Culinary icon Charlie Trotter closing resto to study philosophy

In this Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 photo, award-winning chef Charlie Trotter is seen during an interview with The Associated Press at his restaurant in Chicago. (AP / Sitthixay Ditthavong)

CHICAGO -- Award-winning Chicago chef Charlie Trotter is closing his iconic restaurant after 25 years to return to college and study philosophy.

The final service at Charlie Trotter's is Thursday evening, followed by a ticketed, sold-out meal prepared by some of the city's top chefs on Friday. Trotter is synonymous with gourmet cuisine and has earned ten James Beard Awards. His kitchen is famous for shepherding some of the culinary world's most successful chefs.

James Beard Foundation president Susan Ungaro says Trotter put himself on the map by being one of the first chefs to serve extravagant multi-course meals at a single price.

Trotter says he's following his instincts to study "for studying's sake." He says he'll pursue a master's degree next year at either Northwestern University of the University of Chicago.