Remembering Charlie Trotter

Curtis Duffy, Grace

“To be that dedicated and bring Chicago to the culinary scene forefront was truly remarkable. The talent that came out of that kitchen was unbelievable.”  (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)

Graham Elliot, “MasterChef”

“Charlie was an extreme father figure to me when it came to not just cooking, but life, and seeing things in a different way,” said Elliot, who worked two stints at Trotter’s. “I just can’t put into words how saddened I am by all of this. It’s a huge loss, not just personally, but for the culinary world.”  (Joe Corrigan/Getty Images)

Mayor Rahm Emanuel

In a statement, the Chicago mayor said Trotter “changed Chicago’s restaurant scene forever and played a leading role in elevating the city to the culinary capital it is today. ... He will always have a seat at the table among Chicago’s legendary figures.”

Tony Mantuano, Spiaggia

“I’m in shock. I’m heartbroken.”

“Charlie was one of a kind. He did what no one did before him. He changed Chicago dining. Any young person who wants to be a chef should know the story of Charlie Trotter.”   (Alex Garcia / Chicago Tribune)

Matthias Merges, Yusho, A10

“What he’s accomplished has been the game changer for the landscape of American cuisine, and we can never discount that no matter what happens.”  (Alex Garcia/Chicago Tribune)

Sari Zernich Worsham worked alongside Trotter for 13 years in his kitchen and on his books.

“Charlie always called me his little sister, and I feel like I just lost my big brother,” said Worsham, now executive director of chef Art Smith’s company. “He’s welded and sculpted so many people’s lives and sent them on the path to success. I can’t thank him enough.”  (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)