Step Up’s Chef Chat, posted each week leading up to Shine & Dine, features discussions with Chicago’s top chefs who will be offering exclusive tastings at the August 7 culinary event benefiting Step Up’s programs that ignite girls to fulfill their potential. Today’s edition highlights Eric Mansavage from Farmhouse and Tim Davidson from Troquet River North.
Eric Mansavage
You’re starving — what’s the first thing you reach for? Hummus and pita, or leftover pizza.
What’s your signature dish? Anything with fish as the main ingredient.
When you’re not in the kitchen, what’s your recipe for relaxing? Delicious beers and the beach.
I think the next big trend in food will be…Vegetables! Everywhere!
My first job was…A stock boy in a grocery store. Not very interesting…
When I was 15 I was…Enjoying my youth as much as possible.
My mentor is…All of the talented chefs that I’ve been fortunate to work with in my career.
Something that inspires me is…Beautiful food and the people who make it happen!
Eric Mansavage, a proud product of Steven’s Point, Wisconsin, is passionate about working with local farmers and growers to bring the freshest local produce, meats and dairy to Farmhouse Tavern. Eric’s core philosophy is simple, approachable and carefully crafted foods based on the culinary heritage of the Midwest. Under Eric’s direction, the Farmhouse kitchen has become known for delicious, locally sourced foods executed with tremendous technique. Eric has led our efforts to reach out to various farm-to-fork non-profits and looks forward to taking Farmhouse to the next level in Evanston and the newest concept, NordCider.
Tim Davidson
You’re starving — what’s the first thing you reach for? Homemade chickpea flour crackers.
What’s your signature dish? Vegetarian tacos.
When you’re not in the kitchen, what’s your recipe for relaxing? Spending time with friends and family.
I think the next big trend in food will be…Real wholesome food-no bells and whistles.
My first job was…Boudin Bakery-I worked the cash register and made coffee.
When I was 15 I was…Rebellious.
My mentor is…My father.
Something that inspires me is…Food.
Tim Davidson is the Chef de Cuisine at Troquet River North. Tim, who formerly held sous chef positions at LM Bistro and Brasserie 54, is a graduate of Chicago’s Kendall College.
A longtime member of the LM family, Tim has been with the company since its first concept, the original LM in Lincoln Square. “This company has provided me with nothing but opportunities,” He says. “They’ve given me the chance to work with and learn from some of the city’s best chefs.”
A positive presence in the kitchen, Tim is passionate about teaching and inspiring those around him. “If I can covey my vision of food and teach others why we use certain techniques or ingredients, then it will strengthen them and subsequently us as a company.”
When he’s not working, he can be found spending quality time with his family and friends.
Leave a comment for the chefs below and be sure to purchase your Shine & Dine ticket to join us on August 7!
