"Sanford, Milwaukee’s OG fine dining restaurant, is exactly the sort of place that gets mobbed on Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day (so avoid both). The white-table-clothed dining room is an exceptional spot to celebrate something special, though, and whether you get the four-course prix-fixe or seven-course “surprise” tasting menu, this food demands your attention. There’s no better example than the foie gras, seared and served with scalded cabbage, sesame crumble, and tamarind blueberry barbecue sauce. While the food is New American, there’s always some whimsy, like The Drive In, a trifecta of chocolate desserts (including a hot fudge toffee nut ball) and coffee ice cream." - Kristine Hansen
