Your favorite kitchen characters?

Hello:

I am producing a new web series for a media outlet in Chicago that aims to tell the stories of interesting the characters behind Chicago's great neighborhood restaurants. Are there any Chicago's South-or-West-siders who can recommend any chefs, wine stewards, hosts, servers, or 'regulars' at their favorite eateries who have interesting personal history, and can offer a unique vantage point on Chicago's food scene?

Many thanks,

M