<p><a href=“http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/dining/charlie-trotter-chicago-chef-who-elevated-american-dining-dies-at-54.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0[/url]”>http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/06/dining/charlie-trotter-chicago-chef-who-elevated-american-dining-dies-at-54.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0</a></p>
<p>I’ve never heard of him, but the article said he was living with a brain aneuryism. That’s rough, knowing there is something in your head that could kill you at any time. A local neurologist, a fit and healthy 52 year old woman, collapsed and died of a heat attack a couple of weeks ago. I wonder which is worse - knowing you might die or going without any obvious condition.</p>
<p>This might help</p>
<p><a href=“https://www.charlietrotters.com/restaurant/[/url]”>https://www.charlietrotters.com/restaurant/</a></p>
<p>I’d never heard of him, but I do remember that scene in My Best Friend’s Wedding.</p>
<p>Sad that this happened right after he closed his restaurant in order to take a break, travel, and study some new things. When I worked CCU, I couldn’t help but notice the number of people who came in with fresh heart attacks very soon after retiring.</p>
<p>Charlie was great. A really intelligent guy who was creative from the days when he was a kid. He was early to celebrity chef ness. </p>
<p>Off topic but I mentioned that on the retirement thread recently, nrdsb4, and got shouted down. Retirement holds its own risks. </p>
<p>Sad for his family</p>
<p>He might have been less known than I thought. I guess that his name came up at home because of the various books shelved in our kitichen. 
</p>
<p>[A</a> Conversation with Charlie Trotter | Epicurious.com](<a href=“http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/chefsexperts/celebrity-chefs/charlie-trotter]A”>A Conversation with Charlie Trotter | Epicurious.com | Epicurious.com)</p>
<p>The 1980s saw Chicago transform from a city known for steaks and deep-dish pizza into a fine-dining destination thanks to the unlikeliest of messengers, a native son armed with nothing more than a degree in liberal arts and a pedigree of eating in great restaurants and poring over cookbooks. When he opened Charlie Trotter’s in 1987, the young chef ignited a burgeoning dining scene, introducing tasting menus, wine flights, chef’s tables, and seasonality to the Windy City.</p>
<p>Along the way, he cemented a culinary legacy, training chefs like Grant Achatz, David LeFevre, and David Myers, and building an empire that includes 14 books and several television programs.</p>
<p>Had a great view of the world and how to make your way in it.</p>
<p>[Winter</a> Commencement Address (Dec. 27, 2001)](<a href=“http://www.news.wisc.edu/6937]Winter”>Winter Commencement Address)</p>
<p>From stories in the Tribune, Chef Trotter had the aneurysm for years and had periodic problems. When he closed the restaurant last year, he said he was studying philosphy at University of Chicago. So it seems that he made a conscious choice how to spend his remaining time - very different than retirement being a risk. He also chose to fly to a conference last week knowing that flying was a risk.</p>
<p>He really was a Chicago icon and innovator. I was lucky enough to go to a couple of business dinners at Charlie Trotter’s in the early years and it was great. My favorite memories are more of the diners than the chef.</p>
<p>-Our host pointed to his wine glass and told the sommelier - “See this glass? I never want to see it empty.” And it wasn’t.</p>
<p>-An older gentleman seated next to us sent the cheese cart back three times until he was satisfied with the selection. Chef Trotter himself came out to consult.</p>
<p>He also turned away the heavily perfumed which was a huge blessing!</p>
<p>[Wisconsin</a> Alumni Association <em>-</em>Famed Chicago Chef, UW Alumnus Charlie Trotter Dead at 54](<a href=“http://www.uwalumni.com/home/charlie-trotter-dies.aspx]Wisconsin”>http://www.uwalumni.com/home/charlie-trotter-dies.aspx)</p>
<p>Saw him once or twice on TV. Read a column or two written by him. Engaging guy. RIP.</p>
<p>I’m married to a foodie (H carries a list in his wallet of the 50 best restaurants in the world). So even though I don’t live in the Chicago area, I’ve been to Charlie Trotter’s. We also had a dinner at the Las Vegas incarnation of his restaurant. I had an excellent meal in both venues. Sorry to hear he passed away.</p>
<p>Not that it matters, but no biopsy yet, and I’ve heard natural causes, and I’ve heard heart attack. At 54. </p>
<p>Among his claims to fame where saying no to foi gras. Bourdain took him to task about it, but seems to have a great deal of respect for him as well. </p>
<p>Chicago Tribune
[<a href=“Chicago News - Chicago Tribune - Chicago Tribune”>Chicago News - Chicago Tribune - Chicago Tribune;
<p>BTW, I’m pretty sure most brain aneurysms are asymptomatic, and are incidental findings at biopsy. Sucks to live with the knowledge though.</p>
<p>Bourdain is a suck up to anyone with prominence. </p>
<p>Trotter’s support of the foie gras fascism is a great discredit to his foody legacy.</p>
<p>Nothing can discredit a man who lives by his values.</p>
<p>Charlie didn’t need foie gras.</p>
<p>Shrinkwrap, you’ve said biopsy twice. Do you mean autopsy?</p>
<p>Oops. Yes, I meant autopsy.</p>
<p>Ate at Charlie Trotters several times. Amazing food.</p>
<p>Ironically, the first place I ever had fois gras was at Charlie Trotters (before his boycott). Loved it so much, I still eat it when I have the opportunity.</p>
<p>Very sad that he died so young.</p>
<p>New York Times
<a href=“Charlie Trotter, a Leader Left Behind - The New York Times”>Charlie Trotter, a Leader Left Behind - The New York Times;