EVANSTONMAN HIGHER LIVING, LONGEVITY, LUXURY MAGAZINE

Bringing The Light of Gastro to Whiskey Thief Evanston Matthew Wil de Chef

Meet E xecutive Chef, Matthew Wilde, with Whiskey Thief Tavern, located at 616 Davis St, between Chicago Ave. and Orrington near Fountain Square. Born and raised in Minneapolis, MN, Chef Matthew Wilde’s interest in the culinary world was sparked at a young age. The son of an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener, Mathew Wilde has always held a deep appreciation for fresh, locally grown produce and ingredients. Which ultimately fueled his interest in the world of culinary arts. Executive Chef, Matthew Wilde, At Whiskey Thief, Located at 616 Davis, Between Chicago Ave. and Orrington Near Fountain Square.

Chef Matthew Wilde graduated in 2000 with honors from the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Minneapolis. Shortly after he traveled to Le Petit Pigeonnier in Chinon, France where he learned classic techniques and supercharged his passion for food. After returning home, Wilde brought his culinary methods and skills to a variety of fine dining establishments including Dakota Jazz Club, Lord Fletchers, Fhimas and La Belle Vie, where he worked under James Beard Award winner, Tim Mckee.

In 2007, Chef Matthew Wilde moved to Chicago and engulfed himself in the city’s progressive dining scene. While taking on numerous chef roles in some of Chicago’s hottest restaurants including 312, American Junkie, Black Bull, and Hubbard Inn, just to name a few, he became a notable “chef to watch”.

In the fall of 2019, Chef Matthew Wilde joined the leading team at Whiskey Thief Tavern, sharing his exceptional craftsmanship in the kitchen. His creativity and passion has led the way to new fare that has Evanston buzzing. Locals can indulge juicy burgers including the ever popular Bison Burger redesigned with wild mushrooms, black truffle and aged swiss cheese, while enjoying new whimsical twists on America’s comfort food such as Chicken and Waffles, blended with apples, scallions and spices served in waffle cones. In show of his support and new found love of the Evanston community, Chef Matthew Wilde has collaborated with other local businesses in hopes of taking Evanston’s dining scene to the next level.