Handmade pasta & Italian provisions await at Semolina, which opens Oct. 22

Written By Jason Gierl

By Lori Fredrich
Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

As I write this, handmade Italian bucatini and mafaldini are drying inside the kitchen at Semolina, the new retail shop at 2474 S. Kinnickinic Ave. which will welcome its first customers beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 22.

The pastas – made by owner Petra Orlowski using finely milled organic durum wheat flour from Central Milling in Utah and locally grown stone ground flour from Wisconsin's Meadowlark Organics – were extruded with Italian bronze dyes, leaving their exterior purposefully rough so that it catches every drop of tasty pasta sauce.

Jason Gierl

With over 20 years of experience in art direction, branding, advertising design, project management, web development, and team leadership, Jason brings a creative and strategic touch to every project.


As Art Director/Head of Design for Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater Group, he helped promote thousands of national touring acts, playing a key role in shaping the city’s arts and entertainment scene. Most recently, he led design efforts for the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), where he helped develop the branding—and played a part in securing billions in federal grants for venues hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jason continues his work with NIVA to this day.


From designing stunning marquees for historic theaters to crafting brand identities for beloved local businesses and creating eye-catching promo art for national tours, Jason’s work blends creativity with impact.

Jason lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his two small(ish) humans, beautiful wife Heather, and their two dogs Willow (Smith) and (John)Reis. He enjoys a tasty beverage, exceptional food (especially Bavarian Potato salad) and is a music enthusiast.

…and as always, Go Brewers!

https://staticeye.com
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