Chicago Restaurants Shine as Michelin Stars Recognized

The 2024 Michelin Guide has awarded stars to several Chicago restaurants, recognizing their exceptional culinary contributions. Among the notable recipients is Feld, helmed by chef Jake Potashnick, who earned a coveted Michelin star just 16 months after opening. The Ukrainian Village restaurant’s innovative approach to a farm-focused menu has caught the attention of Michelin inspectors, a fact that Potashnick finds both thrilling and surprising.

Reflecting on the achievement, Potashnick, a Chicago native with extensive culinary experience in Japan, Sweden, France, and Germany, expressed his pride in earning this recognition without conforming to traditional expectations. “I don’t think we ever cooked with a star in mind,” he stated. “I think there’s a certain formula to get a certain type of recognition in this type of restaurant. And I’m really proud of the fact that I think we got this recognition by breaking that formula.” At Feld, the menu is designed around seasonal ingredients, offering guests a tasting experience that features 30 different flavor combinations rather than a fixed number of plated dishes.

Just a day before the award announcement, Potashnick was busy preparing dishes featuring gilfeather rutabaga, sunchokes, and various squash, along with their first ducks of the season. The Michelin Guide also awarded Feld a Green Star, a designation that highlights restaurants leading the way in sustainable practices.

The Michelin journey for Potashnick has been captured in the Apple TV+ documentary “Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars.” Although the filming began before they were fully operational, it showcased the challenges and triumphs faced by the team during the restaurant’s early days. “They filmed a year too early!” Potashnick remarked, highlighting the chaos of setting up a new restaurant while being followed by cameras.

In another significant acknowledgment, Kasama, a Filipino bakery and restaurant in the East Ukrainian Village, received a promotion to two stars during the Michelin ceremony. Chefs Tim Flores and Genie Kwon initially opened their establishment in July 2020 with the aim of creating a neighborhood eatery. Their unique interpretation of Filipino cuisine, particularly Kwon’s innovative pastries, has garnered widespread acclaim. “We never thought we would open a tasting menu restaurant,” Kwon reflected, acknowledging the unexpected journey their restaurant has taken.

For their part, Ever, a fine-dining restaurant led by chef Curtis Duffy, retained its two-star status and received special recognition for outstanding service. Amy Cordell, the chief operating officer, was honored with a Michelin service award for her exceptional management and hospitality. “It was a very surreal and humbling experience,” she noted after returning from the ceremony in Philadelphia.

The Michelin Guide praised the level of service at Ever, which has even been featured in the popular television series “The Bear.” Cordell emphasized the importance of creating a personalized experience for each guest, ensuring that they feel valued during their time at the restaurant. “We want to get to know every single one of our guests,” she stated, highlighting her commitment to excellence.

In addition to the new stars and accolades, the Michelin Guide also introduced new Bib Gourmand restaurants, including Mirra, Nadu, and Taqueria Chingón. The complete Michelin guide for Chicago, including recommendations and ratings, is available at guide.michelin.com.

These recognitions not only celebrate the culinary talent in Chicago but also highlight the city’s vibrant dining scene, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world. With a mix of tradition and innovation, chefs in Chicago continue to push culinary boundaries, ensuring that the city remains a destination for exceptional dining experiences.