Chef Profile #6 introduces Chicago Glass Collective, one of the few community-based art glass studio. Owner and Artist, Leslie Speicher took a moment to answer a few questions leading up to this year’s Hashbrown Chili Cook-off. Get your tickets to the 2016 Hashbrown Chili Cook-Off to help determine their fate!
Organization: Chicago Glass Collective
Guest Chef: Leslie Speicher, Owner and Artist
SPC: Why do more people need to know about Chicago Glass Collective?
Leslie: Chicago Glass Collective is a community-based art studio dedicated to celebrating the versatile medium of glass through educational workshops and dedicated studio space for new and experienced glass artists. Our studio is a welcoming spot to learn about glass, exchange ideas, create art, and share the enthusiasm and knowledge of glass techniques in the hope that it will encourage
SPC: Why did you open Chicago Glass Collective?
Leslie: I have been a glass artist for over 25 years and always wanted to have a studio where I could offer classes, make my own work and build a community of people who love to learn and explore all that glass has to offer.
SPC: Now to important questions, what is a tagline that could represent BOTH Chicago Glass AND your chili?
Leslie: It’s all about the fire!
SPC: If your organization had a spirit animal, what would it be?
Leslie: A friendly dragon.
SPC: Finally, can we leak any details about what our guests can expect to find in your crockpot on March 19?
Leslie: It’s super secret.
Leslie’s Favorites:
Best Restaurant: Spacca Napoli
Favorite Bowl of Soup: Wild rice and tomato bisque from Julius Meinl.
Best Cooking Show: Julia Childs, I’m old school.
Favorite type of bean: French Lentil
Favorite Recipes:
1 cup Quinoa
3/4 cup edamame,
1 large red bell pepper
1/4 cup lemon juice, soy sauce to taste (baby shrimp optional)