TOP CHEF, RICK BAYLESS, HAILS FROM CHICAGO - And Has Just Opened His Third North Side Mexican Restaurant!
ONE OF TV'S TOP CHEFS LIVES AND WORKS HERE - AND THE OPENING OF HIS NEWEST MEXICAN RESTAURANT HERE BECOMES A LOCAL EVENT!
Just by looking at him, you wouldn't know that local restaurateur and chef Rick Bayless has become an international celebrity. But he does have his own Cooking Reality Show, and did win the Top Chef Award for his recipes and creations. So, as far as chefs do go, Bayless has become one of the most recognizable right now.
Last week, Bayless opened his third restaurant in the Chicago North Side Neighborhood of River North. Xoco, at 449 N. Clark Street, just down the street from his other nationally-famous restaurant creations - Topolobampo and Frontera Grill - serves what he calls "Mexican Street Food." But when he was doing much of the cooking at his new place for the Grand Opening, quite a stir was created,
As reported by Kevin Pang in last Wednesday's Chicago Tribune, customers snapped pictures of the famous local chef. They asked for his autograph. Many were in awe as his intense but cool demeanor under pressure, although he later admitted his apparent calm was much of an illusion.
Bayless gained mainstream recognition just a few months ago, as a Featured Chef in the Bravo TV Series "Top Chef Masters." He donated his $100,000 prize money to his own charity, Frontera Farmer Foundation.
Now, as a result of his fame, his three Chicago Restaurants serve an average of 700 customers each night - up from an already-respectable 400 just a few months ago. Last Saturday, there was a four hour wait at Frontera and Topolobampo.
Such is the price of fame - but Bayless's food - still incredible!
We know from personal experience!
DEAN MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
