Gather's Ken Carter Makes Zagat's '30 Under 30' List

A 30 is the best score a restaurant can get in the Zagat guide. But for Gather chef Ken Carter, his new lucky number might be 29.

Just five months before his 30th birthday, Zagat named Carter one of the most “passionate and promising up-and-comers” in the city. On Monday, the restaurant guide released this year’s 30 under 30 of the food industry in Chicago.

Carter joins pastry chefs, bartenders and other executive chefs from around the city.

The 29-year-old Phoenix native was on a deadline with his 30th birthday coming Oct. 16.

“It was a dream come true,” he said. “Before (Gather) happened, I stopped thinking about it.”

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Gather, which opened in December at 4539 N. Lincoln Ave., serves contemporary American food with seasonal products. The chef found Gather owner David Breo after stints at Charlie Trotters in both Las Vegas and Lincoln Park locations.

After receiving an email saying he was in the running for the 30 under 30 list, Carter found out a few weeks later—of course while preparing for the dinner service—that he’d made the final cut.

“It really didn’t seem real at first because I was thinking so much about it up until that point,” he said. “I think the biggest reason is how well...everything was received here at Gather. We really had no idea what was going to happen and I think we’ve created something special.”

And for those in the food industry still hoping to make the list before their 30th birthday, Carter has one piece of advice:

“If you have to wash dishes, wash dishes with a smile on your face.”  

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