Iconic chef Charlie Trotter made an unexpected announcement on New Year's Eve this year: At the end of August, he will shutter his hallowed Chicago restaurant and pursue a graduate degree in philosophy. But first, the chef has some celebrating to do. On August 31, he will serve his final dinner at what reps call "an unforgettable party." And on August 19, the Charlie Trotter's 25th Anniversary Gala drew 90 guests for a dinner that was, hopefully, just as unforgettable—the cost was $2,500 a head.
To prepare the meal, chef Trotter collaborated with guest chefs Nathan Myhrvold, Tetsuya Wakuda, and Sean Brock. Dom Perignon's Richard Geoffroy, Au Bon Climat's Jim Clendenen, and Charlie Trotter alumnus Larry Stone were on hand to pour the wine. So what was on the menu at the top-dollar dining experience? Here's a look at the evening's offerings, which included everything from picked roses to vacuum-infused fruits and vegetables.
