Hospitality with Integrity: Chef Erick Williams on Legacy, Leadership, and Lounges

JOIN ME LIVE FOR MY PODCAST FEATURING CURTIS DUFFY- AUGUST 4th: LIVE - Supper with Sylvia Perez feat. Chef Curtis Duffy - After - Chicago, IL | Tock | Tock In this soulful and inspiring episode of Supper With Sylvia , we sit down with James Beard Award-winning Chef Erick Williams , the culinary visionary behind Chicago's celebrated Virtue Restaurant and newest hotspot Countina Rosa . Sylvia and Erick dive deep into how food can create community, celebrate culture, and transform lives — one plate at a time. 🍽️ Featured Topics: 🏆 Erick’s Accolades : From 2020 Chicagoan of the Year to 2023 Innovator of the Year 🥃 Countina Rosa : Chicago’s newest Mexican spirit and agave bar 🥘 Virtue Restaurant : A soulful sanctuary for Southern cuisine and Black diaspora storytelling 🖼️ Art and Atmosphere : The story behind Virtue’s powerful visual curation 👨🏽‍🍳 Virtue Leadership Development Program : Training the next generation of chefs through empathy and excellence 🌆 South Side Love : Bridging neighborhoods, dismantling stereotypes, and welcoming all 🧳 The Joy of Food and Travel : What resets Chef Williams (Hint: It includes gumbo and hotel rooms by the beach ) 💬 Memorable Quote: “Kindness is our secret sauce. When people feel welcomed and valued, the food just tastes better.” – Erick Williams “Legacy isn’t just about what you build. It’s about how you leave people better than you found them.” – Erick Williams 🛎️ Local Love Shout-Outs: Daisy’s Po’Boy & Tavern Top This Mac n Cheese Mustard Seed Kitchen Pico La Sonja (Chef Tony Priolo) Lula Cafe Zaragoza Monteverde Boka 🎧 Tune In For: Chicago’s culinary evolution through the eyes of a master chef Real talk on leadership, equity, and elevating communities Why hospitality goes far beyond what’s on the plate 🔗 Connect With Erick Williams: Virtue Restaurant Website: Virtue Restaurant Follow on Instagram 📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram. 📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.com This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite. 👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun Producer: Jennifer Waters