2012 Windy City West “Man of the Year”
Santa Monica, March 5, 2012
Where a better place to celebrate “Windy City West” in Los Angeles than at two of Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You’s restaurants Stella Rossa Pizza Bar and M Street Kitchen — the two spots are next to each other on Main street in Santa Monica. The pizzas, created by chef Jeff Mahin, at Stella Rossa Pizza Bar are so good that the restaurant is on GAYOT.com Top 10 Pizza Restaurants in the US.
Tonight was the 25th anniversary of the informal annual get together for fellow Chicagoans in the entertainment industry in LA to swap stories around good food. Founder and Chairman of the Board of Lettuce Entertain You Rich Melman, along with his son/partner RJ, and president and CEO Kevin Brown made the trip from Chicago to honor Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts, and present him with the 2012 Windy City West “Man of the Year” award, recognizing his many contributions to Chicago sports and commerce.
2012 Windy City West “Man of the Year” Tom Ricketts with Sophie Gayot 
Rich Melman, chef Jeff Mahin & Sophie Gayot 
RJ Melman 
Actor Saro Solis with Sophie Gayot 
Kevin Brown, chef Jeff Mahin with Sophie Gayot 
Chefs Mike Bellovich & Erik Palmer with Sophie Gayot 
Stella Rossa Pizza Bar pastry chef Carla Corona 
Chef Patrick Costa