Popular food festival Chicago Gourmet is returning to Millennium Park this fall
This year's theme, "Step Up to the Plate," will meld the worlds of sports and food. This includes a series of "Culinary World Series" events throughout Chicagoland this summer, leading to the fall festival. This consists of the baseball-themed Game Day Gourmet that took place on July 25 and featured iconic ballpark foods and drinks like beer, wine, cocktails, and the "Duck Inn Dog Showdown," which will allow chefs to showcase their own, elevated takes on the iconic summer staple: the hot dog.
On September 14, there will also be a Gourmet Tailgate at Utopian Tailgate. On September 20, there will be a chef pickleball tournament at SPF Chicago and a dinner to pay tribute to Jackie Robinson and James Beard Award winners Erick Williams and Damarr Brown at Virtue.
When Chicago Gourmet officially kicks off, the first event is Tacos & Tequila with chefs Rick Bayless and Marco Carbajal on September 25 on the Harris Theater Rooftop. There, you'll be treated to mouthwatering cocktails from top local chefs, premium agave-based spirits and specialty cocktails. Traditional music and dance performances will provide good vibes.
The next event is Hamburger Hop, hosted by chefs Joe Flamm and Sarah Grueneberg on September 26. A mix of Northside and Southside chefs will showcase their best burgers paired with thirst-quenching beers and flavorful cocktails.
The Grand Cru, Chicago Gourmet's most popular event, will take place on September 27 on the Harris Theater Rooftop. Hosted by chefs Stephanie Izard and Karen Akunowicz, it's the shining moment of Chicago Gourmet. The best chefs in Chicago will pair their top dishes with epic wines and spirits. It's so popular that there are two different sessions.
On September 28, the last event is the Rise & Shine Gourmet hosted by chefs Art Smith, Lorena Garcia, and Jernard Wells. This breakfast-themed event featured top chefs serving brunch favorites paired with cocktails.
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Time Out
30-07-2025
- Time Out
Popular food festival Chicago Gourmet is returning to Millennium Park this fall
Foodies will be excited to learn that a popular Windy City culinary event will return to Millennium Park this fall. Chicago Gourmet, the annual food-themed festival, will run from September 25 through September 28 at the Harris Theater Rooftop. This year's theme, "Step Up to the Plate," will meld the worlds of sports and food. This includes a series of "Culinary World Series" events throughout Chicagoland this summer, leading to the fall festival. This consists of the baseball-themed Game Day Gourmet that took place on July 25 and featured iconic ballpark foods and drinks like beer, wine, cocktails, and the "Duck Inn Dog Showdown," which will allow chefs to showcase their own, elevated takes on the iconic summer staple: the hot dog. On September 14, there will also be a Gourmet Tailgate at Utopian Tailgate. On September 20, there will be a chef pickleball tournament at SPF Chicago and a dinner to pay tribute to Jackie Robinson and James Beard Award winners Erick Williams and Damarr Brown at Virtue. When Chicago Gourmet officially kicks off, the first event is Tacos & Tequila with chefs Rick Bayless and Marco Carbajal on September 25 on the Harris Theater Rooftop. There, you'll be treated to mouthwatering cocktails from top local chefs, premium agave-based spirits and specialty cocktails. Traditional music and dance performances will provide good vibes. The next event is Hamburger Hop, hosted by chefs Joe Flamm and Sarah Grueneberg on September 26. A mix of Northside and Southside chefs will showcase their best burgers paired with thirst-quenching beers and flavorful cocktails. The Grand Cru, Chicago Gourmet's most popular event, will take place on September 27 on the Harris Theater Rooftop. Hosted by chefs Stephanie Izard and Karen Akunowicz, it's the shining moment of Chicago Gourmet. The best chefs in Chicago will pair their top dishes with epic wines and spirits. It's so popular that there are two different sessions. On September 28, the last event is the Rise & Shine Gourmet hosted by chefs Art Smith, Lorena Garcia, and Jernard Wells. This breakfast-themed event featured top chefs serving brunch favorites paired with cocktails.
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You can eat a tasting menu right on the NASCAR Chicago race track this summer
What's more thrilling than a high-speed NASCAR race? How about carb-loading right where the cars take off? This summer, Chicago Gourmet is rolling out one of its most daring (and delicious) experiences yet: a five-course Italian tasting menu served smack on the NASCAR Chicago Street Race track. On Wednesday, July 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the race's start/finish line will transform into the city's most unexpected fine-dining venue, blending Michelin-caliber cuisine with pit-lane vibes. As part of the Chicago Gourmet Festival's new 'Culinary World Series,' the event marks a high-octane kickoff to the city's biggest food celebration and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to toast with wine where tires usually burn rubber. The chef lineup is stacked with Chicago stars, including Fabio Viviani (Siena Tavern, Bar Siena), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Joe Frillman and Leigh Omilinsky (Daisies) and Steve Maak (Levy Restaurants). The night's theme: bold Italian flavors, dished out trackside with flair. Diners can expect signature race-day cocktails from Jose Cuervo (the official tequila of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race, naturally) and a "Cup Series" of wine pairings from legendary Italian winery Marchesi Antinori. There's even an emcee—culinary personality, Catherine De Orio—to steer the evening along. Tickets cost $250 per person, and proceeds benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports the state's hospitality workforce. This isn't Chicago Gourmet's only sports-forward event this year. Friday, July 25, brings a Duck Dog face-off at the Crosstown Classic, and Wednesday, August 20 features led by chefs from Virtue.
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Tom Brady, Jim Gray opening sports, entertainment museum
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