What happens when you meet your gods and they reveal as mortals? In that moment you are given the most extraordinary gift, nothing less than the secret of life. That’s what happened to me when I spent ten hours observing one of Chicago’s most legendary restaurants about three weeks ago.
This is such a great article, Michael. You should be proud. You’ve captured the essence of Roland and Mary Beth, and illustrated their specialness and the specialness of Les Nomades. I’ve got a great Roland Liccioni story that goes back to 2011!
Totally understand your apprehension before meeting the man himself. I remember the nervousness before calling him to ask for a stage, leading to my internship, turning into me staying and working for him for a few years afterwards. Chef only ever wanted to show and teach the young cooks. If you show that willingness to learn, he will teach you anything you wanted. Anything and everything I do in the kitchen now, I learned it from the man himself. Hell he even taught me how to change a tire! Being Vietnamese, we connected and I was so drawn to working for him, learning directly from him when that is so rare nowadays (being able to learn from the master himself; and not some 30-40yo sous chefs). Thank you for writing this amazing piece about chef Roland. The world needs to know about the gem that is Les Nomades and chef Roland himself.
Le Francais was better under Liccioni. My aunt, her best friend and husband brought me on to complete their twice yearly 4 top in the mid 80's. Banchet's food was flamboyant as he was. Liccioni's menu was sharp, to the point, yet still lavish. Carlos' was a less opulent space but just as exacting in menu. There are so few true pre convenience technology craftsmen/women left to marvel with. Thanks so much for this.
Absolutely wonderful Michael Nagrant!! Thank you. So glad you captured and shared the magic of this special evening and a precious moment the spectacular career of Chef Liccioni.
To say damn you're good, would be an understatement!
Happy you put your big boy pants on, a jacket and showed up.
Thanks for writing this masterful piece for us to enjoy. Long live Les Nomades is right. Roland’s story and how he got here is one many should read. Truly fascinating. Cuisinier. True legend.
This is such a great article, Michael. You should be proud. You’ve captured the essence of Roland and Mary Beth, and illustrated their specialness and the specialness of Les Nomades. I’ve got a great Roland Liccioni story that goes back to 2011!
That was awesome! As an aging cook myself, sometimes you need to be reminded of what is really at stake. Thank you.
That was a brilliant piece of writing. I welled up a little at the end. I agree diners need to spend that time in a kitchen like that. Thank you!
Totally understand your apprehension before meeting the man himself. I remember the nervousness before calling him to ask for a stage, leading to my internship, turning into me staying and working for him for a few years afterwards. Chef only ever wanted to show and teach the young cooks. If you show that willingness to learn, he will teach you anything you wanted. Anything and everything I do in the kitchen now, I learned it from the man himself. Hell he even taught me how to change a tire! Being Vietnamese, we connected and I was so drawn to working for him, learning directly from him when that is so rare nowadays (being able to learn from the master himself; and not some 30-40yo sous chefs). Thank you for writing this amazing piece about chef Roland. The world needs to know about the gem that is Les Nomades and chef Roland himself.
Le Francais was better under Liccioni. My aunt, her best friend and husband brought me on to complete their twice yearly 4 top in the mid 80's. Banchet's food was flamboyant as he was. Liccioni's menu was sharp, to the point, yet still lavish. Carlos' was a less opulent space but just as exacting in menu. There are so few true pre convenience technology craftsmen/women left to marvel with. Thanks so much for this.
Absolutely wonderful Michael Nagrant!! Thank you. So glad you captured and shared the magic of this special evening and a precious moment the spectacular career of Chef Liccioni.
To say damn you're good, would be an understatement!
Happy you put your big boy pants on, a jacket and showed up.
Thanks for writing this masterful piece for us to enjoy. Long live Les Nomades is right. Roland’s story and how he got here is one many should read. Truly fascinating. Cuisinier. True legend.
Really vivid and great writing
Probably my favorite thing you've written.
I got engaged there!
I remember watching the handling of a “wine crisis”… someone’s decanting issue I think.
It was like a ballet.
“temple of flair” … priceless. A 4-star read.
PS - I remember Carlos fondly.❤️
This was just a magnificent read! Thank you. I found myself crying at the end too. 😢
Great read! Thank you!
Outstanding!