Michael Smith and Debbie Gold

The naturally competitive atmosphere of a high-pressure restaurant made them a little wary of each other at first. But once the ice was broken, romance wasn't far behind.

Smith and Gold left Trotter's to work as Executive Chefs at L'Albion in the South of France; they returned to Chicago in 1991. When they heard that Kansas City's The American Restaurant was looking for a new chef, they decided to apply together, knowing they thrived as partners in the kitchen. Beginning there in 1994, the duo quickly breathed new life into both the menu and the image of the 25-year-old restaurant, which had suffered in the past from an intimidating and pretentious image. Their fresh, simple, unfussy American fare, supported by the foundation of their extensive French training, won the trust and loyalty of local diners. In 1999 they were given the James Beard Award for Best Chefs in the Midwest--a first for both them and for Kansas City.

Michael and Debbie have continued to bring national attention to Kansas City. Active members of the culinary community, they established a series of annual James Beard Foundation fundraising dinners, as well as developing local seminars and special events that featured famous chefs from all over the country. Their menu for the Crayola Cafe, a well-known children's restaurant, was named the #1 Kids' Menu in America by Restaurant Hospitality. Having lent their faces and names to a number of major ad campaigns, including those for Grey Poupon mustard and Vita-Prep Blenders, Michael and Debbie continue to become among the nation's most recognized and respected chefs.

In March of 2001 Michael Smith and Debbie Gold announced their intention to open their own restaurant, Forty Sardines. Scheduled to open in May, the restaurant will be a continuation of the couple's culinary journey, using fresh, straightforward flavors from around the world, while always building upon their traditional French training. The setting, like the food, will be welcoming, warm and comfortable. With a winning combination of star power and the trust of the community, Forty Sardines promises to be a major culinary destination, both locally and nationally.