Memorials Planned For Beloved Chicago Chef Who Died In 15-Car Pileup On The Eisenhower
By Anthony Todd in Food on Apr 11, 2016 2:03PM
Chef Jean-Claude Poilevey. Photo via Facebook.
Chicago's culinary scene is in mourning this week, as news came out on Saturday night that Chef Jean-Claude Poilevey, owner of Le Bouchon and La Sardine, was killed in a massive pileup on the Eisenhower. Polievey was the only person killed.
The Tribune broke the news, and Phil Vettel wrote about the chef, who came to Chicago in the late 60s and helped to define French food in the city. According to Chef Carrie Nahabedian, of Naha, Poilevey was still working service every night at age 71.
We are heart broken. The world lost an incredible man, chef, and friend. https://t.co/0WTI6fa0eO
— Le Bouchon (@BouchonChicago) April 9, 2016
David Hammond, on OakPark.com, wrote a touching piece about the chef and Hammond's many chances to eat his food.
Many of us probably had our first taste of French food at places like his now closed La Fontaine on Chicago's north side. We first met Poilevey at Le Bouchon in Wicker Park, a type of bistro typical of the French city of Lyon that focuses on hearty food, conviviality, and a gregarious chef who might frequently be seen in the dining room, chatting with guests, full of joie de vivre, enjoying his life and helping his diners enjoy theirs.
Mourners and friends have left spontaneous offerings at his home and restaurants.
Candles, flowers, notes for Jean-Claude. All evening, people have come by, left things or maybe just stood in the rain, silently.
Posted by David Hammond on Sunday, April 10, 2016
Poilevey's restaurants were closed over the weekend, and memorial services are pending. An open-house memorial service is being held at La Sardine, at 111 N. Carpenter St., from noon to 8 p.m. Thursday, according to the Tribune.