Chef Jason Gorman reimagines dining experience at Ambassador Hotel

Milwaukee’s historic hotel reveals new culinary concepts for its food and beverage operations and what inspired the change.

Ambassador Hotel announced recently its reimagined food and beverage entities. Currently branded as “Envoy” and “Caffé Deco,” each space will be renovated with a newly distinct look, feel and culinary concept while remaining unified in taking inspiration from the art deco-era décor of the hotel.

The hotel’s new restaurant will be The Fitz, featuring a menu of bold, creative flavors, crafted by the culinary expertise of Chef Jason Gorman, a recent addition to the hotel. The Fitz’s name is a nod to F. Scott Fitzgerald and his energy and creative storytelling throughout the roaring twenties, the decade during which The Ambassador Hotel was founded. The Fitz will offer breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, each of which will celebrate the rich history of the hotel with Gorman’s contemporary take on the classics.

Across the foyer from The Fitz, the Ambassador’s new bar, Gin Rickey, will feature prohibition-inspired cocktails, a separate culinary menu featuring lunch, dinner and late night dining and an extensive craft beer selection. The Gin Rickey – a drink made from gin or bourbon, half of a lime, and carbonated water, was notably F. Scott Fitzgerald’s favorite cocktail. It is the only drink mentioned by name in Fitzgerald’s critically acclaimed novel, The Great Gatsby. It was also one of the featured cocktails on the Ambassador Hotel’s original menu.

The Ambassador Hotel’s coffee shop will retain the name Deco; however, it will introduce a new pastry menu featuring homemade creations by the hotel’s new pastry chef, Jennifer Gorman. It will also feature small plate breakfast and casual lunch fare menus. Deco will launch “Deco After Dark” on select nights this summer, featuring wine by the glass, an eclectic appetizer pairing menu and live music.

“The Fitz evokes the emotion of nostalgia and class and is the inspiration for our new culinary vision,” said Chef Jason. “Gin Rickey is the perfect dining complement to the Fitz; what better way to begin your experience than with great conversation and a classic libation.”

The look and feel of the reimagined spaces will be the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. To accommodate hotel guests and loyal patrons, construction will be completed in phases over the next six weeks. The Envoy restaurant will close after the conclusion of brunch on Sunday, May 28. Envoy Lounge will close after concluding operations on Saturday, June 10. Full food and beverage service will be available in Deco throughout the renovation process, and all entities will be reopened to the public in time for Summerfest.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about this next chapter for the Ambassador Hotel,” said Rick Wiegand, owner. “Envoy will always have a special place in the hotel’s history and our hearts, but when we brought on our dynamic new chef, we knew we really wanted to take the opportunity to elevate the Ambassador’s culinary offerings within the community.”