“Paul Virant’s dazzling Vie in Western Springs, seemed to materialize so fully formed it felt as if it has been around for years. Virant’s work at Vie has earned him the golden toque for best new chef.”

--Dennis Ray Wheaton
Chicago magazine Best New Restaurants, May 2005

“Paul Virant, 35, a St. Louis native, has worked in some great restaurants -- Everest, Blackbird, and Ambria, to name a few -- and now that he’s ventured out on his own at Vie, in Western Springs, he’s officially become the past year’s brightest new star.”

--Penny Pollack, Chicago magazine
Best New Restaurants issue, May 2005

“The way that he brings his ingredients together is magical.”

--Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune in his three-star review