Savour Chicago with insider tips from top chefs

Renowned chefs Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand, the newest additions to Chicago’s ambassador program, have produced a unique visitor’s guide to the culinary delights of their home city of Chicago – the birthplace of the deep dish pizza, and a destination full of gastronomic diversity. Whatever the taste or appetite, Chicago offers a true adventure in dining.

The exclusive Tramonto and Gand ‘MyChicago’ guides, including downloadable podcasts, can be accessed at gochicago.com/mychicago/culinary and are perfect for planning a trip to the city, or getting around once you’ve arrived in Chicago.

Tramonto says “I am passionate about cooking and love my city, which is why I’m proud to represent all of Chicago’s vast culinary offerings along with Gale to our UK friends.” On his podcast, he recommends visiting the Green City Farmer’s Market on Wednesday or Saturday mornings in Lincoln Park, as well as the Shedd Aquarium. The Gage on Michigan Avenue is in his secret address book; he rates it as having the best bar food in the city. Listeners are also encouraged to head for the elegant L2O restaurant, Shaw’s Crab House or the iconic Joe’s Stone Crab if they are in search of really good seafood.

Top of Gand’s recommendations is Garrett's caramel corn; “You really cannot visit without sampling the butter, cheese and caramel corn offerings – but be prepared for a little wait. No matter which location you visit, there’s usually a line.” Chicago’s 18 miles of lakefront beaches are another one of her must-sees, as is the Coco Rouge Chocolate Shop on Division and watching a Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field.

As the listener delves into Gand’s secret address book, they discover that her favourite place to eat and view the dramatic Chicago skyline is the Everest Room on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange, and Ina's which ranks as Gand’s favourite spot to have breakfast.

Tramonto, executive chef and partner for Tru, Osteria di Tramonto and Tramonto’s Steak & Seafood restaurants, has a 30-year global restaurant career that has wowed critics and won the hearts of consumers. A rich source of kitchen wisdom, this award-winning chef and TV personality worked his way up from fast food to haute cuisine in true “American dream” style. Tramonto has appeared on many TV programs, including Food Network’s ‘Iron Chef’, ‘The Oprah Show’, ‘The Today Show’, ‘Good Morning America’ and many others.

Gand, an Illinois native, works as executive pastry chef and partner for Tru, Osteria di Tramonto and Tramonto’s Steak & Seafood restaurants. Her Chicago roots brought her back to the city after a stint in Piccadilly, London. As a famed TV food personality, frequent media guest and active participant in community causes, Gand combines local consciousness with poetic dining creations.

Gand hosted her own Food Network show, ‘Sweet Dreams’, for eight years, has worked with Oprah Winfrey, and can be seen on ‘Iron Chef’ and ‘The Martha Stewart Show’. She also created her own root beer company, “Gale’s.” As a mother of three, Gand is a master of balancing career and family.

Tramonto and Gand’s MyChicago guide follows previous ambassadors from shopping expert and Chicago Director of Fashion Arts Melissa Gamble and Godfather of House music Frankie Knuckles, both of which are also available at GoChicago.com.