HR0465 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Homaro Cantu of Chicago, who passed away on April 14, 2015; and

WHEREAS, Homaro Cantu was born on September 23, 1976 and grew up in Portland, Oregon; he graduated from the Western Culinary Institute (now Le Cordon Bleu) and worked in nearly 50 kitchens on the West Coast; he married Katie McGowan in 2003; and

WHEREAS, Homaro Cantu moved to Chicago, where he spent 4 years from 1999 to 2003 working for famed chef Charlie Trotter, eventually rising to the position of sous chef before leaving in 2004 to become the opening chef and eventual owner of Moto; and

WHEREAS, Affectionately known as "Omar" to his family and friends, Homaro Cantu was one of Chicago's most renowned chefs; he turned cooking into alchemy through his playful and surprising brand of molecular gastronomy; and

WHEREAS, Like his mentor Chef Trotter, Homaro Cantu believed in giving back to the next generation of industry leaders; through his involvement with ProStart, a program run by the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, he mentored high school students studying the culinary arts; he also participated in this year's ProStart invitational competition, where he served as the culinary judge; he was inspired by student talent and dedication and the students were in turn excited by his presence and feedback; and

WHEREAS, Homaro Cantu artfully blended science and fine dining at his restaurant, describing himself as a scientist at heart; and

WHEREAS, Homaro Cantu is survived by his wife, Katie, and his 2 daughters; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Homaro Cantu, and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Homaro Cantu as an expression of our deepest sympathy.