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Charlie Trotter Allegedly Boots Teens From His Restaurant

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Hillary Dixler Canavan is Eater's restaurant editor and the author of the publication's debut book, Eater: 100 Essential Restaurant Recipes From the Authority on Where to Eat and Why It Matters (Abrams, September 2023). Her work focuses on dining trends and the people changing the industry — and scouting the next hot restaurant you need to try on Eater's annual Best New Restaurant list.

Chicago chef Charlie Trotter allegedly threw a group of teenage photography students out of his restaurant last night after having given them permission to use the now-shuttered Charlie Trotter's space as a gallery. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the students were a part of an after school program that Trotter himself is involved with called After School Matters. The students claim Trotter "became offended when the After Schools Matters instructor refused to order his students to sweep floors and plunge toilets." A female student also claims Trotter asked her to get a "Charlie Trotter's" tattoo and that it wouldn't be a "tramp stamp." According WGN, the students also say Trotter used "gay slurs" before locking their electronics and photographs into the restaurant.

After School Matters has cancelled the exhibition that was scheduled for tonight "due to unforeseen circumstances at the site." Following the incident last night, WGN attempted to speak with Trotter (who appeared drunk?) in the video below. Trotter asks the reporter: "Should I do an Alec Baldwin or what?" Have a look:

Video: Famous Chef Jeopardizes Young Artists' Show with Odd Behavior

· Students Say Charlie Trotter Locked Them Out [CST]
· Famous Chef Jeopardizes Young Artists' Show with Odd Behavior [WGN]
· All Charlie Trotter Coverage on Eater [-E-]
· All Freakouts on Eater [-E-]

Charlie Trotter's

816 W Armitage Ave Chicago, IL 60614