Hans Rockenwagner Joachim Splichal Michael Haimowitz Rick Tramonto Rick Tramonto Portrait: Tramonto uses his unlimited creativity to work with fresh flavors in ingredients from around the world As Best Chef in the Midwest Region, Tramonto was honored by The James Beard Foundation in 2002 Worked with world's greatest chefs including Anton Mosimann, Michel Guerard, Raymond Blanc. Tramoto also works as spokesperson and consultant to many well-known companies and products including The Pork Council's "The Other White Meat" campaign, Prosciutto di Parma for the Italian Consortio, Lexus, Courvoisier Cognacs for Food & Wine magazine, Illy Coffee, and the Chef's Catalogue to name only a few Culinary Training: Tramonto learned the techniques of classic French cuisine in the first class kitchen of the Strathallen Hotel (chef Greg Broman) 1985 Garde-manger chef at Tavern on the Green, New York Line cook at Gotham Bar & Grill (Alfred Portale) 1987 worked at Lettuce Entertain You's restaurants such as Avanzare, The Pump Room, and Scoozi! in Chicago 1990 - 1994 Tramonto lived and worked in England (at the Stapleford Park Hotel in London), France and Spain Reopened The Criterion Brasserie in London 1993 opened Trio (rated four-star by Chicago Tribune) 1995 opened Brasserie T 1999 opened Tru (named Best New Restaurant in 2000) in Chicago Awards: 1985 part of the Gothaam Bar & Grill brigade that was awarded 3 stars by The New York Times 1990 Tramonto received the coveted Michelin Guide's Red "M" award after only a year at Stapleford Park Hotel, London 1994 Tramonto is named one of Food & Wine's Top Ten Best New Chefs in the country 1995 recognized as one of America's Rising Star Chefs by Robert Mondavi 1997 first cookbook American Brasserie was named finalist for the Julia Child Cook Book Award though the International Association of Culinary Professionals 1999 Tramonto's book Butter, Sugar, Flour, Eggs nominated for the 2000 James Beard Award for the Best Cookbook in the Baking and Desserts category 2000 Tru was named best restaurant to Conde Nast Traveler's list of Top 50 Best Restaurants in the World 2002 Tramonto is awarded Best Chef in the Midwest Region by The James Beard Foundation