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Seth Allen's avatar

Well deserved praise for Chef Mendez. Though I know that industry people widely recognize his talent and vision, he never had the PR/Social Media machinery behind him to raise his public profile. Thanks to your words and hopefully those of others he may soon receive his due.

It is troubling though, that Jerry Kleiner is once again featured in such a light hearted way - he is often described as a "visionary" or "colorful" restaurant owner, which is analogous to describing Ted Kaczynsky as a quirky mathematician. As one among dozens of victims of Kleiner's scams (Crain's Chicago Business once listed in a lengthy article the many lawsuits filed against him), it galls me that Kleiner has somehow managed to operate in this city as if he actually earned it.

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Susan's avatar

I missed dining at Vera and look forward to trying Chef Mendez’s venues. Thanks for the introduction.

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