Topolobampo

"The fine-dining member of Rick Bayless’s Frontera family is a perpetual entry on the list of Michelin-starred restaurants. The team builds its menus around different themes — women chefs, pre-Columbian cuisine — and researches recipes in the cookbook library in the kitchen." - Eater Staff

"Chef and owner Rick Bayless’s seemingly endless list of accolades — including a Michelin star — got even longer when the fine-dining sister restaurant to Frontera Grill won the Beards’ top honor for restaurants in 2017. Topolobampo’s tasting menu changes seasonally with an array of creative Mexican concepts." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"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

"Crowned with the “Outstanding Restaurant” title at the 2017 James Beard awards, this fine-dining fixture from Rick Bayless is best known for the upscale Mexican tasting menus that have been offered since 1991. It’s the hub of Bayless’s empire in the neighborhood, which includes the wildly popular Frontera Grill, subterranean drinking spot Bar Sotano, and casual counter-spot XOCO." - Ashok Selvam, Naomi Waxman

"River North: The Julia Child Foundation will hold a 10th Anniversary Celebration of its awards on Tuesday, March 19 at celebrity chef Rick Bayless’ decorated restaurant Topolobampo." - Naomi Waxman