Trying to name just five celebrity chefs in Chicago is like trying to pick the best deep dish pizza locale- it’s just not possible. So in the spirit of friendly debate, let’s agree to potentially disagree as these are my picks for most celebrated Chicago chefs of all time, with strong honorable mention to many others (Jimmy Bannos Jr. and Sr., Marcus Samuelsson, Dirk Flanigan, Ryan Poli, Brian Huston, and many more). Long live Chicago’s rich culinary landscape, I am humbled to be in the presence of such greatness.
