Curtis Duffy Demystifies the Art of Crispy Skin with Matthias Merges

3/26/2017

In partnership with Infiniti, The Line examines innovation in the culinary world. With our host — the award-winning chef Curtis Duffy of Chicago’s Michelin-starred Grace — we take a look at the people and ideas shaping the next generation of food and drink.

At Chicago favorite Yusho, Matthias Merges — who previously spent over two decades as executive chef at Charlie Trotter's — blends traditional methods with modern, avant-garde techniques to create a menu of unique dishes that marry bold flavors and textures. Turning the concept of the Japanese izakaya on its head, Merges utilizes the skin of various animals to create the perfect crispy bar snack. In this video, Curtis Duffy — a former mentee of the chef — takes us to the Yusho kitchen where they show us how it's done. And below, more on the technique behind fried pork skins, also known as chicharrónes.

Yusho came about as an expression of our love for the hustle and bustle we found while traveling, in Tokyo’s fish markets. Fresh ingredients from the land and sea are prepared over a hot binchotan—a Japanese grill that burns so hot and that ingredients are given a crispy outer skin and flavors in all their richness sealed inside.

We combine that very Japanese method of cooking with our favorite food ideas from all around the world. Served with a healthy dose of the big, bold flavors Chicago is known for—rich meats, the crispest, freshest vegetables, spices purveyed from our neighborhood vendors—our food comes to you thoughtfully presented on small plates to share in a warm, colorful, happy room full of art and life.

THE YUSHO FAMILY

OWNER & EXECUTIVE CHEF

MATTHIAS MERGES

Matthias has spent most of two decades cooking and living in Chicago, most notably as the Executive Chef of Charlie Trotter’s for the past 14 years. Matthias has mentored some of the most talented and respected professionals in the restaurant industry.

FC STUDIO

Yusho’s environment was created by Rachel Crowl and Julie Fisher of fcSTUDIO. Rachel, Matthias’ wife and partner, is a practicing architect and has been working in the profession for more than 18 years, 12 as the co‐owner of fc Studio.