Restaurant History
Gourmet Delights began as a dream in the heart of Chicago's River North neighborhood. Founded in 2005 by culinary visionary, Eleanor Vance, our restaurant was conceived with the intent to offer a dining experience unlike any other in the city. Eleanor, a Chicago native with a passion for French cuisine and a deep respect for local ingredients, envisioned a place where classic techniques met modern innovation.
The initial years were filled with challenges, but Eleanor's unwavering dedication and commitment to quality quickly gained attention. Word of mouth spread, and soon Gourmet Delights became a destination for those seeking an exceptional culinary journey. From the very beginning, our focus has been on sourcing the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, working closely with local farmers and suppliers to ensure that our menu reflects the best of each season. We initially started with a small, intimate dining room, seating only 40 guests, which allowed us to provide personalized and attentive service to each and every diner.
Over the years, we have expanded our restaurant, adding a private dining room for special events and a cozy bar area where guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails and appetizers. However, our core values have remained the same: a commitment to culinary excellence, impeccable service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We are proud to be a part of Chicago's vibrant culinary scene, and we look forward to continuing to serve our guests for many years to come. In 2012, we underwent a major renovation, updating our kitchen with state-of-the-art equipment and redesigning our dining room to create a more modern and elegant space. Throughout this process, we were careful to maintain the charm and character that made Gourmet Delights so special.
Today, Gourmet Delights is recognized as one of Chicago's premier fine dining establishments, earning numerous awards and accolades. We are grateful for the support of our loyal customers, and we are committed to continuing to exceed their expectations. We strive to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment for all of our guests, and we are dedicated to giving back to the community that has supported us throughout our journey.
Chef Jean-Pierre Dubois
Chef Jean-Pierre Dubois is the heart and soul of Gourmet Delights. Born and raised in Lyon, France, Jean-Pierre developed a love for cooking at a young age, inspired by his grandmother's traditional French recipes. He attended the prestigious Paul Bocuse Institute, where he honed his skills and refined his culinary techniques. After graduating, Jean-Pierre worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants throughout Europe, including L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges and Le Bernardin, gaining invaluable experience and developing his own unique style.
In 2010, Jean-Pierre moved to Chicago and joined Gourmet Delights as Executive Chef. Since then, he has transformed the restaurant's menu, introducing innovative dishes that showcase his creativity and passion for French cuisine. Jean-Pierre is known for his meticulous attention to detail, his commitment to using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, and his ability to create dishes that are both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Jean-Pierre's culinary philosophy is rooted in the belief that food should be an experience – a journey that engages all the senses. He strives to create dishes that are not only delicious but also beautiful and memorable. He draws inspiration from his travels, his heritage, and the vibrant Chicago culinary scene. He continuously seeks out new and exciting ingredients and techniques, pushing the boundaries of French cuisine while remaining true to its traditions.
Under Jean-Pierre's leadership, Gourmet Delights has received numerous accolades, including being named one of Chicago's best restaurants by the Chicago Tribune and receiving a Michelin star in 2018. He is a respected figure in the culinary world, and he is passionate about mentoring young chefs and sharing his knowledge and experience. Chef Jean-Pierre's dedication, talent, and passion are what make Gourmet Delights a truly exceptional dining destination. He is deeply involved in the local culinary community, participating in charity events and culinary festivals throughout the year. His passion for cooking extends beyond the kitchen, as he also enjoys teaching cooking classes and sharing his expertise with aspiring chefs.
Our Mission
At Gourmet Delights, our mission is to provide our guests with an unforgettable dining experience that exceeds their expectations in every way. We are committed to culinary excellence, impeccable service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We strive to create dishes that are both visually stunning and incredibly delicious, using the freshest, highest-quality ingredients sourced from local farmers and suppliers whenever possible.
We believe that food is more than just sustenance – it is a way to connect with others, to celebrate life's special moments, and to create lasting memories. We are passionate about sharing our love of food with our guests, and we are dedicated to providing them with a dining experience that is both enjoyable and memorable.
We are also committed to sustainability and responsible sourcing. We believe in supporting local farmers and suppliers who share our commitment to quality and environmental stewardship. We strive to minimize our environmental impact through responsible waste management practices and energy conservation measures.
Finally, we are committed to giving back to the community that has supported us throughout our journey. We regularly participate in charity events and support local organizations that are working to make a positive impact in Chicago. Our ultimate goal is to create a restaurant that is not only a culinary destination but also a valuable asset to the community. We aim to foster a positive and supportive work environment for our employees, providing them with opportunities for growth and development. We believe that our success is directly tied to the success of our team, and we are committed to investing in their well-being.
Awards and Recognition
- Michelin Star - 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Chicago Tribune - Best Restaurants in Chicago - 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Wine Spectator - Award of Excellence - 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- AAA Four Diamond Award - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- James Beard Foundation - Best Chef: Great Lakes - Nominee - 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024