Latest news with #ChicagoGourmet
Time Out
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 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.
Eater
25-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Eater
Chicago Gourmet Returns With a Sports-Centric Events Lineup
Chicago Gourmet, the annual food festival in Millennium Park that showcases local chefs and restaurants, returns this fall with a jam-packed lineup of events. The culinary celebration runs from Thursday, September 25, to Sunday, September 28, at the Harris Theater Rooftop, and tickets are on sale now. 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. Eater Chicago All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Must-visit food festivals in the US in 2025
T here's something about good food that stops time for a second. A bite of something familiar, a sip of something new, the kind of meals that remind you of home, or take you far from it. In a world that moves fast and changes constantly, food remains one of the most universal ways we connect. Across the U.S., cities and communities are rolling out tables, firing up grills, and setting the stage for food festivals that are as much about people as they are about plates. Whether you're in it for the bold flavors, the stories behind every dish, or just the joy of trying something new with people who love food as much as you do—there's a festival waiting to welcome you. Austin Food + Wine Festival | Texas This three-day festival is all heart, with top-tier chefs and pitmasters showing off their skills while you sip and snack your way through the Grand Tasting Pavilion. You'll leave full of food, of flavor, and of that unshakable Austin spirit. Charleston Wine + Food Festival | South Carolina In Charleston, food speaks in drawls and whispers of old stories. This festival captures the soul of the South with oyster roasts, waterfront feasts, and candlelit plates made by rising stars in the culinary world. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Chicago Gourmet | Illinois Come fall, Millennium Park turns into a city-sized tasting menu. Chicago Gourmet is a feast for the eyes as much as the palate, set against skyline views, Lake Michigan, and some of the best chefs in the country plating up bold ideas. It's refined without being stuffy. NYC Wine & Food Festival | New York City This one? It's big—like the city itself. Held every October, NYCWFF spreads across rooftops, piers, and hidden lounges with tastings, masterclasses, and star-studded cook-offs. It's loud, it's dazzling, and it tastes like everything all at once. Asian Food Fest | Cincinnati, Ohio Cincinnati's Asian Food Fest is layered with stories, families, and flavors—each tent offering something new to try and someone new to talk to. You'll find bubble tea, adobo, mango sticky rice, and maybe even a performance that stops you mid-bite. Otaku Food Festival | Various U.S. cities Ever wanted your ramen to look like it came from a manga panel? This is where food meets fandom. With cosplay, music, and Japanese street snacks that taste like Tokyo, the Otaku Food Festival doesn't take itself too seriously—and that's the point. It's playful, nostalgic, and filled with desserts that look too cute to eat (but you will). Dragon Boat Festival Foods & Celebrations | Nationwide It's a festival grounded in ancient Chinese tradition, where families gather to make and eat zongzi, sticky rice parcels tied with memory and meaning. Each bite has a story—of honor, loss, and celebration.
Time Out
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time Out
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.
Chicago Tribune
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Guide: 30 Chicago food and drink festivals for summer 2025
Festivals are one of the best parts of summer in Chicago, ranging from blowout concerts to small neighborhood parties. Food and drinks are key to any celebration, but sometimes they're the real headliners. The city and surrounding suburbs host annual bashes including burger competitions, beer and wine tastings, and celebrations of vegan fare. Enjoy the weather by heading to one of these 30 festivals. The Loop and Near North Side Chicago Gourmet The Illinois Restaurant Association's annual festival kicks off from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 25 with a night of tacos prepared by local chefs paired with cocktails and agave spirits. The next day, diners can feast on burgers and vote for their favorites from 6-9 p.m. and then continue the party with bites and cocktails at TAO Chicago from 9 p.m. to midnight. Chef Stephanie Izard hosts a grand cru tasting of wine and spirits from 2-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. Sept. 27. Get a last taste of the celebration with brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28. Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph St., The Great American Lobster Fest Feast on a whole Maine lobster along with lobster bisque, lobster rolls and barbecue while browsing craft vendors and listening to live music. Aug. 16-17 at Navy Pier Beer Garden, 900 E. Grand Ave., Taste of Chicago Small versions of the annual celebration of Chicago's diverse culinary scene will be popping up in Marquette Park June 28, Pullman Park July 19 and Albany Park Aug. 9 before the main event on Sept. 5-7. Grant Park, 301 S. Columbus Drive; free, Taste of River North Downtown restaurants serve up bites at the annual fest that includes wine and spirits tastings, a dog parade, live music and a family area. 5-10 p.m. July 18 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 19 at 627 N. Wells St.; 773-868-3010, Vegandale Vendors from around the world serve a wide range of vegan fare, including tacos, waffles, doughnuts and ice cream, at a bash featuring interactive art and music. Noon to 8 p.m. June 21-22 at Grant Park, Butler Field, 350 E. Monroe St.; tickets are $17-$40, Chicago Taco & Tequila Fest Sample tacos from more than 10 Chicagoland restaurants paired with beer, tequila and margarita flights while listening to live music. 5-10 p.m. June 27 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 28 at Wrightwood Park, 2534 N. Greenview Ave.; tickets are $10, 773-868-3010, Craft Brews at the Zoo Visit the Lincoln Park Zoo after hours, where tasting stations will be serving more than 100 craft beers and ciders from local producers, including Right Bee Cider, Pipeworks Brewing Co. and Revolution Brewing. The adults-only party also features live music from SideStreets, food trucks and yard games. 7-10 p.m. June 28 at 2400 N. Cannon Drive; tickets are $57-$67, 312-742-2000, Flavors of Albany Park Choose from one of four routes on the annual restaurant crawl to sample dishes from neighborhood spots. 5-8 p.m. June 25 at North River Commission, 3403 W. Lawrence Ave.; tickets are $40, $25 for kids 12 and under, Horner Brew Fest Spend an evening in the park sipping beer and cider from more than 30 local breweries. Grab a snack from a food truck and catch live funk and soul from Bumpus. 6-10 p.m. July 18 at Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave.; tickets are $44-$54, 312-719-1960, Lakeview Taco Fest Try a variety of tacos from local restaurants and vote for your favorite at the 12th annual bash, which also features seasonal beers, Mexican wrestlers, live music on two stages and kids activities. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 23 and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 24 at 3500 N. Southport Ave.; $10 suggested donation, 773-868-3010, Ravenswood on Tap The neighborhood's Malt Row brewing community offers special tappings alongside cocktails from Koval Distillery, live music, food vendors and ax throwing. Noon to 10 p.m. July 19 and noon to 8 p.m. July 20 at Ravenswood and Berteau avenues; $10 suggested donation, 773-975-2088, Ribfest Chicago The 25th annual barbecue competition features a bourbon and whiskey tasting, live music on two stages and a kids area. 5-10 p.m. June 6 and noon to 10 p.m. June 7-8 at 4000 N. Lincoln Ave.; $10 suggested donation, 773-868-3010, Roscoe Village Burger Fest Burger vendors compete for your vote at the 18th annual fest, which also features two stages of live music with performers including 16 Candles and Hello Weekend. 5-10 p.m. July 18 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 19-20 at Fellger Park, 2000 W. Belmont Ave.; $10 suggested donation, 773-868-3010, Summer Wine Fest Stroll through the Lincoln Park Zoo's gardens and animal habitats while trying more than 50 varieties of wine from 20 wineries. The annual party also features guided tours with the horticulture team, live music, lawn games and free carousel rides. 7-10 p.m. July 25 at 2400 N. Cannon Drive; tickets are $57-$67, 312-742-2000, Taste of Lincoln Avenue The 41st annual street festival features food, arts and crafts vendors, a tasting of eight Midwestern whiskeys curated by Delilah's ($20-$25), live music on two stages, a dog parade and a kids' carnival. 3-10 p.m. July 25 and noon to 10 p.m. July 26 at 2500 N. Lincoln Ave.; $10 suggested donation, 773-868-3010, Taste of Polonia Billed as the largest Polish festival in the U.S., the Labor Day weekend celebration features tastings, a craft beer tent, and vendors selling pierogi, potato pancakes, blintzes, zapiekanka and other traditional fare. Tribute bands and comedians perform, and there are carnival rides, games and inflatables for the kids. 5-10:30 p.m. Aug. 29, noon to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 30-31 and noon to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 1 at Copernicus Center, 5216 W. Lawrence Ave.; tickets are $10-$15, WingOut Chicago Try variations on wings from vendors including Jake Melnick's Corner Tap and Smoke Daddy and vote for your favorite at the 10th annual fest, which also features live reggae, soul and R&B music. 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 5:30-8 p.m. Aug. 30 and 1:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 at Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St.; tickets are $20, Taste of Greektown Feast on Greek fare from neighborhood restaurants at the 35th annual celebration of Mediterranean culture, which also features performances from Greek bands and games. 4-10 p.m. Aug. 22 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 23-24 at 315 S. Halsted St.; $10 suggested donation, 773-868-3010, Taste of Randolph After, ROOP, Gaijin and other West Loop spots serve up food and drink at the 28th annual street festival, which also features live music, DJs and kids activities. 5-10 p.m. June 13 and noon to 10 p.m. June 14-15 at Randolph Street between Peoria Street and Racine Avenue; $10-$15 suggested donation, Windy City Smokeout Twenty-two pitmasters from around the country, including Chicago's Lexington Betty Smokehouse, Smoque BBQ and Soul & Smoke, show off a wide variety of barbecue styles at the annual festival. You'll also find cocktails and performances from top country music stars, including Bailey Zimmerman, Kane Brown and Old Dominion. July 10-13 at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St.; tickets are $77-$163, Tacos Y Tamales Festival The annual celebration of Latin cuisine includes regional fare paired with beer, micheladas and margaritas plus art installations, music and dance performances. 5-9 p.m. July 18 and noon to 9 p.m. July 18-20 on Blue Island Avenue between Wolcott and Ashland avenues; $7 suggested donation, Bloody Mary Fest Try versions of the classic cocktail made with a wide variety of booze and other ingredients as mixologists compete to make the best drink. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 17 at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood; free, Blues, Brews and BBQ Try beer, mead and cider from local producers including Casa Humilde Cerveceria, Noon Whistle Brewing and Penrose Brewing while listening to music from Marty 'Big Dog' Mercer, Brother John and Windy City Rev Ups. Noon to 3 p.m. June 7 at Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle; tickets are $68-$83, 630-968-0074, Evanston Art & Big Fork Festival Local restaurants and food trucks provide a variety of dishes in downtown Evanston, where you can also browse works from more than 150 artists. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 16 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 17 at 800 Church St., Evanston; free, Garlic Fest Enjoy the taste and smell of garlic in pasta, sandwiches and spreads, as well as more unusual combinations such as cookies, cocktails, ice cream and cupcakes. 4:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 13 at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood; free, Inferno Fest Test your heat tolerance by trying spicy American, Italian and Mexican dishes, desserts and cocktails, and competing in a hot taquito-eating contest. Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute band Wall of Denial performs and there will be other vendors for those who prefer their food mild. 4:30-9:30 p.m. June 25 at Everts Park, 111 North Ave., Highwood; free, Naperville Ale Fest Local breweries, including Pollyanna Brewing Co., Solemn Oath Brewery and Half Acre, offer samples of more than 100 beers while Cheesie's Pub & Grub, Pierogi Rig and other food trucks sell snacks. Noon-5 p.m. July 12 at Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville; tickets are $60, Oak Park Microbrew Review More than 50 breweries pour a variety of beers, seltzers, ciders and spirits at the 18th annual fest, which also features local food vendors and live music. Noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at 1010 Lake St., Oak Park; tickets are $63-$73, Taste of Highland Park Try a variety of dishes and drinks from more than a dozen vendors, including Cafe Dacha, Pixca, Ordo and Mil Colibris Bakery & Cafe while listening to music from Too Hype Crew and Queen Flash. 5-10 p.m. June 20-21 at Port Clinton Square, 600 Central Ave.; free, Taste of Oak Brook Celebrate Independence Day with food from Oak Brook restaurants, a beer garden tent, music from Sixteen Candles and DJ Speed, a drone show and a fireworks show at dusk. 4 p.m. July 3 at Village Sports Core Fields, 700 Oak Brook Road, Oak Brook,
