Chef Curtis Duffy's Ever restaurant shines in 'The Bear' season 3 finale

In Season 2 of FX’s The Bear, a hit show on HULU, Chicago’s Ever Restaurant served as the “greatest restaurant” in the world with Olivia Colman at the helm. Ever is back, this time as the setting for the finale of Season 3, which dropped June 26. 

In real life, Ever is helmed by 2-Michelin-starred Chef Curtis Duffy and his partner Michael Muser. It is not closing. It is open and thriving! And it is accepting reservations here. In fact, last night, they opened up September reservations a few days early.

I had a chance to sit down with Chef Curtis Duffy in advance of the season premiere to chat about his life, food and involvement in this hot hit series which was recently renewed for a 4^th season.

As expected, he’s charming, creative and very tight lipped about any upcoming episodes. But I still got a chance to co-create one of his famous dishes “Chef Duffy’s English Pea with black garlic, grains and tendrils” (with over 15 ingredients!). Duffy’s eagle eye and attention to detail reminded me a little bit of what it must be like to be a test pilot- ever alert, in control and knowledgeable about every knob and button (or tendril and grain).

I even prepped a cocktail or two with head bartender, Chandler, a 6’9” charmer who definitely knows his way around a cocktail shaker.

In short, I was entranced.

Full disclosure, this was my first time at EVER (located at 1340 W. Fulton) and its uber-chic cocktail lounge counterpart AFTER next door, but you can bet your button I will be returning with Chuck. The décor definitely sets the tone for the dining experience, both uber-chic and delicious in every way.  And the secret observatory is “out of this world.”

(Warning: The next two graphs contain a spoiler; skip them if you don’t want a preview.) 

In Season 3, Episode 10, a group of culinary icons gather to dine at Ever. 

“I was honored to host so many of my peers from across the nation for these memorable scenes,” said Ever Chef Curtis Duffy. “We hope fans of the show realize that the writers have taken some liberties with this episode, and that the real Ever is open for business and thriving.” 

FX’s The Bear stars Jeremy Allen White as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, an elite chef who returns home to run his family’s Chicago sandwich shop after his older brother dies by suicide. Season 2 sets the stage for the opening of Berzatto’s new fine dining Restaurant with the crew from the sandwich shop.

In Season 2, Carmen sends his older brother’s best friend and restaurant manager, Richard “Richie” Jeromovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), to Ever to stage, or complete an internship, as they prepare to open the new restaurant. 

At first, Richie is put off by the menial tasks assigned to him, namely polishing the forks, and the restaurant’s relentless attention to detail. But over time Richie grows to appreciate the pursuit of excellence and refinement. 

“Looking out in that dining room and seeing all of those exceptional chefs and restaurateurs in one room, I was a bit awestruck,” said Ever co-owner Michael Muser. “The Bear showcases only the best, and Ever is proud to serve as the stage for greatness, both in entertainment and hospitality.”

(To read my earlier Chicago Star interview with Chef Duffy and to see his recipe for Classsic Risotto Milanese, please click here.)

ABOUT EVER

Two-Michelin-starred Ever is the creative obsession of world-renowned Chef Curtis Duffy and his longtime business partner Michael Muser. Ever is for those seeking an epic dining experience, an 8- to 10-course tasting menu created by one of the country’s most celebrated and artistic chefs. The 2 ½ hour dining experience is set in an exquisite atmosphere with extraordinary service. Ever is open Tuesday through Saturday at 1340 W. Fulton St. in Chicago. Reserve on Tock and visit them online ever-restaurant.com.