Meet Chef James Gottwald of Monti’s in Lincoln Square

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chef James Gottwald.

Chef James teamed up with wife, Jennifer Monti, former Corporate Director of Sales for Stefani Signature Events, to create Monti’s, a new Upscale Quick Service Restaurant concept in Chicago, focusing on Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks made with Black Angus Rib-eye and rolls brought in from family-owned Amoroso Bakery in Philadelphia. Chef James is returning to his Philly roots with this latest endeavor. One of the youngest graduates of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef James spent most of his career at various properties in Philadelphia and Boston, including Il Sol, a Southern Italian eatery in Newtown, PA; the historic Buck Hotel in Philadelphia; Gargoyle’s on the Square in Boston; and Frenchman’s Reef of St. Thomas. He moved to Chicago in 1999 and became the Sous Chef for one sixty blue before opening Wave Restaurant. In 2002 he relocated to Washington D.C. as Executive Chef at Jordan’s (yes, that Michael Jordan!) before returning to Chicago to be the Corporate Chef and Partner for Rockit Ranch Productions. With the opening of Monti’s, Chef James has fulfilled a lifelong dream to own his own restaurant.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A constant challenge, and I would go so far as to say a constant threat, to any small business is trying to keep up with all the new policies, regulations and taxes. It is particularly difficult when Chicago, Cook County and the State of Illinois all compete to get their own version of the same new policy on the books. It usually causes confusion, misinformation (or a complete lack of information) and in some cases multiple taxes on the same item from three separate governing bodies (ex. the new sugar tax trend). As with most small business owners, we have limited staff resources so it is a challenge to always be aware of, plan for and respond to the latest regulation, etc.

Please tell us about Monti’s.
While appearing to be a quaint Mom & Pop restaurant, Monti’s represents the relatively new concept of Upscale Quick Service; combining the table-side service and high quality ingredients of a full service restaurant with an informal, comfort food menu.

Monti’s focuses on Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks made with Black Angus Rib-eye and rolls brought in from family-owned Amoroso Bakery in Philadelphia. We put an ounce of rib-eye for every inch of roll! We are the only restaurant in Chicago who offers a true authentic philly with the bonus of table-side service and a full bar. As such we have a unique niche in the market.

We also provide an extensive list of local craft beers and ciders so guests may enjoy a Cheesesteak and a cold Craft Beer in a cozy, neighborhood-joint atmosphere.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Summers spent on my Grandmother’s farm in upstate Pennsylvania. She inspired me to become a Chef by instilling a love of hunting, farming and the reward of cooking great food from scratch. Nothing came from a box at Grandma’s house!

Pricing:

• 8″ Black Angus Rib-eye Cheesesteak with fries. $10.95
• Jumbo Buffalo Wings (named one of the best in Chicago) $8.00

Contact Info:

• Address: 4757 N. Talman Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625
• Website: www.ilovemontis.com
• Phone: 773-942-6012
• Email: jmonti@ilovemontis.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilovemontis/
• Twitter: @ILoveMontis
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/montis-chicago