From La Cordon Bleu to Tomahawks: Chef Darlene’s Milwaukee Journey

This week on the Munching Around Milwaukee Podcast, Chef Darlene VanManivong sits down with host Charlie to talk food, family, and her path from Le Cordon Bleu to executive chef at Rare Steakhouse. You can watch the YouTube video here - https://youtu.be/nDDBf_0eDbg 

The episode features the signature dishes from Rare  Steakhouse — braised pork belly salad, a house burger with chimichurri, and a 90‑day aged 32‑oz tomahawk — and highlights her Lao heritage and sauce-driven approach to flavor.

They also discuss Darlene’s pop-up restaurant Thum, her experience working with top chefs, and Rare’s focus on local sourcing, seasonal menus, and happy hour offerings.

“Munching Around Milwaukee” is part of the “Milwaukee Podcast Network”. It is an Interview show with local Milwaukee chefs, restaurateurs, foodies, and food influencers.

We talk about the Milwaukee food scene and what makes it so special. We talk while munching on some of the best food Milwaukee has to offer. Join us each week as we Munch Around Milwaukee.