Patch Picks: Five Local Chefs to Know

This week, Patch picks five area chefs whose names you should know. Maybe you'll learn a little about the chef behind the food you enjoy, or be inspired to try something new!

1. The Michelin Guide guy. Paul Virant. , 4471 Lawn Avenue, 708-246-2082. Chef Virant specializes in the creative use of local, seasonal ingredients. This Michelin Star chef’s training at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America was honed at Charlie Trotter, Ambria and Everest before landing right here in our backyard. Maybe you saw him on Iron Chef too.
2. Stop here on your way home. Mark Downing. , 821 Burlington Avenue, Western Springs, 708-246-8668. Chef Downing commutes from McHenry to Western Springs every day to create a contemporary American menu with a touch of French influence.
3. You don’t have to go downtown after all. Roger Herring. Redd Herring, 31 S Prospect Ave, Clarendon Hills, 630-908-7295. The owner of Lakeview’s Socca opened his second restaurant, Redd Herring, in Clarendon Hills. The menu focuses on American comfort food with French and Italian influences.  The Chicago native and Culinary Institute graduate has catered for U2, and has had dishes featured on the Food Network.
4. For something a little different. Manmohan Singh. , 8 West Burlington Avenue, La Grange, 708-352-3300. This chef has 40 years of experience preparing Indian, French and Continental cuisine. Key spice blends are made freshly in-house to create a fusion of exotic flavors.
5. It’s all about you. You’re the chef at . 26 South LaGrange Road, La Grange, 708-579-2473. This is a meal preparation kitchen. You can select from a variety of meals you assemble, package and bring home to your refrigerator or freezer. They do all the chopping and prep work for you.