Forget what you know about Chicago’s cooking cadre or all dining destinations in general– this isn’t your traditional “he said, she said” throw-down. James Beard award winners Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand are starting their very own culinary coup right here in America’s heartland.
Rick Tramonto, executive chef/partner for Tru, Osteria di Tramonto and Tramonto’s Steak & Seafood Restaurants, has a 30-year global restaurant career that has wowed critics and won the hearts of consumers who’ve dined with him over the years. A rich source of kitchen wisdom, this award-winning chef and TV personality worked his way up from fast-food to haute cuisine in true “American dream” style. Rick’s passion for food, unique culinary style and proven track record at home and abroad provided him a solid foundation.
Download Gale’s podcast for a sweet serving of her favorite places.
Chocolate Checkmate - Coco Rouge,
1940 W. Division St.
Upper-crust - Crust,
2056 W. Division St.
Water Vistas - North Avenue Beach,
1600 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Alfresco Musicians - Ravinia,
Highland Park, IL.
Grade A - Paulina Meat Market,
3501 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Rick is an accomplished cookbook author with six titles to his credit, and has appeared on many television shows, including TV Food Network’s Iron Chef, The Oprah Show, Top Chef, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, Simply Ming and many other local Chicago newscasts.
And this cookery king has quite a few jewels in his crown: “Picking a favourite restaurant is like picking a favorite kid – they’re all my favorite and have meant different things to me.” However, die-hard foodies would be remiss without a visit to Tru. As executive chef/partner at Tru next to culinary partner and executive pastry chef, Gale Gand, Rick represents the meat-and-potatoes to Gale’s sweet seasonings.
An Illinois native and executive pastry chef for Tru, Osteria di Tramonto and Tramonto’s Steak & Seafood Restaurants, Gale Gand has unparalled tastes and appreciation for her home state. Her Chicago roots brought the two back to Illinois after their restaurant work in Picadilly. From Lincoln Park’s Green City Market to Millennium Park’s enormous rooftop garden, Chicago provides a plethora of options rich in local flavour, and Gale was eager to immerse Rick in the city’s delectable offerings.
As a famed TV food personality, frequent media guest and active participant in community causes, Gale combines local consciousness with poetic dining creations. She shares her love of baking and outstanding service through her cookbooks - six of them, soon to be seven! Gale has worked with Oprah Winfrey, hosted her own Food Network Show, Sweet Dreams, and can be seen on Iron Chef and The Martha Stewart Show. A committed mother of three, Gale is a master of balancing career and family. She has even found time to create her very own root beer company, Gale’s.
The duo have partnerships with four restaurants in the Chicagoland area where they hope you will eat well and “dine often.”
