Chef of the Month: Chef Mindy Segal

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Chef Mindy Segal | HOTCHOCOLATE | Chicago

Chef Segal's Biography | Chef Segal's Restaurant

Chef of the Month!

Chef Mindy Segal
HotChocolate

Mindy Segal is a pastry guru, specializing in contemporary American cuisine. Named Chicago magazine's "Best Pastry Chef in Chicago," Segal exhibits a mastery of classic cooking techniques and use of local organic ingredients.

She has dazzled Chicago diners with her inspired interpretations of timeless American desserts for years, earning critical acclaim from the New York Times, the Chicago Sun-Times and Conde Nast Traveler...
Read her full biography

	Lemon and Ricotta Pancakes with Lemon Curd and Warm Blueberry Compote	Pleasant Ridge Reserve Wrapped in Brioche with Hard Salami, Sweet Pepper and Celery Root Slaw and Mustard Vinaigrette
	Olive Oil Poached Tuna Salad on Toasted Garlic Ciabatta with Wisconsin Havarti	Butternut Squash Tatin with Roth Kase Gruyere, Baby Romaine Salad, Creamy Peppercorn Dressing and Lardons
	Twice Baked Lady Apples with Brie, Raisins and Dates	Hook's Wisconsin Blue Cheese Cheesecake with Port Wine Poached Pears, Port Caramel and Candied Walnuts

HOTCHOCOLATE - "See the Yummies"

HOTCHOCOLATE, Chicago
HOTCHOCOLATE is the culmination of 15 years of creativity and culinary passion. Hitting Chicago in 2005, this urban cafe inspired Chicago Magazine to name Chef Mindy Segal the "Best Pastry Chef in Chicago. Expect a dining experience featuring Segal's personal renditions of classic American food. Mindy has dazzled Chicagoans with unique interpretations of timeless desserts for years, but she has simply outdone herself this time.

In addition to cult favorites Segal made famous at the nationally acclaimed mk and mkNorth restaurants� like Cake and Shake and One Banana, Two Banana� HOTCHOCOLATE has a few new tricks to boast. Think: Butternut Squash Souffl�, Ode to the Heirloom Apple and Glorious Pears, not to mention a "Sides and Extras" menu that includes shots of iced milk with a fudge brownie chaser, infused hot chocolates with homemade marshmallows and larger-than-life cookies.

While your instincts may tell you to rush to dessert, slow down and enjoy HOTCHOCOLATE's full lunch and dinner menus, complete with mouth-watering appetizers and a wine list to-die-for.

	1747 North Damen Avenue \| Chicago

Chicago Magazine's "Best Pastry Chef in Chicago"

Chef Mindy Segal's Biography

Mindy Segal is a pastry guru, specializing in contemporary American cuisine. Named Chicago magazines "Best Pastry Chef in Chicago," Segal exhibits a mastery of classic cooking techniques and use of local organic ingredients. She has dazzled Chicago diners with her inspired interpretations of timeless American desserts for several years, receiving critical acclaim from the New York Times, the Chicago Sun-Times and Conde Nast Traveler.

Segal's culinary professional positions placed her in some of the most highly regarded kitchens in the country. After graduating from Kendall College, Segal took her first cooking position as pastry assistant at Chicago's acclaimed Ambria with the talented Pastry Chef Judy Contino. Segal credits Contino as her biggest influence. Segal went on to serve as pastry chef at Metropolis 1800, Gordon and Charlie Trotter's, where she further developed her pastry skills.

Segal also served as pastry chef at March�, where she worked closely with acclaimed chef Michael Kornick. It was a match made in heaven, and Segal later became Kornick's Pastry Chef at mk, his signature restaurant in the gallery area of Chicago. Segal as developed numerous dessert menus for other local Chicago restaurants as well, including Mia Francesca, Harvest on Huron, Thyme and Spago.

After finding so much success working in some of Chicago's finest restaurants, Segal decided it was time to stretch her wings. She opened her own restaurant, HOTCHOCOLATE, on North Damen Avenue in the heart of Chicago's thriving Bucktown neighborhood, in 2005. HOTCHOCOLATE not only offers desserts Segal made famous at mk, but also a full menu of new creations incorporating �modern� ideas with traditional themes.

Segal's pastry career may be legendary, but HOTCHOCOLATE marks a new chapter in her professional life. We applaud her new-found success.