Chicago Gourmet Returns With a Sports-Centric Events Lineup
This year's Chicago Gourmet theme is 'Step Up to the Plate,' a nod to the food and sports worlds. The weekend's biggest attraction, Grand Cru, will go down across two sessions on Saturday, September 27, and feature dishes from a star-studded cast of chefs — Bailey Sullivan (Monteverde), Jenner Tomaska (Esmé, the Alston), Rob Levitt (the Publican), Gene Kato (Momotaro), and many more — paired with fine wines and spirits. Oenophiles can also attend Somm Sessions on Friday, September 26, at Adalina, where top Chicago sommeliers will pair wines with songs to accompany dishes.
Another returning favorite is Tacos & Tequila on Thursday, September 25. Hosted by Rick Bayless, the event highlights tacos from local chefs like Diana Dávila (Mi Tocaya Antojería) and Carlos Gaytán (Tzuco), agave spirits and cocktails, and traditional music and dancing. The popular Hamburger Hop, a competition between 14 chefs to see who can make the best burger, happens the night of Friday, September 26. Some of the names battling it out will be Joe Fontelera (Boonie's), former Chicago Bears player Israel Idonije and Stephen Gillanders (the Staley), and Jose Sosa (the Greggory). After the Hop, the festivities will continue at the Asian Late Night Market at Tao Chicago. This new event, hosted by Haisous chef Thai Dang, offers Asian bites and specialty cocktails from Henry Cai (3LP), Bo Fowler (BiXi Beer), and more.
Those who love to brunch can check out Rise & Shine Gourmet on Sunday, September 28. The daytime bash brings together a collection of talents who will serve sweet and savory plates to go along with cocktails and live music. Participating chefs include Dominique Leach (Lexington Betty Smokehouse), Devon Quinn (Eden), Paul Fehribach (Big Jones), and Aaron Cuschieri (the Dearborn).
Also new this year is a series of Culinary World Series events throughout the city leading up to Chicago Gourmet. Centered on the 'Step Up to the Plate' theme, these activations feature bites delivered with a side of sports. Cubs and White Sox fans can root for their team at Game Day Gourmet on Friday, July 25. Held in a private suite at Rate Field, the evening will offer the opportunity to watch the Crosstown Classic in style while enjoying ballpark fare, cocktails, wine, beer, and the 'Duck Inn Dog Showdown,' which challenges chefs to put their spins on the classic hot dog.
Other events include a Gourmet Tailgate at Utopian Tailgate on Sunday, September 14, a chef pickleball tournament at SPF Chicago on Saturday, September 20, and a special dinner honoring Jackie Robinson with James Beard Award winners Erick Williams and Damarr Brown at Virtue. The full list of Culinary World Series experiences is available here. Tickets to all Chicago Gourmet events are on sale now via the official website.
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