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Man Behind
The Apron

Tom Van Lente

Owner / Chef
Having been born into the hospitality industry, becoming a lover of good food and being a natural “people person”, I understand that food truly does bring people together. My goal is to bring good food and good people together in a way that honors both. I know that eating and drinking around the dinner table is a wonderful way to honor the past, enjoy the present and anticipate the future!

My years in the food industry have been a wild and wonderful ride, including positions as a cook or chef at award-winning restaurants including Landmark Bar and Grill (BoKa Restaurant Group), Westend Bar and Grill (Four Corners Tavern Group), Big Star (One Off Hospitality), TWO Restaurant and Bar, Drury Lane Theatre, White Oak Tavern & Inn and The Winchester. During that time, I worked with and learned from some amazing chefs and restaurateurs who pushed me to work hard and present guests with amazing food.

I feel honored to have been recognized as a “Rising Star Chef” by The James Beard Foundation as well as one of “30 Chefs in the Country to Watch” by Plate Magazine, 2 time nominee for the Jean Banchet Award, as well as accolades from the Michelin Guide, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Scene, Time Out Chicago, among others.

I LOVE to travel, and the most incredible restaurant experience I ever had in this country was at David Kinch’s Manresa in Los Gatos, CA.

I have been married to my incredible wife Shannon for 8 years. Shannon’s favorite dish I make for her is actually a recipe I learned from my mom when I was about 8 years old. A simple but elegant steamed mussel dish with leeks, wine and crunchy bread.

The one condiment I will never not have on hand is soy sauce because I’m addicted to it. I also use an inappropriate amount of Old Bay in our house. It’s a miracle spice.

I think if you could only own one cookbook it should be The Food Lab by Kenji Alt-Lopez because he makes restaurant food very approachable in your own home and explains why.

If I am not in the kitchen you will most likely find me on my back deck with my kids (Benny, 5 & Everyly, 2), some friends and a frosty beverage.

You Might
Not Know...

MY INSTAGRAM REALITY

I see you, October. And I’m coming for you!! @th I see you, October. And I’m coming for you!! @therealluke @adamsoko @seanb624 @soulcycle @peletonbicycles #trainhard #enjoythejourney
When your amazing friends @collis_hillebrand & @ha When your amazing friends @collis_hillebrand & @hankwh4 are in Louisville and want to learn how to make paella, you have to call in the big 💪🏼. Huge thanks to @chefcorymorris for showing us a thing or two in the wild world of paella!! Even topped it all off with huge dollops of @dukes_mayonnaise to finish the job!! ❤️❤️❤️ #tastyAF #zoomsstillcool #TVLCfortheW
Hey @shanov85 remember when we used to get invited Hey @shanov85 remember when we used to get invited to soft openings all the time when we were young(er) & cool?! Things sure do look a little different these days. Huge thanks to @j.t._pics @ryllt and the whole crew @brickhousetavernchi for a delicious reopening! Good luck Thursday and we’ll be back soon! #twinningjeanjackets #momshellfortheW
First go around with the new sticks. Expecting a l First go around with the new sticks. Expecting a lot from these beautiful @taylormadegolf M6 irons and @ping.golf driver!! Game needs a lot of help, but I’m coming for you @kpdoherty17 @johnfederici @travis.k.real.estate @kevcudd  #thatsnotaslicethisisaslice
👁 spy some super happy clients this weekend! Ch 👁 spy some super happy clients this weekend! Check out this insane @regalisfoods delivery. Pristine 🍄 & wild fennel from the PNW, ultra luxe secreto from 🇪🇸, outstanding wagyu from @a.bar.n.ranch and of course, a handful of fresh black truffles. I know you love throwing parties, call me and we’ll blow some minds 🤯!! #TVLC #wowzers #clientsarehappyAF
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