain Express from Utah, photographic exhibits, cultural murals produced by Milwaukee Public Schools students, the Artisan Corner, the Dirty Kettle Native American interactive display, the Wisconsin Woodturners, a Children’s Area presented by Leafguard, a bonsai exhibit, a Naturalization Ceremony on Nov. 22, a Youth Chess Tournament on Nov. 23, and an Interdenominational Religious Service on Nov. 24.

The three-day event features the All Nations Theater with traditional music and dance; the World Café offering traditional dishes; the Tanzhauz, where attendees dance and sing along with a variety of musical stylings; the Coffee House, where patrons enjoy a beverage and baked goods while listening to talented musicians; Heritage Lane with unique traditions and customs through interactive exhibits; and the International Bazaar, where cultural artifacts create a unique shopping experience.

Hours are 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 22; 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 23; and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 24.

Advance tickets can be purchased for $13 through Thursday, Nov. 21, at the Folk Fair website (https://folkfair.org/admission/) and from all participating ethnic groups. There are no refunds. Admission at the gate is $16 for ages 8 – 61, with children up to age seven admitted at no charge. Those 62 and over will be admitted for $14, and all military personnel with a military ID card will be admitted free.

For more information on the 2024 Holiday Folk Fair International, visit www.folkfair.org or call 414-225-6225.