Women Making an Impact on the Chicago Food World
Shauna McKenzie-Lee
As Beyonce once said “Who run the world? Girls” and to say we concur, is an understatement. With Women’s History Month coming to an end, it’s the perfect time to give tribute to some of the amazing women in the Chicago food world. Through their culinary innovation, pioneerdom, and never taking no for an answer, women have helped make Chicago’s food scene what it is today.
Shauna McKenzie-Lee from Starbucks Reserve® Roastery
If you're a coffee lover and haven’t visited the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery, mark your calendar. Even if coffee isn’t your thing, grab one of the signature cocktails or delicious pastries and you won’t want to leave. You can even take a roastery tour and learn about everything that goes into those delicious cups of Joe.
Debbie Sharpe from The Goddess and Grocer
What started out as a single casual sandwich shop and bakery, now has more than ten restaurant and bakery locations throughout Chicagoland and serves as the premier catering company for concerts. Check out the new West Loop location, for a sandwich, a taste of one of their famous cupcakes, or just pick up some staples from local fine food vendors to stock your pantry.
Stephanie Izard
Cynthia Orobio from Polombia
A nutritionist out of Houston, Cynthia Orobio has brought her southern hospitality and Columbian background to Chicago. Serving items such as Golden Fried Yukon Potatoes and Kielbasa Perro, you’ll get a unique and perfect mix of Colombian and Polish food.
Stephanie Izard from Little Goat and many more
If you pay attention to the restaurant/food world at all, you’ve probably heard of Stephanie Izard, chef and owner of five Chicago restaurants including Little Goat. If you need comfort food after this long winter, stop by Little Goat for delicious classics like Chicken Fingers (because you’re never too old) and Biscuits and Gravy.
Amy & Clodagh Lawless
Clodagh & Amy Lawless from The Dearborn
Hospitality is in sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless' blood. With more than 40 years of service experience, the owners of The Dearborn bring classic American tavern items like their Corned Beef Reuben and Chicken and Dumplings to the loop for lunch or dinner.
Sandy Chen from Koi & Le Sud
An immigrant from mainland China, Sandy Chen, owner of Koi and Le Sud, brings elevated dining to both Chicago & Evanston. At Le Sud dive into items such as Mediterranean Duck Confit and at Koi, don’t miss the Chili Salmon Poke Bowl.
Kathryn Alvera from Marchesa
Kathryn Alvera and the team at Marchesa work hard to offer an authentic French dining experience. From the Escargot to the Steak Tartare, their menu will make you wish you were in France.
Sophie Evanoff from Vanille
Sophie and her staff are serving some of the most top notch desserts in the city. The Lincoln Park spot offers items such as Pastries, Macarons and Decorated Sugar Cookies for all your sweet cravings.
Mary Aregoni from Saigon Sisters
In 2009 Mary Aregoni founded Saigon Sisters with her sister following in her mother and grandmother’s entrepreneurial footsteps Stop by their Fulton Market location for items like the Sweet Spicy Fried Chicken Banh Mi and Shrimp and Pork Spring Rolls.
Marisa Paolillo
Marisa Paolillo from Mango Pickle
Marisa, a Chicago native, opened Mango Pickle after experiencing India’s rich and broad culinary traditions while living in Mumbai. Stop by the Edgewater eatery that serves a combination of contemporary and traditional Indian food with an changing menu weekly.
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent
