Meet the Culinary Artists Behind the Chef-Driven Restaurant at I.d.

Behind every unforgettable meal is a team of people who pour their creativity, curiosity, and craftsmanship into every detail. At I.d., dining is about enjoying beautifully prepared food while experiencing the personalities, techniques, and stories of the culinary artists who make each visit memorable.

I.d. is a chef-driven restaurant in Lake Country, Wisconsin, where collaboration fuels innovation. From bold seasonal menus and thoughtfully curated wine pairings to handcrafted desserts, every experience reflects the passion of the people behind it.

If you're discovering I.d. for the first time, you'll quickly see that no two visits are exactly alike. That's intentional. The menu evolves with the seasons, the shared plate concept encourages palate exploration, and every member of the culinary team contributes their own perspective to this fine dining in Delafield, Wisconsin.

Meet the Team Behind Every Plate

Chef de Cuisine Ben Kufalk returned to Wisconsin after building an impressive culinary career in Chicago. A graduate of Kendall College, Ben refined his craft at acclaimed restaurants including the two Michelin-starred Acadia, North Pond under Chef Bruce Sherman, and The Loyalist, home to one of Chicago's most celebrated burgers.

Today, Ben brings those experiences back to Lake Country dining through menus that celebrate bold flavors, seasonal cooking, and exceptional Midwestern ingredients. His philosophy is simple: great food begins with great products, prepared with purpose.

That thoughtful approach shapes every menu at I.d., creating a dining experience that feels elevated while remaining approachable.

Wine That Tells Its Own Story

Exceptional food deserves exceptional wine.

General Manager and Sommelier Luke Bartsch has spent years shaping guest experience at I.d., especially as it relates to wine pairings. He's discovered a passion for wine that has grown into professional study through the Court of Master Sommeliers, where he earned his Level 1 certification.

Luke believes the right pairing can transform a dish. Thanks to I.d.'s shared-plate concept, he enjoys introducing guests to several wines throughout dinner rather than limiting them to a single pairing.

It's a style of service that encourages conversation, discovery, and a deeper appreciation for every course. What's more, I.d. was recently given the title of "Award of Excellence 2026" by Wine Spectator.

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Driven by Creativity

Sous Chef Brandon Ward discovered his love of cooking by watching his mother and grandmother in the kitchen. Those early memories inspired him to pursue a culinary path and ultimately join the team at I.d.

Outside the kitchen, music continues to influence Brandon's creativity. He approaches cooking much like composing a song, balancing flavors, textures, and rhythm to create something memorable.

His favorite part of the profession is seeing food bring people together. It's a philosophy that fits perfectly with I.d.'s shared plate concept, where every meal is designed to spark conversation and connection.

Hospitality Beyond the Dining Room

The culinary experience at I.d. extends well beyond the restaurant itself.

Banquet Chef Howard Schleef leads the culinary program behind weddings, corporate and social celebrations hosted at The Delafield Hotel. A Wisconsin native and graduate of an esteemed culinary management program, Howard built his experience at respected Lake Country dining destinations.

His work often happens behind the scenes, but every plated dinner and special event reflects the same attention to detail, and hospitality guests' experience inside I.d.

The Sweet Finish

Every memorable meal deserves a memorable ending, and Pastry Chef Rebekah Radewahn ensures the final course is just as inspired as the first.

As the pastry chef for both I.d. and the Delafield Hotel, Rebekah is the creative force behind the sweets at rotating seasonal desserts to elegant wedding cakes. Her dessert menu changes regularly, reflecting the same commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and seasonality found throughout the rest of the kitchen. 

Her passion for pastry began at a young age after discovering Chocolat by acclaimed pastry chef Alice Medrich, a book that introduced her to the artistry of French pastry. At just 18 years old, Rebekah won a nationwide cake recipe contest before graduating from a Baking and Pastry program at a local technical institution.

She continued honing her craft at several of Milwaukee's most respected fine dining restaurants, including Andrews and Bartolotta's Bacchus, where precision and artistry became second nature.

Today, that experience is reflected in every dessert she creates. From beautifully plated seasonal finales to custom wedding cakes that become the centerpiece of life's biggest celebrations, Rebekah's work embodies I.d.'s belief that every detail matters. Her desserts don't simply end the meal. They leave you with one more reason to return.

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  Burger at I.d. in Delafield, WI

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A Reflection of Lake Country's Culinary Scene

Lake Country has become one of Wisconsin's most exciting dining destinations, with chefs that tell authentic stories through their food and embrace seasonal ingredients.

"We're seeing smaller menus that change more often, built around what's fresh, what's local, and what feels right for the season."  -  James Beard Foundation

I.d. combines globally inspired techniques with Midwest hospitality, creating an experience that is both refined and refreshingly approachable. As visitors continue discovering Lake Country, Wisconsin and all it has to offer from a culinary perspective, there's never been a better time to experience the area's most distinctive restaurants.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who are the chefs behind I.d. in Delafield, Wisconsin?

The culinary team includes Chef de Cuisine Ben Kufalk, Sous Chef Brandon Ward, Banquet Chef Howard Schleef, Pastry Chef Rebekah, and General Manager & Sommelier Luke Bartsch. Together, they create a collaborative dining experience rooted in creativity, seasonality, and exceptional hospitality.

Does I.d. offer wine pairings?

Yes, I.d. offers wine pairings with its shared-plate concept menu. General Manager and Sommelier Luke Bartsch specializes in helping patrons discover wines that complement multiple shared plates throughout their meal, creating a personalized dining experience

What makes I.d. a chef-driven restaurant?

The I.d. menu is shaped by chefs who bring diverse culinary backgrounds, seasonal inspiration, and thoughtful techniques together to create an evolving shared plate experience.