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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

Did a small thing last night for some very special Did a small thing last night for some very special friends. So much fun cooking with the best ingredients and great friend @chefcorymorris Wagyu from @a.bar.n.ranch - caviar from @rareteacellar - pristine scallops from @wabashseafoodcompany and the perfect burnt Basque cheesecake from @patricialynnbarrett WHAT A NIGHT!! #smokingsalmon #cacioepeperisotto #allthewines 📸: C-Mo.
Delicious @olivacigar stogie, ice cold @chicagodis Delicious @olivacigar stogie, ice cold @chicagodistilling gin & tonic, heat blasting in my face, sports on the garage tube. It’s not much, but one hell of a Friday happy hour! Go get yours!
Fun fact - I gave up beer for January. Huge shout Fun fact - I gave up beer for January. Huge shout out to @chicagodistilling for these little guys! They are all super tasty. Do yourself a favor and get yourself some. @c3kiolbasa & @chefcorymorris can attest! #hijay! #flippingdelicious #gobears
Huge thanks to @salesforce and @rpannell83 for a f Huge thanks to @salesforce and @rpannell83 for a fantastic Zoom 🍕 party last night!! So much fun! Not sure if they noticed Everly spitting out her dinner in the garbage can or not, but whatever, she’s cute. #TVLC #zoompartiesgalore
Welp, doesn’t look like much, but might be one o Welp, doesn’t look like much, but might be one of the best things I’ve eaten in recent memory...... leftover 👑 🦀 from my old man’s house, @davidchang chili crunch, sesame oil, toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, lime zest and torn cilantro. Not reinventing the wheel here. Just hits you right in the yummies. Didn’t even have to leave the house! #flavortownisthebesttown
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