Milwaukee, WI

Like many long time residents we are mourning the passing on a local icon, Dennis Getto the restaurant critic for nearly 25 years at The Milwaukee Journal. He passed away due to a rare lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis. He was 57 years old.

Over the years me, like millions of other local Milwaukee readers, we looked for that current restaurant review by Dennis Gotto to search out that next big find. You could trust his reviews because of his legendary ways of keeping is identity a secret. Actually yesterday was the first published photo that was ever seen of him. He took great pains to make his reviews honest to blend in with the other diners. There are reports that he often disguised his appearance with facial hair, hats and various wigs. He also kept the identity in question by always paying in cash, giving fake names for reservations and asking anyone who did dine with him to play along which where a select few.

His reviews could make or break a local Milwaukee restaurant, but he did not keep to the local market. Over the years he made trips throughout Wisconsin to bring us the best in a dining experience, no matter what your area and budget is. Some say he even review the local Krispy Kreme when they came to town.

There are many of restaurants in Wisconsin that owe their success to him because of his fair reviews. He did not go out there to make or break a restaurant, instead he acted just like you and me sitting down to eat outside. Granted ones that did get a good review saw a jump, and other failed. There was not a mean side to the failures which was well respected. When my husband and I moved back to the area from California we did look to his reviews for guidance. We ended up finding a awesome, little hole in the wall Indian restaurant who has had our business for almost 10 years.

Thank you Dennis.

He is survived by his wife and son. The services are currently pending.