Chef David Koehn is executive chef at Mon Ami Gabi, 2300 N. Lincoln Park West; monamigabi/chicago.com.
According to his bio, he's "been cooking his whole life," and his first childhood memories include "climbing on the counters to cook at home with his mom." Raised in Chicago's southwest suburbs, Koehn had a full-circle life/career path: He first experienced French cooking when he "enjoyed Steak Frites and Escargots at Mon Ami Gabi" as a young child.
Though his college studies brought him into the worlds of chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, Koehn took a turn toward a culinary career after cooking his way through a cookbook from Thomas Keller's Bouchon. The result was a focus on elevating everyday meals and ingredients, juxtaposing traditional French cuisine with the most modern techniques.
"The baked brie recipe was a part of my family's holiday celebration for as long as I can remember.
"Somewhere along the way, our holidays accidentally became French in the food we prepared. My mother, Sharon, would make whole beef tenderloin with Sauce Bearnaise; always a few trays of scalloped potatoes, which are a Midwestern version of potato gratin, and of course, lots of bread and butter.
"But, before everyone would sit down for dinner, there was the baked brie. I don't know who made it each year, I think the responsibility shifted, but without fail, the gooey, sweet, salty, puff pastry-encrusted brie was there, topped with honey and almonds, and quickly devoured by all. It's one of those great dishes that hits all the marks: easy to make, impressive to look at, and perfect to share."