Diehard fans of the hit reality television series Top Chef (and in Chicago, there are many) will remember Season 9 as the one in which three ‘mean girls’ taunted Beverly Kim, she of diminutive presence but culinary largesse, in what was one of the show’s most controversial seasons. Ultimately, though none of the four went on to win the coveted title, many a savvy PR lady might tell you otherwise…
For some (looking at you, sisters Kardashian), the limelight never stops shining after the season finale, while others slip forgotten beneath the radar. In Kim’s case, a huge fanbase was at the ready when she resurfaced, clamouring to get a foot in the door at her comeback restaurant, Parachute.
Alongside hubby Johnny Clark, Kim plates up Korean classics with an American twist – take the street food classic Tteokbokki (rice cake), but replacing sweet chilli sauce are country ham, pecorino romano, egg sauce and black pepper. Smokey thick-cut kalbi (beef short rib) arrives with honey, shiso and crispy shallot; while cult dish bibimbap is a sizzling bowl topped with decidedly untraditional ingredients from Thunder Bay trout and Swiss chard to barbecued tripe and brussels sprouts. A Top Chef winner she ain’t… but she sure scores for style.
Parachute, 3500 N Elston Ave, Avondale, Chicago. +1 773 654 1460, parachuterestaurant.com
