No legacy is richer than that of a great reputation. From the start, Le Titi De Paris was highly regarded, and it has increased and enhanced that reputation over the decades. For 30 years, gourmands, food critics, and simply those who love the cuisine at Le Titi have traveled to this gem of a restaurant.

Le Titi De Paris, located in suburban Chicago, is renowned for its excellence in French cuisine and expert service. This excellence is a key element of the restaurant's enduring reputation.

But legacies by definition are meant to be handed down. When the restaurant's founders, Chef Pierre and Judith Pollin, decided to retire, they had to look no farther than their own kitchen for an heir to their legacy. In July 2004, the torch passed from the hands of the Pollins to those of Pierre's long-time Executive Chef, Michael Maddox and Michael's wife, Susan.

The start of each July will now signify a yearly celebration for both the Maddoxes and the Pollins. Ironically, retirement signifies an independence from day to day work, and after 32 years in business this can certainly offer a new found freedom. Owning a restaurant for which you have worked as a chef for 12 years can also represent independence, one that only chefs who own their own space ever know.

Pierre and Michael's work together earned them numerous accolades and awards, including the AAA Four Diamond Award, the DiRona Distinguished Restaurants of North America Award since 1992, Wine Spectator's "Best of" Award of Excellence, Nation's Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame, and 3-1/2 stars by both the Chicago Tribune's Phil Vettel and the Sun-Times Dining Critic, Pat Bruno.

Today Susan and Michael are continuing the tradition of running the restaurant as a team, as Pierre and Judith did.. Susan’s jubilant and cheerful personality is one that will not easily be forgotten after dining at Le Titi De Paris. She is the organizer and planner of the parties and special events that have made Le Titi de Paris one of the most sought-after spaces.

"We are embarking on an exciting new phase of both our careers and our lives," says Susan Maddox. "We have never worked together before so this is something completely new, yet familiar. We have had the opportunity of watching the Pollins do it for many years." " I feel very lucky to have a wife and partner who understands this business fully," states Chef Michael. "This is a business which demands a lot of your time. We have small children which is a greater challenge. We know we have to strike the perfect balance. When you are cooking you do that with flavors. I think it applies to living life as well."