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Chef Dane Baldwin epitomizes a hands-on approach to culinary artistry. By 10 a.m., he is fully engaged in the bustling kitchen of The Diplomat, his highly acclaimed restaurant in Milwaukee. Here, he mixes dough, deconstructs poultry for the restaurant’s signature knife-and-fork chicken, and rigorously prepares for the dinner service. His efforts extend beyond the food; Baldwin is also committed to nurturing the talents of his staff, providing one of the nation’s premier environments for aspiring chefs.
Since opening its doors in 2017, The Diplomat has carved out a significant reputation within the Midwest dining landscape. Baldwin’s culinary excellence was further recognized with the title of Best Chef: Midwest at the 2022 James Beard Awards. Signature dishes like tempura soft shell crab presented on a bed of bok choy salad have captivated diners and garnered critical acclaim. This recognition has not only solidified The Diplomat’s standing but has also piqued the interest of new chefs seeking guidance from Baldwin’s innovative culinary techniques.
Chef Ben Martin, who joined The Diplomat at 18, illustrates Baldwin’s commitment to mentoring. Originally starting at the salad station, he has progressed to master the intricate process of preparing the restaurant’s large knife-and-fork chicken. This dish begins with birds that are meticulously brined using a mixture that includes tea, citrus, buttermilk, and herbs. After being flattened and seared until golden, the chicken is complemented with sunchokes, Swiss chard, and Yukon gold potatoes. “Ben has evolved into the best grill cook we’ve ever had, seamlessly taking on one of our most sophisticated stations,” Baldwin notes. “He truly deserves every accomplishment he has achieved.”
For Baldwin, effective mentorship relies on mutual desire for growth. “The most rewarding aspect of coaching is working with individuals eager to learn,” he explains. “Having someone like Ben, who actively sought an opportunity here, has resulted in remarkable personal and professional development.”
At The Diplomat, Anna Baldwin, co-owner and Dane’s wife, has embraced the challenge of acquiring new skills. Although she lacks formal training as a pastry chef, she creates the restaurant’s delightful lemon posset dessert, which is paired with rhubarb compote and crumbled shortbread cookies. “Running a restaurant alongside my husband means you end up learning to handle multiple roles,” Anna remarks.
To delve deeper into the culinary creations and the vital role of mentorship in their kitchen, catch the latest episode of Mise en Place, where Baldwin and his team showcase their skills from start to finish.
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www.eater.com