Michael Maddox

Michael Robin Maddox was born August 21, 1970, in Princeville , Illinois. Raised in agricultural environment, he developed an early appreciation for food. His family raised soybeans, corn, hogs, cattle and chickens. They also grew their own vegetables. They canned fruits and vegetables, and butchered, smoked and cured their own meats. During his youth, Michael worked at a local restaurant, progressing from dishwasher to lead cook.

Michael attended Kendall College in Evanston, Illinois, and received his Associates B. A. in March 1990. He served as a Culinary Teaching Assistant for 1½ years during his schooling, and went on to receive his B. A. in March 1993. Since March 1993, he has held the position of chef de cuisine of Le Titi de Paris and presently is chef/owner with his wife, Susan.

Mr. Maddox's professional experience includes working at The Bonaventure Resort and Spa (Ft. Lauderdale , FL ), La Boheme ( Winnetka , IL ) and Le Titi de Paris (Arlington Heights , IL ). He has acquired additional training under the tutelage of Jacques Torres of Le Cirque ( New York , NY ). To further hone his craft, Michael attended a series of dessert classes in 1997 and again in 2001 at The French Pastry School in Chicago. He has completed classes in chocolate showpieces, petit fours, candies, ice creams and sorbets.

In January 1999, Michael spent two weeks working in the kitchens of Jean Bardet Restaurant/Hotel in Tours , France . In early 2001, he returned to France again, this time to work at the two star (Michelin) Restaurant Michel Rostang in Paris.

Personal Awards and Recognition:

2009 James Beard Nominee
2007 Celebrity Chef for National Pork Board
2002 First Place in the Regional Competition "A Taste of Elegance"
2001 Placed First in the Regional and National "Lindsey Olive Competition"
2000 First Place in the cold salad/appetizer category of the "Grey Poupon Recipe Contest"
Competed in national competition in Hawaii "Boursin Chef of The Year"
1999 First Place Midwest Regional competition "Boursin Chef of the Year"
Participated in "Young Commis Competition" sponsored by The National Chaine des Rotisseurs
1995 Second Prize "Kahlua Dessert and Drink Contest" for "Pear Pyramid with Kahlua Chocolate Parfait"
1993 Third Place "Seafood Pasta Contest" sponsored by Greater Chicago Food Show

Susan K. Maddox

Accomplished French chef with culinary experience in various restaurants, country clubs , corporate dining venues, and cooking schools. Dedicated leader, who inspires, develops and motivates employees towards continuous improvement, while striving to increase personal knowledge which she shares with others.

Susan attended Kendall College in Evanston, Illinois and received her Associates degree in June 1990. She has taught various cooking demonstrations in stores, classrooms, and homes.

Susan’s professional experiences include, working at Va Pensiero (Evanston, IL), Bella Vista (Chicago, IL), Vidalia on Park (Glencoe, IL), Wynstone Golf Club (Barrington, IL), Motorola Food Works (Schaumburg, IL), and Lake County High School Technology Campus (Grayslake). Mrs. Maddox has also traveled to Italy to learn authentic Italian techniques.