It’s not big news that Chicago has an amazing food community. We have been attracting and retaining some of the best culinary talent in the country (maybe world!) for years now, and we don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. That’s why we love to see this talent recognized! We wish we could shower our Chicago chefs with awards and accolades, but instead, we’re proud to let StarChefs Magazine do the honors.
StarChefs has supported the restaurant industry as a resource and platform for restaurant professionals, as well as a backstage pass for food-savvy consumers. Through its Rising Stars Awards and quarterly Rising Stars magazine, StarChefs has also recognized up-and-coming industry professionals in four markets each year since 2003. These up-and-coming chefs and hospitality professionals represent “the vanguard of the contemporary American dining scene” to the publication. This year, those awards will be celebrated in Chicago, introducing the 62nd class of Rising Stars, featuring top chefs, pastry chefs, sommeliers, bartenders, and artisans.
Winners this year were a veritable parade of Chicago’s best kitchens, all being honored in one place. If you don’t know Chef Brian Ahern from Boeufhaus {1012 North Western Avenue, Chicago; 773.661.2116}, for example, you really should get to know him! Blackbird {619 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.715.0708} has been a Chicago staple for two decades, and Chef Ryan Pfeiffer is taking it to new heights. And how could we forget Oriole {661 West Walnut Street, Chicago; 312.877.5339}? Chef Noah Sandoval’s off-the-beaten path culinary adventure is a must-try for serious foodies.
Chef Ryan Pfieffer
Chef de Cuisine Pfieffer says he was humbled and honored when he got the call.
“It was really surreal to get the phone call, especially knowing all of the incredibly talented chefs they interviewed. I feel super humbled to have been honored with this great award, and I owe it all to my staff for their hard work and dedication to my vision for the restaurant. Without them, I would not have been able to achieve anything; they are the real winners.”
StarChefs also honored pastry chefs like Leigh Omilinsky from Nico Osteria {1015 North Rush Street, Chicago; 312.994.7100}, sommeliers including Cherry Circle Room’s {12 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.792.3515} Andrew Algren, and Restaurateur Donna Lee was honored with “Rising Star Concept” for Brown Bag Seafood Co. {various locations}
“It’s really wonderful to be recognized alongside such amazing company in the Chicago culinary community,” Omilinsky (above) said, smiling. “There is some serious talent in this class, and it’s humbling to be honored among them. I think we all get inspired from each other and it makes me excited to see what’s in store for all of us in the years to come.”
StarChefs is excited about the pastry talent as well!
“Chicago has the most vibrant, stacked pastry community in America,” says Antoinette Bruno, StarChefs Editor-in-Chief and CEO. “In other cities, fewer restaurants are investing in pastry talent, but professionals like Mindy Segal, Dana Cree, Meg Galus, Anna Posey, and Greg Mosko have created a space where pastry is as essential.”
Want to mingle with a star chef? You can still get tickets to next week’s event!
Where: Café Brauer at the Lincoln Park Zoo
When: Tuesday, June 12, 2018
5:45pm VIP Reception | 6:30pm Awards Ceremony | 7-9:30pm Tasting Gala
All-inclusive general admission tickets are $115. VIP tickets are $125 and include a private reception with Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte and Sterling Caviar. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Online Editor
The post Celebrate Chicago’s StarChefs at the Rising Stars Awards appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.