Rick Bayless

Rick Bayless is widely recognized for winning Bravo’s "Top Chef Masters," triumphing over French and Italian chefs with his authentic Mexican cuisine. His popular Public Television series, "Mexico–One Plate at a Time," aired nationally and earned multiple Daytime Emmy nominations for Best Culinary Host.

Bayless has authored nine cookbooks, with notable achievements including "Mexican Kitchen," which won the Julia Child IACP Cookbook of the Year award in 1996, and "Mexico–One Plate at a Time," which won the James Beard Best International Cookbook of the Year award in 2001. His book "Fiesta at Rick’s" also spent several weeks on the New York Times best-seller list.

In Chicago, Bayless operates award-winning restaurants. Established in 1987, Frontera Grill received the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Restaurant Award in 2007. Its sister restaurant, the 4-star Topolobampo, opened in 1991 and won the same award in 2017. Topolobampo has maintained a one Michelin Star rating since 2011.

Bayless expanded his restaurant empire with Xoco in 2009, a LEED GOLD-certified, fast-casual eatery serving Mexican specialties. In 2018, he and his daughter Lanie launched Bar Sótano, a speakeasy-style mezcal bar. His quick-service Tortas Frontera restaurants revolutionized food service at O’Hare International Airport, and Tortazo brought Frontera flavors to various U.S. locations. His Frontera line of salsas, cooking sauces, and organic chips is available nationwide.

Bayless's philanthropic efforts include the Frontera Farmer Foundation, established in 2003, which supports small Midwestern farms with nearly $2 million in grants. The Frontera Scholarship provides full tuition for a Mexican-American Chicago Public School student to study culinary arts. In 2007, Bayless was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year award by the International Association of Culinary Professionals for his many philanthropic endeavors. Bayless has won seven James Beard Awards and numerous other accolades, including the Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle and the Julia Child Foundation Award. He continues to mentor young chefs, educate home cooks on his YouTube channel, and promote better food and entertainment.