As young married architects from Berkeley, CA, in Chicago for a big furniture fair in the 90's eating at Charlie Trotters was a must. As Ruth said, coming from the land of Chez Panisse, the experience was a revelation! Truly memorable evening - thanks for the chat - so interesting.
Wow, super flashback! I was a chef in Chicago when Charlie was open. I worked for Tony Mantuano at Spaiggia and then on to a new restaurant with him, Tuttaposto! Charlie and his family, whom I assume was you, Dylan, you were just a baby, would come hang out at the restaurant. Usually, on a Sunday, he would always sit at our chef's table. We shared the same farmers and suppliers. My Chef de Cuisine and I, as the Sous chef, went and spent a day in the kitchen with Charlie and picked his brain about how he ran his operation. Always willing to share his knowledge! Truly saddened when I learned about his situation and his death. Kudos to you, Dylan. I wish you the best and much success for the restaurant. I am sure Charlie would be very proud!! I hope to find and watch the documentary soon. Cheers!
Brilliant thanks to you all. Can't ever forget how Charlie cooked for me at Trotters To Go while the restaurant was closed for two weeks. "You came all the way from New Zealand, so I have to cook for you." He said the only other person he'd done that for was Julia! He was a wonderful man.
And lovely to see you again Dylan and I am sorry the leg of lamb I cooked for you was so tough!
Having photographed chefs for 20 years for the NEW YORK TIMES, the photo editors wanted less formal images of chefs....and god forbid a wine glass was in a chef's hand. CLICHE
This brought back wonderful memories. In 1990 as I was setting off on a cross country journey, my sister treated me to dinner at Charlie Trotters. She had been able to book the kitchen table. For the four of us we ordered two vegetarian and two carnivore tasting menus. The chefs encouraged us to get up and watch at each station. I was impressed by how chef Trotter inspected each plate that went out and that the dishwasher had a toque and chef’s uniform; a respected member of the team. My favorite course has always been dessert so I took close notice of the pastry chef and her creations. When time came for us to choose one of the dishes we were told there was something special coming for our party. One of every dessert was brought to the table. Heaven!
How do we learn about what will be going on at Charlie Trotter's??? My home is 2 blocks away! We want to know!
https://www.charlie-trotters.com/
As young married architects from Berkeley, CA, in Chicago for a big furniture fair in the 90's eating at Charlie Trotters was a must. As Ruth said, coming from the land of Chez Panisse, the experience was a revelation! Truly memorable evening - thanks for the chat - so interesting.
Wow, super flashback! I was a chef in Chicago when Charlie was open. I worked for Tony Mantuano at Spaiggia and then on to a new restaurant with him, Tuttaposto! Charlie and his family, whom I assume was you, Dylan, you were just a baby, would come hang out at the restaurant. Usually, on a Sunday, he would always sit at our chef's table. We shared the same farmers and suppliers. My Chef de Cuisine and I, as the Sous chef, went and spent a day in the kitchen with Charlie and picked his brain about how he ran his operation. Always willing to share his knowledge! Truly saddened when I learned about his situation and his death. Kudos to you, Dylan. I wish you the best and much success for the restaurant. I am sure Charlie would be very proud!! I hope to find and watch the documentary soon. Cheers!
Sara
Brilliant thanks to you all. Can't ever forget how Charlie cooked for me at Trotters To Go while the restaurant was closed for two weeks. "You came all the way from New Zealand, so I have to cook for you." He said the only other person he'd done that for was Julia! He was a wonderful man.
And lovely to see you again Dylan and I am sorry the leg of lamb I cooked for you was so tough!
Having photographed chefs for 20 years for the NEW YORK TIMES, the photo editors wanted less formal images of chefs....and god forbid a wine glass was in a chef's hand. CLICHE
I've really enjoyed this. Thank you. Sorry I have to leave early before the end. I'll watch it again later.
Hi Nancy!
Hi everyone
I used to live in Chicago.
Hi there!
This brought back wonderful memories. In 1990 as I was setting off on a cross country journey, my sister treated me to dinner at Charlie Trotters. She had been able to book the kitchen table. For the four of us we ordered two vegetarian and two carnivore tasting menus. The chefs encouraged us to get up and watch at each station. I was impressed by how chef Trotter inspected each plate that went out and that the dishwasher had a toque and chef’s uniform; a respected member of the team. My favorite course has always been dessert so I took close notice of the pastry chef and her creations. When time came for us to choose one of the dishes we were told there was something special coming for our party. One of every dessert was brought to the table. Heaven!
I know Charlie Trotter was an advisor for Holland America Line,but did he work with HAL's Seabourn Line as well?