“One of the reasons I’m so excited about this event is that it reminds me of the civic consciousness of previous societies, like Renaissance Florence. In that time there were Guilds, organizations of craftsmen that banded together to improve their craft, maintain high standards, and educate and foster young talent. Our current-day unions resemble guilds superficially, but were mostly invented to prevent craftsmen from being exploited financially. Guilds considered themselves strong members of the civic community, whose calling was to improve, through their craft, the quality of life for all citizens. Guilds men would often take up collections to commission a work of art in honor of one of their members who they felt had made especially important contributions, not only to the reputation of the craft, but also to the quality of life in their city.

I feel the same thing is happening here- practitioners of the culinary arts in Chicago, led by Chef Didier Durand, have declared their intention to honor one of their own, Chef Charlie Trotter, with a commemorative sculpture celebrating not only his great skill in his craft, but the contribution he made to the quality of life in Chicago. We need more of this type of civic cultural activism. I’m proud to be a part of it, and I encourage you to come and enjoy yourselves!”

Cameron Pfiffner’s Marco Polo

https://www.facebook.com/chefdidier.durand/posts/10208963117938530