Chef Gale Gand

We lost my uncle Bill, my dad's younger brother, May 25th at 93. Boy those Gand brother's live a long time. He was always kind, gentle, soft spoken but got my dad to start running at age 60 and got me to start my IRA when I was 32 during a visit just after my mom died. I can't thank you enough for that push. He and his wife Marilyn traveled constantly. I'll miss telling you the balance of that IRA every New Years day and telling you about all my travels.

Went to see Brendan Hunt (Ted Lasso’s Couch Beard) at Steppenwolf Theater (Chicago) in his one man show about his life and how the Beatles are in it “here, there, and everywhere”. Dinner before hand at Trattoria Giani. Grilled Polenta with Mushrooms, beautifully chunky Minestrone Soup, Cod with Tomatoes, Olives, Potatoes, and Spinach, plus Branzino with grilled Eggplant, Red Bell Pepper, Zucchini, and Semi Freddo for dessert. All classics done well. We’ll be back.

I got to do a Pod Cast with Enjoy Illinois, there premier episode. Have a listen to help you enjoy the state.

Enjoy Illinois: Let’s Go Podcast | Enjoy Illinois | Enjoy Illinois Discover the magic of Illinois with the Enjoy Illinois: Let's Go podcast. Host Catie Sheehan explores destinations, food, and personalities across the Land of Lincoln.

Met chef friend Annie Beck at a fun place in Chicago, Café Yaya at 2431 N. Lincoln Ave. Great interesting pastries, but it’s also a restaurant. Unpainted brick inside and an open kitchen. Try the Rice Pudding stuffed Challah topped with pistachios and rose petals, the Cubano Croissant, or the Cardamom Kouign-Amann. All good. Can’t wait to go back!