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| Last year's 30 under 30 |
We are currently seeking nominations for this year’s 30 Under 30 list. While last year’s honorees are still heating up Chicago's scene, we need a fresh batch of culinary greats. The best part, aside from the fame and glory associated with rocking the 30 Under 30 title, is the swanky party.
Help us scout out twentysomethings making the best food and drinks in Chicago. Leave his or her name and place of employment in the comment section below. We will have the final list soon, so stay tuned.

Jonathan Schneider, manager at Hamachi Sushi Bar
ReplyDeleteKara Lichtenstein (@hungryinchicago): previous private dining manager at Girl & the Goat, current social media marketing & digital communications manager for Element Collective
ReplyDeleteSieger Bayer, sous chef at Nellcote!
ReplyDeleteCaesar Gonzalez-Owner, Pl-zen
ReplyDeleteTyler Mendoza-Bar Manager @ Untitled 111 and Co-Founder/CEO of Arc Mobile (arcmobileapp.com)
ReplyDelete-Mike Gavin(mg@bcmerchants.com)
Third on Tyler Mendoza @ Untitled 111, I've used the Arc App a couple of times, its going to make life so much easier!
DeleteUsed the Arc App too at @Untitled we were a group of 10 and splitting the bill was no hazzle! have him under the radar!
DeleteCaesar Gonzalez: Co-Owner Pl-zen
ReplyDeletewww.facebook.com/plzenchi
-Mike Gavin (mg@bcmerchants.com)
Second Tyler Mendoza at Untitled 111
ReplyDeleteAnd add Thomas Mooneyham of The Gage/Henri.
Agree with Thomas Mooneyham at the Gage and Tyler Mendoza at Untitled!!
DeleteChris Jecha-Assistant GM/Beverage Director at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap
ReplyDeleteAgree with Thomas Mooneyham at The Gage!!!
ReplyDeleteAlex Barandi at Gilt Bar. He started as a bartender and has climbed the ranks to GM. Also, Thomas Mooneyham from The Gage definitely deserves a nod. Since starting at The Gage as beverage director, the bar has made a major turn for the better.
ReplyDeleteAaron Thebault, sous chef at Girl & the Goat. Originally came on as a line cook from sister restaurant Landmark, he has continued to climb the Goat ranks and improve his culinary repertoire.
ReplyDeleteKara Lichtenstein, currently the social media director for Element Collective (Old Town Social, Nellcote, RM Champagne Salon). Previously, she was the Event Coordinator at Girl & the Goat for two years. She's also very active on the dining scene via her Instagram and Twitter accounts @hungryinchicago- with more than 3,500 followers.
Aaron Thebault - Girl And The Goat
ReplyDeleteAgree with the nomination for Aaron Thebault!
Deleteagree Aaron Thebault
DeleteAaron Thebault of Girl and the Goat. Yes, please!
ReplyDeleteNot only is he making lots of darn tasty goods, he's making it look easy.
In case you haven't heard: Aaron Thebault - sous chef at Girl and the Goat. :) Why? He leads by example, and that is what inspires the front and back of house alike. He's quiet with focus and initiative while being outspoken with his unwaverying hard work, knowledge, and passion.
ReplyDeleteunwavering! :)
Deletecouldn't agree more!
DeleteConsider my vote cast for Matt Eversman of OON — when that restaurant opens, he's going to be unstoppable.
ReplyDeleteOh. And on the beverage side of things, how about Mark Wrobel, wine director at Baume & Brix? His list is incredible.
ReplyDeleteUm, just kidding, he's not under 30. But you should all lavish praise on him anyway.
DeleteCody Modeer, former bartender of the best now-closed bar in the city, In Fine Spirits -- and more importantly, Ward Eight -- the Evanston bar he co-owns with his ladyfriend, Anne Carlson. Guy just turned 26 and he's, for lack of better words, frickin' AMAZING.
ReplyDeleteChef Matt Everman of OON Chicago - His photo was on the Front Page next to President Obama's photo on the Chicago Sun-Times last November! In the same edition, he had a full page column about the challenges of being a chef and he's only 28!
ReplyDeleteHe's definitely a chef to watch out for Matt is amazing
DeleteAaron Thebault! Girl and the Goat!
ReplyDeleteKassie Rath, butcher at Publican Quality Meats. She cuts up animals and still finds the time to be a sassy lady.
ReplyDeleteChef Matt Eversman opening OON and Chef Joe Abdul of #hashtag supperclub
ReplyDeletePl-zen owner Cesar Augusto Villegas. Great guy for this!
ReplyDeleteAaron Thebault - Girl And The Goat = ahhhmazing.
ReplyDeleteAaron Thebault at Girl And The Goat
ReplyDeleteAaron Thebault at Girl & the Goat is a complete ROCK STAR!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer Eisen, Stephanie Izard's executive director works magic and is the most impressive, together, badass person you'll ever meet. How she does what she does balancing and managing everything so well is beyond amazing.
ReplyDeleteSecond this!
DeleteAB-SO-FREAK-IN-LUTELY!!! On top of her organizational skills, she's always dressed to kill. Meow.
DeleteOMG HOW HAS SHE NOT BEEN ON THIS LIST ALREADY??
DeleteOh and P.S. While managing everything in the Izard world, she also had time to open up her own restaurant with her boyfriend AND keep her successful boutique catering business thriving.
DeleteRESTAURANT:
http://elmexicanrestaurant.com/
CATERING:
http://www.therootscatering.com/
Aaron Thebault - Sous chef at Girl and the Goat. He's the guy holding everything together at the Goat when Stephanie Izard can't be there. His insane work ethic, impressive skill in the kitchen, and amazing attention to detail makes him an obvious choice for "30 under 30".
ReplyDeleteIf you havent had the opportunity work with Aaron Thebault.. or watch him work..make your move because you are missing out! Sure he's a maniac multi-tasker, the quality of his work is always the best, and can run one of the busiest lines in the city by himsel; but they say attitude is everything and whether hebelieves it or not- this could be Aaron's mantra. Theres no task too hard, no list too long, and did you say your station's going down?? No worries babe, Aaron's got your back- he'll run it any day with a smile (a focused one) on his face. Aaron Thebault makes you want to do your best job everyday...because he knows you can do better, (but he still loves you). So kudos to all you under 30's, you're killin it..but Aaron Thebault's got this one.
ReplyDeleteTyler Mendoza - not only is he an up and comer in the Restaurant Bar scene, his Arc app is genius for the service industry and makes it easy to pay your bill from a smartphone!
ReplyDeleteTyler Mendoza for sure.
DeleteTyler Mendoza has a vision for the future of the service industry!! Bar expert and App creator for the future.
ReplyDeleteJay Chavda - Owner/Manger of HopScotch Craft Beer and Whisky Bar (http://www.hopscotch-bar.com/about/). Great concept, offers 24 rotating draft taps, and over 120 different varieties of scotch and whiskey
ReplyDeleteHopscotch is a top notch location and it is great to see a young businessman try something new in the restaurant/bar industry!
DeleteI agree. It takes courage to put all of your money into a risky venture like that. Getting it off the ground in such short time, and keeping in mind the lofty goals for the future, Jay really has the drive to succeed.
DeleteThomas Mooneyham at The Gage/Henri. The ever-evolving drinks menu is one of the best out there, hats off to him!
ReplyDeleteAs many have said before, Aaron Thebault, Sous chef at Girl and the Goat
ReplyDeleteI will have to nominate Aaron Thebault as well. Not only because I am sitting on his couch at the moment, but because I've know this guy for over 10 years now. He's always had a great work ethic, and continues to put in insane hours to get to where he wants to be. He's a great leader and can take control of any kitchen you throw him in. Get him on the list!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother nomination for Tyler Mendoza, Bar Manager of Untitled and CEO of Arc Mobile.
ReplyDeleteAaron Thebault!!!
ReplyDeleteJennifer Eisen, Executive Assistant for Stephanie Izard. Also co-owner of El Mexican Restaurant in Northbrook and The Roots Catering.
ReplyDeleteShe must live in another universe where time is different for her and there is MUCH MORE of it. It's the only explanation as to how she manages to get all this done.
Most hardworking, accomplished Under 30 I've ever met! Anyone who works with her would agree.
Chef Matt Eversman, opening his restaurant OON soon
ReplyDeleteAnalisa Terenzio--Marketing Manager at Protein Bar. She has turned a small, promising idea of a brand into a fill-frontal relationship building machine. Analisa is a one-woman beast who singlehandled gives Protein Bar a voice, a vibe, and some kick-ass energy.
ReplyDelete