L20 chef Laurent Gras
Yesterday was indeed a very French dominated day in the culinary world of New York City. First of all, the 2009 Michelin Guide New York was released and announcements made at a press breakfast at the Astor Center with Eric Ripert and Jean George maintaining their 3 Michelin Stars. Then in the evening, Esquire had a party announcing their 2008 20 Best Restaurants of the Year, Chef of the Year, and Restaurant of the Year.
As noted earlier, French Chef Dominique Crenn of San Francisco was selected as Esquire's 2008 Chef of the Year, while native of France, chef Laurent Gras' L20 Restaurant was awarded Restaurant of the Year.
L20 is a modern seafood restaurant in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. Guests of L20 have the choice of either ordering a la carte in the contemporary lounge area, or enjoying a a 4 course prix-fixe or a tasting menu in the main dining room .
"A native of France, Chef Gras worked his way through a “Who's Who” of Michelin-starred kitchens with Alain Senderens, Jacques Maximin, Guy Savoy and Alain Ducasse before coming to the United States in 1997 to take the helm at New York’s Peacock Alley in The Waldorf-Astoria. In 2001 he took the position of Executive Chef at San Francisco's renowned Fifth Floor, where he was named San Francisco magazine’s Chef of the Year and Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chef in 2002."
Congratulations to Laurent and L20 on their award. Will definitely be making a visit there on my next trip to the windy city.
L20 Restaurant
2300 Lincoln Park West (at Belden Avenue)
Chicago, Illinois
773-868-0002
Dinner Hours:
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday- 6:00PM-10:00PM,
Friday and Saturday- 5:00PM-11:00PM and
Sunday-5:00PM-9:00PM.
