Women to Watch in the Chicago Food World
Found Kitchen & Social House
“I could not be more proud than to be a woman in this most extraordinary industry! Hospitality is the business of raising others up; making people good, seen, respected and valued. The idea that we as women in this industry lift each other up, support and connect with one another has always happened naturally.”
- Amy Morton, Owner & Operator of Found Kitchen & Social House and The Barn Steakhouse in Evanston as well as Stolp Island Social in Aurora
Though the hospitality industry is still a mostly male-dominated field, the amount of women in kitchens and restaurants is growing and making an impact. In Chicago, their number continues to increase, with female led bakeries, cafes and even Michelin-starred restaurants popping up across the city and suburbs. And they’re making Chicago more delicious every day! They also work together to support and promote each other at every turn, from participating in the International Women’s Day “Dine Together & Let’s Talk” event this Monday to continually being patrons at each other establishments. Even in difficult times, they’re making a difference in all our lives and in the meals we eat. Let’s get to know some of the amazing women in our Chicago food family, and find out just what to order from each of them…
Amy Morton from Found Kitchen & Social House, The Barn Steakhouse and Stolp Island Social: Hospitality runs in Amy’s blood. Though her father is restaurateur Arnie Morton of Morton's Steakhouse, Amy took that family legacy and built a name all for herself. Her restaurants bring high end cuisine and amazing customer service to the suburbs with every plate they serve.
Melissa Zeman from BottlesUp! Bottle Shop {3164 North Broadway Street, 773.362.4999}: Whether you’re a wine expert looking for the next up-and-coming favorite bottle, or want to up your wine game and find a sip to impress your pals, Melissa can help you out! She’s beyond a wine expert and she makes it accessible to anyone and everyone.
The Saigon Sisters Team {multiple locations}: The ultimate in family business, sisters Mary Nguyen Aregoni and Theresa Nguyen, along with their mother, Mama Suu, run Saigon Sisters with love and dedication. From Green Papaya Salad to Spicy Beef Noodle, their menu is full of amazing Vietnamese classics!
Sophie Evanoff from Vanille Pâtisserie {2108 North Clark Street, Chicago; 773.868.4574}: It’s all about the macarons at Vanille. Sophie and her staff make amazing desserts of all kinds but the macarons are pure pastry magic. The Pistachio flavor is especially amazing!
Sandra Holl of Floriole Cafe & Bakery {1220 West Webster Avenue, Chicago; 773.883.1313}: Does a Passionfruit Tart sound like a delicious way to start your day or end a meal? You bet it does! And that’s just one of the amazing treats Sandra and her team creates every day with expertise and care.
Yūgen Restaurant
Chef Mari Katsumura from Yūgen {652 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.265.1008}: You can’t go wrong with a single thing from this Michelin-starred tasting menu, and since it changes weekly, you’ll have plenty of chances to try every bit of excellence from Chef Mari.
Debbie Sharpe from The Goddess and Grocer {multiple locations}: Debbie’s Rainbow Cakes and Cupcakes are famous (and Instagram-level gorgeous), but the savory options are just as amazing. Pick up a bagel sandwich and Matzo Ball Soup for a fantastic lunch made by some of Chicago’s best.
Chef Shelley Young from The Chopping Block: If there was ever a time when we all needed some help with creativity in the kitchen, it was certainly in 2020. While we were all stuck at home, the chefs of The Chopping Block were hosting virtual classes, supplying us with delivered kitchen tools and food, creating culinary boot camps and more. And they’re still offering all that (and then some) right now!
Julia Momose from Kumiko {630 West Lake Street, Chicago; 312.285.2912}: You can say “Cheers!” to the amazing women of Chicago food, all while supporting one in the process. Julia and the Kumiko team have amazing cocktail classes and Japanese whisky you can order right to your home. Cheers to that indeed!
Dalila Youkhana from Athena {212 South Halsted Street #1, Chicago; 312.655.0000}: Dalila is continuing on the tradition of Athena’s classic Greek cuisine, but now with a unique twist! Their Aginarato (braised lamb shank) and Mediterranean Seabass are just a few dishes you should make sure to try.
Tigist Reda from Demera {4801 North Broadway, Chicago; 773.334.8787}: The flavors of Ethiopia are rich and unique, and Tigist is spreading that across Chicago! She grew up in Ethiopia, helping the women in her family prepare meals and banquets, now allowing us to dig in to dishes like Ye-Asa Tibs (whole tilapia topped with onions, garlic, tomatoes and seeded jalapeño peppers) right here in the Windy City.
Chef Elizabeth Sweeney from LondonHouse Chicago {85 East Wacker Drive, Chicago; 312.357.1200}: Elizabeth and the LondonHouse culinary team focus on utilizing local, seasonal ingredients to create amazing dishes like Avocado & Goat Cheese Toast as well as a divine Carrot Cake that make our hometown extra delicious - whether you’re staying at the hotel or just visiting for a bite.
As a women-led company, we are especially proud to highlight these women and restaurants now and always.
To learn more about our team, you can read up, follow us on Instagram or email us if you’re also a female-led business in the Chicago hospitality world. We’re always looking to work with more amazing small businesses!
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor