2021 STARCHEFS
CHICAGO RISING STARS
September 21 to October 5
We didn’t choose a bear for the cover of the Chicago Rising Stars Magazine just because of the Cubs or the Bears. When we traveled to Chicago this spring, there was a noticeable restless energy–an eagerness from the city’s hospitality professionals to burst out from the coronavirus’ period of hibernation.
The 100-plus chefs, restaurateurs, bartenders, sommeliers, and artisans who we met with couldn’t have been more welcoming to share what they’ve been working on–whether launching new businesses, R&Ding at home, or staying late after service to experiment in a quiet kitchen.
The 2021 class of Chicago Rising Stars reflects the city’s undeniable and dynamic entrepreneurial ethos. As Chef Jason Hammel writes in his poignant “Dear Chicago” letter: “This is a sea of change. A chance to transform, not only the passage but the destination too. It’s a chance to live a life of hope, potential, and restorative care.”
RISING STARS AWARD WINNERS
These 24 professionals are recognized not only for their exception food and drink, but also for their ability to lead, inspire, and support the local Chicago community. For more information on our Rising Stars selection process, please visit www.starchefs.com/risingstars/about.
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CHEF
Ryan Brosseau
Dear Margaret -
CHEF
Damarr Brown
Virtue Restaurant -
CHEF
Luke Feltz
Smyth & The Loyalist -
CHEF
César Murillo
North Pond -
CHEF
Dave Park
Jeong -
CHEF
Bailey Sullivan
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio -
CHEF
Eric “Chops” Wat
Lao Peng You -
GAME CHANGERS
Presented by S.Pellegrino
Tim Flores & Genie Kwon
Kasama -
COMMUNITY
Presented by Kikkoman USA
Won Kim
Kimski -
COMMUNITY
Donavan Mitchem
MONEYGUN -
PASTRY CHEF
Presented by TCHO Chocolate
Natalie Saben
One Off Hospitality -
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PASTRY CHEF
Presented by TCHO Chocolate
Lucas Trahan
Ever -
BAKER
Presented by Butter of Europe
Matt Pontarelli
The Exchange -
BAKER
Presented by Butter of Europe
Sam Zeitlin
Zeitlin’s Delicatessen -
BREWERS
Javier & Jose Lopez
Casa Humilde Cervecería -
TEA PURVEYORS
Taylor Cowan & Jordan Scherer
Spirit Tea -
BARTENDER
Eric Simmons
What If Syndicate -
BARTENDER
Sarah Syman
The Dandy Crown -
SOMMELIER
Presented by Wines from Spain
Alex Augustine
Aba -
SOMMELIER
Presented by Wines from Spain
Kimberlee Beeler
Alla Vita and BOKA -
MENTOR
Presented by Vitamix Commercial
Sarah Grueneberg
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio -
STARCHEFS SUPPORTS
Presented by True Aussie Lamb
Gerardo & Victoria Salamanca
Café Tola
RISING STARS RESTAURANT WEEK
To celebrate the Award winners, StarChefs is excited to host our Rising Stars Restaurant Week from Tuesday, September 21 to Tuesday, October 5. For two weeks only, experience the signature dishes, desserts, pastries, cocktails and beverages that wowed the StarChefs editorial team.
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Aba
Toothpick Aussie Lamb, Lemon-Jalapeño, Yogurt, Cumin, Fish Sauce, Araq paired with Albarín Blanco, Pardevalles, Tierra de León, Spain, 2019
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Avec
Chocolate Baklava, Walnuts, Pecans, Chocolate Mousse, Coffee Frozen Yogurt, Honeycomb Candy
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BOKA
Lone Mountain Wagyu Ribeye, Black Garlic, Maitakes, Sunchokes, Tamarind paired with Garnacha, Bodegas Bernabeleva, "Navaherreros," Madrid, Spain, 2019
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Cafe Tola
Birria Empanada: Barbecue Aussie Goat, Garbanzo Beans, Red Sauce, Onion, Chihuahua Cheese, Cilantro
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Casa Humilde Cervecería at La Josie and Mi Tocaya
Maizal: Mexican-Style Lager
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The Dandy Crown
99% Yes: Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Lemon, Amaro Nonino, Blackcurrant, Elderflower
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Dear Margaret
Steak Frites, Anchovy Butter, Roasted Garlic Aioli
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Etta River North
Fromage Noir: Roku Gin, Cypress Grove Goat Cheese, Spiced Pear, Lemon, Angostura Bitters
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The Exchange
Country Loaf served with European Butter and House Strawberry Honey Jam
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Kasama
Black Truffle Croissant, Délice de Bourgogne Cheese, Honey, Shaved Truffle
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Jeong
Salmon Tartare, Yuzu, Dwenjang, Creme Fraiche, Crispy Rice Pearls
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Kimski
Korean Pierogies, Russet Potato, Cypress Grove Goat Cheese, Tamari Sour Cream, Dill
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Lao Peng You
Niman Ranch Pork and Dill Dumplings, Soy Broth, Dried Shrimp, Zha Cai, Sesame Seeds, Mushrooms, Garlic, Green Onion, Cilantro, Chile Oil
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MONEYGUN
Pepper LaBeija: Tequila Blanco, Jalapeño, Cilantro Cordial, Passionfruit, Lime, Mint
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Monteverde
Egg Yolk Raviolo, Tuscan Kale, Garam Masala, Tropea Onion, Delicata Squash, Pistachios, Pomegranate Molasses
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North Pond
Niman Ranch Pork Belly Lechon, Parmigiano Reggiano, Mint Gel, Roasted Fennel, Frico, Vanilla Pork Jus, Sweet Cicely
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Proxi
Coconut Panna Cotta, Blueberry and Lime Leaf Compote, Dok Jok Cookie
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Spirit Tea Pop-Up at Oriole
Handmade Bai Hao Tea, Rebeca Yu, Yaiwan
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Smyth
Warmed Osetra Caviar, Buckwheat Koji Butter, Green Almonds, Walnut Oil
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Virtue Restaurant
Walleye, Gulf Crawfish and Shrimp Étouffée, Buttered Stone-Ground Grits
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Zeitlin's Delicatessen Pop-Up at Tempesta Market
Pastrami-Spiced Mushroom and Potato Knish
