Rick Bayless is chef of Frontera Grill and Topolobampo in Chicago, creator of Frontera gourmet foods, cookbook author and host of Mexico - One Plate at a Time.
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The First Annual Eat Out Awards
Time Out Chicago, March 29-April 4, 2007
EXCERPTED FROM The First Annual Eat Out Awards Heather Shouse, Editor  Best new Mexican: Frontera FrescoThe workday masses who line up for lunch at this grab-and-go spot on the seventh floor of Macy’s look a little less polished than the moneyed crowds spilling out of Frontera Grill/Topolobampo. But everyone loves the steaming corn-perfumed tamales and smoky flatbread huaraches, which are on par with the goods at the Mexican mothership on Clark. If you cursed Rick Bayless for his 2003 Burger King commercial, $7 for high-quality regional Mexican is the ultimate reason to forgive. Other nominees: Fonda del Mar, Sol de Mexico, Tepatulco, Xel-Ha Best celebrity chef: Rick Bayless The mastermind behind Frontera Grill/Topolobampo and Frontera Fresco, Bayless is beloved not only for his authentic regional Mexican cuisine, but also for his commitment to sustainable living and his overall accessibility. This is a guy who is happy to chat with anyone who comes into his acclaimed spot, and who opens his doors to local farmers looking to attract customers to their CSA subscription lists. Nice to know being a TV personality doesn’t have to go to your head. Other nominees: Jean Joho (Everest, Brasserie Jo); Shawn McClain (Spring, Green Zebra, Custom House); Rick Tramonto (TRU, Osteria di Tramonto, et al); Charlie Trotter (Charlie Trotter’s, Trotter’s to Go) Read the complete article at timeoutchicago.com > |
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