Yes we know he is an important chef. But given the announcement that Charlie Trotter is closing his restaurant in August of this year, we thought it would be fitting to pay tribute to what we believe is his most important accomplishment. Back in the 1980’s, at a time when fine dining in the Midwest was dominated by classic French restaurants, Charlie Trotter brought his personal brand of contemporary New American cuisine to Chicago, establishing the city as an important destination for the fine dining community in the process. More than two decades later, the mark he set was so indelible that today, Chicago remains a mecca for fine dining. What better way to acknowledge this wonderful contribution to the world of cuisine than to visit the restaurant before they close.