Veteran Paul Bartolotta and his team put meticulous thought into the most granular of details as a legendary Lake Country property along Nagawicka Lake in Waukesha County enters the latest chapter in its storied history. Milwaukee-area restaurateur The Commodore—A Bartolotta Restaurant opened its doors last year for a limited portion of its full menu of offerings, which includes fine dining, special events, a bar/lounge area, and the soon-to- be-unveiled members-only Club 1902. “We view ourselves as custodians of this iconic property,” Bartolotta said. “We try to live in the moment, but everything has a long horizon.” Bartolotta said 15 different establishments have been a part of the property since the early 1900s before his company acquired the site several years ago to open a namesake restaurant, bar, and event space. The Seven Seas restaurant was the previous long- time occupant, having operated at the site for four decades. In its earliest days, in 1902, the site was home to the Pleasant View Hotel and Resort. The lake then—just as now—was a focal point of the different establishments. Bartolotta said the same degree of care and craftsmanship that went into transforming the building and property went into the menu. “Many of the items we have on our menu go back to a bygone era,” Bartolotta said. “We wanted to put different offerings on the menu that were a nod to family.” A small sampling of some of the “bygone era” dishes Bartolotta speaks of includes the Filet Oscar, which is a prime filet that first was developed in the late 1800s and named in honor of King Oscar of Sweden. Family-inspired dishes include Beverly’s Curried Shrimp and Crab Bisque, which is a recipe Bartolotta’s mother created. Jeanette’s New York Cheesecake, a delectable concoction straight from the recipe files of Bartolotta’s mother-in-law, is a part of the dessert menu.
French 75
Oysters Rockefeller
The full menu includes daily specials, an array of soups and salads, artisanal cheeses, specialties such
68 | Lake & Country | Summer 2025
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