Oh, Charlie Trotter’s. It is so choice. But recently, diners at Trotter’s were not only sophisticated foodies, but the kids from Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, who were enjoying a signature eight-course meal, compliments of the house.

Meals like these are part of Trotter’s Excellence Program, in existence now for almost 10 years. On most weeknights, small groups from area high schools, or groups like those from Mercy Home, are ushered by special invitation into the restaurant, where they dine on the same tasting menus served to paying patrons. The kids are also treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the restaurant and informal presentations by members of Trotter’s world class staff.

The program is not purely charitable, but a way for Trotter to show kids how excellence is achieved – that the word “impossible” is not in his restaurant’s vocabulary, and the importance of setting a goal and making it happen. And Trotter is willing to back that up, as he has hired former program attendees into his restaurant before.

Aaron Lindgren, a former resident of Mercy Home, began his pastry career under Trotter’s tutelage in 1997, and today is the pastry chef at Restaurant Charlie at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. Lindgren returned to Chicago last August to be one of the featured pastry chefs at Trotter’s $1,500-a-plate 20th anniversary dinner, where Mercy Home was honored as the restaurant’s “Charity of Choice.”

Image via victorchen55