GET COOKIN’ WITH... Chef Curtis Duffy

Chef Curtis Duffy was born in Columbus, Ohio, where, luckily, he had the strongsupport of his parents and a great start when he snagged a job at an exclusive golf club under the direction of its talented chef, John P. Souza. There, he learned both fundamental and sophisticated culinary skills that would lead him into the future in grand style.

In 1999, Duffy left Ohio to work in Chicago at the legendary Charlie Trotter’s. While there, Duffy also had the opportunity to show off his skills at The French Laundry. The two eateries, which are frequently ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation, are where the young chef truly perfected his craft.

Duffy was honored as “Best Innovative Pastry Chef ” by Food & Wine in 2003 while working at Trio where met a future mentor, the famed Chef Grant Achatz.

The following year, they opened Alinea, where Duffy served as Chef de Cuisine. Alinea quickly gained notoriety when Gourmet dubbed it the “Best Restaurant in America.” It is still regarded as one of the top restaurants in the country.

After a four-year stint at Alinea, Duffy next brought his outstanding skill sets to Avenues at The Peninsula Chicago. Unde his direction, the restaurant was honored with the AAA Five Diamond Award, two stars from the Michelin Guide, five-star ratings (the highest honor) from Chicago Magazine and 4-stars (the highest honor) from the Chicago Tribune. In 2010, Duffy was designated a “Legacy Chef ” to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the James Beard Awards.

Today, Duffy is focused on his recent venture, Ever, which opened in the West Loop, at 1340 W. Fulton, in 2020. The restaurant was brought to life with his business partner Michael Muser and is a hit with foodies and critics alike. Ever offers a culinary experience that focuses on seafood, grains and vegetables prepared through progressive techniques that culminate in a constantly evolving tasting menu.

In 2021, only a year after it opened, Ever was listed at No. 2 in Esquire magazine’s “40 Best New Restaurants.” Recently, it earned two Michelin stars in the 2022 Guide.

In his rare spare time, Duffy also volunteers for nonprofit events that are close to his heart like the annual Grand Chefs Gala, which benefits the Greater Illinois Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and City Meals, a nonprofit that provides food to low-income households, seniors and those living with disabilities in the community. For fun, he and his beautiful wife Jennifer love attending PAWS Chicago events.

Check out Chef Duffy’s recipe for Classic Risotto Milanese at chicagostarmedia.com