For five years after college, he worked and studied in Chicago, San Francisco (at the California Culinary Academy), Florida and Europe.

He also wrote 14 cookbooks and three management books, and promoted a line of organic and all-natural gourmet foods distributed nationally.

[3] However, Trotter refused to be associated with the animal rights group Farm Sanctuary stating, "These people are idiots.

"[4] Trotter made a cameo appearance in the 1997 film My Best Friend's Wedding, screaming at an assistant, "I will kill your whole family if you don't get this right!

In 2003 he was the subject of two class action lawsuits pertaining to the compensation of his employees and alleged violations of labor law, both front-of-the-house (service) and back-of-the-house (cooks).

Lisa helped open the restaurant and served as its first dining room manager and wine director until the couple divorced in August 1990.

[28] The Best Restaurant in the World for Wine and Food, 1998 The Grand Award, 1993 – 2012 Wine Enthusiast America’s Best Wine-Driven Restaurants, 2006 International Food Manufacturers Association Silver Plate Award Winner, 2008 Gold Plate Award Winner, 2008 The James Beard Foundation Best Food Photography, Meat & Game, 2003 Outstanding Service, 2002 Outstanding Restaurant, 2000 Best National Television Cooking Show for "The Kitchen Sessions, with Charlie Trotter," 2000 Best Food Photography, Desserts, 1999 Outstanding Chef Award, 1999 Who's Who in Food & Beverage Award, 1996 Outstanding Wine Service, 1993 Best Chef, Midwest, 1992 Humanitarian of The Year 2012 Nation's Restaurant News 50 Power Players 2000 Fine Dining Hall of Fame (elected by peers), 1991 Chicago Tribune Four Stars (highest rating) Crain's Chicago Business Four Forks (highest rating)