NRA Show Blog

Richard Blais Heats Up the World Culinary Showcase

 
By Caren Anderson, Contributing Blogger

‘Top Chef All Stars’ winner Richard Blais takes the stage at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show’s World Culinary Showcase to demo his SousVide chicken and coleslaw sorbet. Floored! got the chance to chat with Richard behind the scenes about life after ‘Top Chef’, his upcoming concepts and what excites him at the NRA Show!

How has life been since you’ve won ‘Top Chef All Stars’?

Not much different, I’ve been busy over the last few years doing demonstrations and lectures and opening restaurants so the difference is just more the satisfaction of achieving something I’ve wanted to do. I think some people expect a lightning bolt and your restaurant to open next week. Those things have been happening, but not really much different from how it has been.

Spice Up Your Holidays

 
By Derrek J. Hull, Blogger-in-Chief

 The National Restaurant Association's Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show and International Wine, Spirits & Beer Event (IWSB) team recently kicked off the holiday season at The Dining Room at Kendall College.

This extraordinary working classroom provides advanced student chefs the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a professionally run, Zagat-rated fine dining restaurant under the supervision of Kendall's faculty. The outing provided NRA team members with an opportunity to taste the "homework" of chefs-in-training before they become famous.

The Dining Room offers a full bar and wine list, sources local food and is committed to sustainability by composting, recycling and practicing energy conservation. Students also operate their own sustainable garden where produce is grown and harvested for use in the restaurant.

Recreational cooking classes are available, including couples cooking on Dec. 11.

For reservations call 312-752-2EAT (2328) or book your reservation online.

The Dining Room at Kendall College Information
Cuisine: America Contemporary, French and International Fusion
Location: 900 N. North Branch Street, Chicago (complimentary parking available)