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Chalkboard's chef/owner explains who's the boss of his restaurant...his son.

Monday Feb 26, 2007.     By Michael Nagrant

Who's Who Feed

Gil Langlois first made a name for himself by whipping up American comfort food under the rusty girders and rumble of the Lake Street L at the now defunct Rushmore. At one point he served as a de facto general manager for the restaurant, often taking reservations, seating and interacting with customers. He moved on to open up SushiSamba Rio last year, but now he's gone back to his roots and is putting his front of house and kitchen acumen to good use at his own space, Chalkboard, in Lincoln Square.

Chalkboard is a true mom and pop establishment. Langlois owns the whole building, lives above the space with his wife, Chicago actress Elizabeth Laidlaw, and their young son, Owen. Even Gil's mom, Janet, is in the kitchen twice a week whipping up fresh pasta. The menu is eclectic and inspired by Langlois's whimsy; for instance, a recent trip inspired him to create a curried chicken pie with peas, bacon and fennel. "[It's] A New Zealand on the road inspiration," he says. "Trust me, if you have been there, you've had one..."

What do you wish you could change or pickle about the Chicago restaurant scene?
People's perceptions of what they are putting in their body. Hormone-injected beef and milk might be cheap, but it's hurting the future of America.

What would your last meal be?
A three-hour lunch at Alaine Ducasse in Provence, France. The meal would have to be shared with my wife and son. Otherwise it would be no fun!

Which Chicago chef would you be most willing to share a kitchen with?
Dirk Flanagan (formerly of Meritage and Blue Water Grill) or Paul Kahan (Blackbird, Avec).

What's the can't-miss dish at your restaurant?
Airline Fried Chicken and Mac 'n' Cheese. Everyone orders it!

What should we know about your restaurant that we probably don't?
That my 8-month-old son Owen is really the boss and how interesting our wine list is.