Stephanie Izard is a name synonymous with culinary excellence, creativity, and perseverance. As the first female winner of Bravo’s Top Chef, Izard has built a reputation for her bold flavors, innovative techniques, and dedication to using only the freshest ingredients. But Izard’s success extends far beyond her television appearances; she is also a successful restaurateur, with a collection of acclaimed restaurants in Chicago and beyond. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Stephanie Izard’s restaurants, exploring the unique characteristics, menus, and philosophies that set each one apart.
A Brief Background on Stephanie Izard
Before diving into Izard’s restaurant empire, it’s essential to understand the woman behind the culinary magic. Born in 1976 in Chicago, Illinois, Izard grew up in a family that valued good food and good company. Her parents, both avid cooks, encouraged her to explore the world of cuisine from a young age. After studying sociology at the University of Michigan, Izard decided to pursue a career in cooking, enrolling in the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Arizona.
Izard’s culinary journey took her to some of the top restaurants in the country, including the renowned Alinea in Chicago. In 2008, she competed in and won the fourth season of Top Chef, catapulting her to national fame. The victory not only earned her a cash prize and a feature in Food & Wine magazine but also provided the momentum she needed to launch her own restaurant ventures.
Girl & the Goat
In 2010, Izard opened her flagship restaurant, Girl & the Goat, in Chicago’s West Loop. The restaurant’s name is a nod to Izard’s astrological sign, Capricorn, which is represented by a goat. Girl & the Goat is a Mediterranean-inspired eatery that showcases Izard’s love of bold flavors and creative combinations.
The menu features a range of small plates, wood-fired dishes, and pastas, all designed to be shared with friends and family. Some standout dishes include the wood-fired lamb ribs, the seafood paella, and the signature “Pig Face” – a slow-roasted pork face served with pickled vegetables and crispy shallots.
Girl & the Goat has received widespread critical acclaim, including a Michelin star and a James Beard Award nomination for Best New Restaurant. The restaurant’s success can be attributed to Izard’s commitment to using only the freshest, locally sourced ingredients and her dedication to creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Awards and Accolades
- Michelin star (2011)
- James Beard Award nomination for Best New Restaurant (2011)
- Food & Wine magazine’s Best New Chefs (2011)
Little Goat
In 2012, Izard opened Little Goat, a more casual, diner-style restaurant located just a block away from Girl & the Goat. Little Goat is designed to be a welcoming, neighborhood eatery, serving up classic American comfort food with a twist.
The menu features a range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and soups. Some standout dishes include the “K-Town Burger” – a Korean-inspired burger topped with kimchi and bulgogi beef – and the “Pork Belly Grilled Cheese” – a decadent sandwich featuring slow-cooked pork belly and melted cheddar cheese.
Little Goat has received rave reviews from critics and diners alike, with many praising the restaurant’s creative take on classic comfort food.
Awards and Accolades
- Eater Chicago’s Best New Restaurant (2012)
- Chicago Tribune’s Best New Restaurant (2012)
Duck Duck Goat
In 2016, Izard opened Duck Duck Goat, a Chinese-inspired restaurant located in Chicago’s Fulton Market district. Duck Duck Goat is a love letter to Izard’s favorite Chinese dishes, with a menu that features a range of small plates, noodle dishes, and entrees.
Some standout dishes include the “X’ian Lamb Noodles” – a spicy, hand-pulled noodle dish featuring lamb, chili oil, and pickled vegetables – and the “Peking Duck” – a classic Chinese dish featuring roasted duck, pancakes, and scallions.
Duck Duck Goat has received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the restaurant’s creative take on traditional Chinese cuisine.
Awards and Accolades
- Eater Chicago’s Best New Restaurant (2016)
- Chicago Tribune’s Best New Restaurant (2016)
Cabrito
In 2020, Izard opened Cabrito, a casual, Mexican-inspired restaurant located in Chicago’s Fulton Market district. Cabrito is a love letter to Izard’s favorite Mexican dishes, with a menu that features a range of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites.
Some standout dishes include the “Carnitas Tacos” – slow-cooked pork tacos featuring pickled onions and salsa – and the “Chiles Rellenos” – roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, battered, and fried.
Cabrito has received rave reviews from critics and diners alike, with many praising the restaurant’s creative take on traditional Mexican cuisine.
Awards and Accolades
- Eater Chicago’s Best New Restaurant (2020)
- Chicago Tribune’s Best New Restaurant (2020)
Conclusion
Stephanie Izard’s restaurant empire is a testament to her culinary creativity, perseverance, and dedication to using only the freshest ingredients. From the Mediterranean-inspired Girl & the Goat to the Chinese-inspired Duck Duck Goat, each of Izard’s restaurants offers a unique dining experience that is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
Whether you’re a foodie, a fan of Top Chef, or simply looking for a new dining adventure, Stephanie Izard’s restaurants are a must-visit destination. With their creative menus, welcoming atmospheres, and commitment to using only the freshest ingredients, Izard’s restaurants are sure to leave you feeling full, happy, and eager to return.
Stephanie Izard’s Restaurants at a Glance
| Restaurant | Location | Cuisine | Awards and Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Girl & the Goat | Chicago, IL | Mediterranean | Michelin star, James Beard Award nomination |
| Little Goat | Chicago, IL | American comfort food | Eater Chicago’s Best New Restaurant, Chicago Tribune’s Best New Restaurant |
| Duck Duck Goat | Chicago, IL | Chinese | Eater Chicago’s Best New Restaurant, Chicago Tribune’s Best New Restaurant |
| Cabrito | Chicago, IL | Mexican | Eater Chicago’s Best New Restaurant, Chicago Tribune’s Best New Restaurant |
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is subject to change as new information becomes available.
Who is Stephanie Izard and what is her culinary background?
Stephanie Izard is a celebrated American chef, restaurateur, and television personality. Born on October 29, 1976, in Chicago, Illinois, Izard developed a passion for cooking at a young age. She attended the University of Michigan and later graduated from the Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Arizona. After completing her culinary education, Izard worked under renowned chefs in various restaurants, including Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Vong in Chicago.
Izard’s culinary career gained momentum when she won season four of the reality TV show Top Chef in 2008. This victory catapulted her to fame, and she went on to open several successful restaurants in Chicago, including Girl & the Goat, Little Goat, and Duck Duck Goat. Her culinary style is known for its creative blend of Mediterranean, Asian, and American flavors, which has earned her widespread critical acclaim.
What is Girl & the Goat, and what inspired Izard to open this restaurant?
Girl & the Goat is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. The restaurant, which opened in 2010, was Izard’s first solo venture and has since become a culinary hotspot in the city. The name “Girl & the Goat” is a playful reference to Izard’s nickname, “Girl,” and her astrological sign, Capricorn, which is represented by a goat.
Izard’s inspiration for Girl & the Goat came from her love of Mediterranean cuisine and her desire to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that would make diners feel like they were experiencing a home-cooked meal. The restaurant’s menu features a range of small plates, wood-fired dishes, and creative cocktails, all of which reflect Izard’s passion for bold flavors and fresh ingredients.
What other restaurants does Stephanie Izard own, and what are their unique features?
In addition to Girl & the Goat, Izard owns several other restaurants in Chicago, including Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat, and Cabrito. Little Goat, which opened in 2012, is a diner-style restaurant that serves creative breakfast and lunch dishes. Duck Duck Goat, which opened in 2016, is a Chinese-American restaurant that offers a range of small plates and noodle dishes.
Cabrito, which opened in 2020, is a casual Mexican restaurant that serves tacos, tortas, and other Mexican-inspired dishes. Each of Izard’s restaurants has its own unique features and menu offerings, but they all share a common thread – a commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
What awards and accolades has Stephanie Izard received for her culinary work?
Stephanie Izard has received numerous awards and accolades for her culinary work, including a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant for Girl & the Goat in 2011. She was also named one of the “10 Best New Chefs in America” by Food & Wine magazine in 2011.
In addition to these awards, Izard has been featured on several food and cooking television shows, including Top Chef, Iron Chef America, and The Best Thing I Ever Ate. She has also been named one of the “Most Innovative Women in Food and Drink” by Fortune magazine and has received a star on the Chicago Culinary Hall of Fame.
What is Stephanie Izard’s approach to cooking and menu development?
Stephanie Izard’s approach to cooking is centered around using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and creative flavor combinations. She is known for her bold and adventurous approach to menu development, which often incorporates unexpected ingredients and flavor pairings.
Izard’s menu development process typically begins with a focus on seasonal ingredients and a desire to create dishes that are both familiar and innovative. She is also known for her emphasis on wood-fired cooking, which adds a unique smoky flavor to many of her dishes. Overall, Izard’s approach to cooking is centered around creating bold, delicious flavors that showcase the best of each ingredient.
How has Stephanie Izard impacted the culinary scene in Chicago?
Stephanie Izard has had a significant impact on the culinary scene in Chicago, helping to establish the city as a major food destination. Her restaurants, particularly Girl & the Goat, have been credited with helping to revitalize the West Loop neighborhood and attract new businesses and residents to the area.
Izard’s influence on the Chicago culinary scene extends beyond her own restaurants, as well. She has been a vocal advocate for the city’s food community and has helped to promote the work of other local chefs and restaurateurs. Her commitment to using locally sourced ingredients has also helped to support the city’s farmers and food producers.
What’s next for Stephanie Izard and her restaurant empire?
Stephanie Izard continues to be a driving force in the culinary world, with several new projects and ventures in the works. In addition to her existing restaurants, Izard is planning to open several new locations, including a second location of Girl & the Goat in Los Angeles.
Izard is also expanding her brand through a range of new products and partnerships, including a line of cookbooks and a partnership with a meal kit delivery service. With her continued focus on creativity, quality, and community, it’s likely that Izard’s restaurant empire will continue to thrive and evolve in the years to come.