Rick Bayless Organic Garden Tour

July 24, 1:41 PMChicago Food ExaminerRebecca Wheeler

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Pond at the garden/Photo by Rebecca W.

I have garden envy. I guess when you have a couple of the most popular restaurants in Chicago, a handful of awards under the belt (including James Beard Outstanding Restaurant 2007), and a great TV show you deserve to have three stunning lots in the city of Chicago.

Garlic harvest/Photo by Rebecca Wheeler

The Bayless organic garden is a winding, rambling space that is full of special touches and surprises. It is part refuge, part outdoor kitchen, and part vendor for the restaurants. It’s also an outdoor studio for Rick's television cooking show. Full-time gardener Bill Shores cares for the space, in addition to the rooftop garden at Frontera Grill. 

Outdoor kitchen/Photo by Rebecca Wheeler

Beautiful containers abound in the interesting mix of spaces, which include a prairie, shade and “production” garden-essentially a beautified vegetable garden with pretty rows of lettuces and herbs that supply the restaurant. While the micro-greens and hefty harvest of garlic impressed me, it was the creative use of space that most caught my eye. Paths, decking, arbors, trellises and subtle changes in gradation give the feeling of a much larger garden, and prompts the visitor to amble along in awe.        

There are several restful spots. A beautiful arbor covered deck full of grapevines and fruit soon to ripen, complete with an orchid dotted brick wall and serene tropical pond, a Kasbah inspired tent for lounging, and a couple of eating areas. Then of course there is the outdoor kitchen, whispering my name, beckoning me to cook in it. It’s a serious outdoor kitchen, constructed of limestone, with soapstone countertops, a grill that utilizes gas, charcoal or wood for fuel and a wood- fired pizza oven. Nestled in a wooded part of the garden, this outdoor kitchen is the stuff of dreams.
 

The garden and outdoor kitchen are prominently featured in this season of “Mexico One Plate at a Time” on PBS. If you’ve never tuned in, this is one of just a few cooking shows I truly recommend and find very informative and entertaining. This season’s theme is all about entertaining, aptly named “Fiesta at Rick’s”. These are serious parties-involving things like barbecuing lamb barbacoa in a pit in a shady part of the garden, making paella for 25 people and serving up street food for friends. My fantasy is that I am one of the happy looking people invited to attend these events-laughing, eating Rick’s amazing food, and drinking tasty cocktails. In reality I am just a paying customer lucky enough to nab one of those tour spots early on (a deal at $20 per person). Still, it was great to see the insider’s view, especially since I love the show, and even if you are not a viewer this is a unique Chicago experience for food lovers. Tours of the Bayless garden are unfortunately sold out for remaining summer dates, however, you can sign up for the mailing list for next year’s tours.  Just be sure to act fast next summer as the spaces go very quickly.