Restaurants & Bars

Vie Chef Paul Virant's Guide To Chicago

For this chef and Hinsdale resident, it's all about local and seasonal cuisine. Take a look at some of his favorite spots around Chicago.

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Born and raised on his family's farm in Missouri, Chef Paul Virant has always placed importance on local and seasonal foods. His flagship restaurant Vie features Midwestern cuisine that incorporates his signature canned and preserved ingredients, while his restaurant Vistro is an approachable take on seasonal food and drinks.

After graduating from The Culinary Institute of America, Virant moved to Chicago to work at some of the nation's most famed restaurants and has resided in the "diverse, tasty and beautiful" city ever since. In addition to his nationally acclaimed establishments, Virant launched Jar Sessions, a line of locally-produced farm-to-fork products, and has also authored "The Preservation Kitchen," the first canning manual and cookbook.

Virant's seasonal cuisine and expert preserving techniques have earned him several James Beard Foundation Award nominations and a collection of other accolades including Best New Chef by Food & Wine magazine.

Since Virant clearly knows a thing or two about the Chicago restaurant scene, we decided to pick his brain and find out all his favorite spots in town. Whether he's brunching at The Publican or exploring the Field Museum, check out this chef's top suggestions around Chicago:

What neighborhood do you live in? Hinsdale

What’s your occupation? Chef, restaurateur and author

Describe Chicago in three words: Diverse, tasty and beautiful

What’s your favorite overall Chicago restaurant? Avec

Best sushi: Sushi House in Westmont

Best Italian food: La Scarola

Best dessert: Mindy's Hot Chocolate

Best pizza: Pequod’s Pizza

Best spot for a quick lunch: Page’s in Hinsdale

Best food truck: The Roaming Hog

Best spot for a romantic date: Spiaggia

Best glass of wine: Standard Market Naperville

Best Sunday brunch: The Publican

Best cup of coffee: Sparrow Coffee in Naperville

Best steak: Swift and Sons

Best craft cocktail: Spilt Milk

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? Thompson Chicago

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: Sweet William in Hinsdale

Best gym or fitness studio: MBC Fitness in Westmont

Best spa: Zazu in Hinsdale

Favorite charity event or organization: Green City Market Chef BBQ

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in Chicago? Field Museum

Best historic or iconic Chicago landmark to see or explore: Water Tower

More city guides from notable Chicagoans:

Image Credit: Regan Baroni

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