"Rick Bayless's flagship River North restaurant is reservation only and has helped redefine Mexican cuisine in America. Bayless is Chicago’s most famous chef and has meticulously researched Mexican food, reaching out to other chefs. He takes his role as a cultural ambassador seriously, even though his lineage isn’t Mexican. Many come into the restaurant with a chip on their shoulders, wanting to dislike Bayless, and while he’s not perfect, he’s managed to delegate kitchen responsibilities to chef de cuisine Meagan O’Connor and pastry chef Jennifer Enyart (the latter was a Bayless alum and left to open Dos Urban in Logan Square; she and her cake wizardry are back in Downtown Chicago). Even if you have your apprehensions about Bayless, it’s worth a visit if not to have a true understanding of what you supposedly dislike. You’re likely going to leave surprised." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman
