Chef Debbie Gold is a James Beard Award recipient and nationally recognized culinary leader with a career spanning Michelin-starred kitchens, iconic American restaurants, and acclaimed concepts across the Midwest.

She earned her degree in Restaurant Management from the University of Illinois before refining her craft internationally at Michael Chabran, a two-Michelin-star restaurant in France. Upon returning to Chicago, Chef Gold trained under legendary Chef Charlie Trotter and later worked as a pastry chef at Everest, where she developed the technical precision and creative discipline that define her cooking today.

Her journey continued in Kansas City, where she served as Executive Chef at The American Restaurant before opening her own restaurant, 40 Sardines. There, she earned the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Midwest, and the restaurant received a nomination for Best New Restaurant: Midwest.

Now serving as Executive Chef at VU Rooftop, Chef Gold brings her experience, leadership, and point of view to the 22nd floor. Her vision will guide the evolution of the menu and guest experience, blending elevated technique with food that feels vibrant, confident, and unmistakably Chicago.