Erick Williams, chef-owner of Virtue Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois (an Esquire magazine 2019 Best New Restaurant), discusses his transition from real estate to cooking, his early days in the kitchen, and the mission of his restaurant.
Erick Williams is having quite a year. The chef-owner of Chicago's Virtue restaurant (an Esquire magazine 2019 Best New Restaurant) has seen his labor of love receive a welcome equal to the passion he's poured into it
On a recent visit to New York, Erick sat down with Andrew to discuss his Chicago upbringing, his first career in real estate, his commitment to the kitchen after the the financial crash of 2008, and the development and meaning behind Virtue and its menu. It's a far-ranging and very open conversation with a thoughtful chef who approaches his work with great intention.
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***LINKS***
Andrew Talks to Chefs official website
Esquire's Best New Restaurants 2019
Our interview with Mashama Bailey (referenced in this episode)
Our interview with Dave Beran (referenced in this episode)
Our interview with Paul Kahan (referenced in this episode)
Our interview with Kwame Onwuachi (referenced in this episode)
Thanks to Mermaid Inn for hosting this recording session!!