Culinary Event Archives - InspiringKitchen.com

Feb 19
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the landscape of Tuscany

Nonnas Teach Cooking Classes in Italy at Tuscan Women Cook

Posted by | Cooking, Culinary Event, Travel | No Comments
What could be better than learning to cook authentic Italian food from the grandmothers (nonnas) of Tuscany? One of my favorite ways to experience the lifestyle in different cities and countries is to explore their culinary world. From restaurants to home cooking to cooking classes to food markets and beyond, there are so many ways to immerse yourself in the culture. 
women cooking Tuscany
Located in the heart of Tuscany, Tuscan Women Cook celebrates the food and culture of the Italian region with their popular culinary vacation. Ensconced in the beautiful village of Montefollonico, Tuscan Women Cook offers an immersive cooking program to their guests.
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Jul 30
1
Eli's Cheesecake

Eli’s Cheesecake: A Sweet Story of Dessert and Generosity

Posted by | Chicago, Culinary Event, Desserts | No Comments

When people talk about what food Chicago is famous for, the first thing mentioned is “deep dish pizza”. Well, another Chicago food tradition (and a personal favorite) actually started back in 1966 with the opening of Eli’s the Place for Steak. Chicago style cheesecake was introduced to diners at the restaurant in the late 1970’s as the signature dessert.

original mixer Eli's Cheesecake: A Sweet Story of Dessert and Generosity

Eli’s Cheesecake: A little history

Long time restaurateur, Eli Schulman, had successfully created two previous dining venues before opening Eli’s the Place for Steak just off the Magnificent Mile. He had a celebrity following from legends Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr.… Read more

Oct 03
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Highlights from Chicago’s Premier Food and Wine Festival – Chicago Gourmet

Posted by | Bon Appetit, Chefs, Chicago, Culinary Event, Illinois Restaurant Association, Restaurants | No Comments

Highlights from Chicago's Premier Food and Wine Festival - Chicago Gourmet

Highlights from Chicago’s Premier Food and Wine Festival – Chicago Gourmet – We ate, we drank and we #RockedTheFork at this year’s culinary event.

 

Chicago’s Millennium Park was the place to be as we celebrated the 11th year of Chicago Gourmet. The theme of #RockTheFork had hundreds of chefs, master sommeliers, wine and spirit makers and others sharing their specialties.

Chicago Gourmet Opening Ceremony

Highlights from Chicago's Premier Food and Wine Festival - Chicago Gourmet

Music played a big role in entertaining the more than 14,000 attendees with sounds ranging from guitar to the Blues to Mariachi’s to rock (of course!). 

Highlights from Chicago's Premier Food and Wine Festival - Chicago Gourmet

This world class culinary festival started off with an opening ceremony led by Illinois Restaurant Association President and CEO, Sam Toia, Bon Appetit’s Editor In Chief Adam Rapoport, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits of Illinois, Mike House, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, along with celebrity chefs Rick Bayless, Carla Hall, Lorena Garcia, Bravo’s Top Chef, Joe Flamm and others. … Read more

Jul 31
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Hyatt Cooks Up The Good Taste Series Culinary Competition

Posted by | Chicago, Culinary Event, Restaurants, Travel | No Comments

Hyatt Cooks Up The Good Taste Series Culinary Competition – Eleven chefs from Hyatt hotels compete Iron Chef style for winner to attend global competition.

If you are a fan of Food Network shows Iron Chef or Chopped or Bravo’s Top Chef, you can imagine how nerve-wracking it must be for the chefs competing to win that coveted title. Their culinary knowledge and creativity are all tested in a fast paced environment. To say the kitchen is “hot” is an understatement!

In the spirit of these shows, I was invited for the second time to judge a chef competition for the Hyatt Corporation. In… Read more

Jul 15
1

Beer, BBQ and Country Music at Windy City Smokeout

Posted by | Chicago, Culinary Event, Festival, Restaurants, Tourism | No Comments
 
Grab your cowboy boots and hat and make your way to the Windy City Smokeout happening this weekend in Chicago. Gates just opened for the 5th year of this food and music fest with two stages filled with artists from around the country entertaining fans all weekend long. 

Beer, BBQ and Country Music at Windy City Smokeout

With over 25 country music bands playing throughout the three day festival

Beer, BBQ and Country Music at Windy City Smokeout

and 20 of the world’s best pitmasters sharing their BBQ creations, this is an event you just can’t miss. … Read more

Mar 07
2

James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour Visits Chicago

Posted by | Chicago, Culinary Event, Restaurants | 10 Comments

James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour Visits Chicago – A multi-course dinner prepared by JBF Award winning and local chefs hosted by the Four Seasons Chicago.

If you consider yourself a “foodie”, love dining out at restaurants with chefs that take their culinary talent to the next level with innovative dishes and an artistic or “eat with your eyes” presentation, then you will want to attend the next stop for the JBF Celebrity Chef Tour.James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour Visits Chicago

Just what is JBF? The James Beard Foundation is an organization with the mission to “celebrate, nurture and honor chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse and sustainable for everyone.”… Read more

Nov 20
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Festive Fun Decorating Gingerbread Houses at Four Seasons Chicago

Posted by | Culinary Event, Holidays | 12 Comments

Festive Fun Decorating Gingerbread Houses at Four Seasons Chicago – Holiday festivities abound at the Four Seasons at a gingerbread house decorating party.

With the first snow of the season blanketing the city, the reminder that the holidays are fast approaching brings excitement and lots of energy to the city. Creating traditions is one of the most special things to do this time of year. As locals and tourists look for memorable activities to do while they are preparing for the festivities, the Four Seasons Chicago and Allium Restaurant & Bar are here to help. Festive Fun Decorating Gingerbread Houses at Four Seasons Chicago

Known for their extraordinary service whether accommodations, culinary, relaxation or business/personal gatherings, this luxury brand has created a wish list of holiday events for everyone to enjoy.… Read more

Nov 13
1

LuxeHome Chill 2017: Food, Wine and Kitchen Design

Posted by | Culinary Event, Fundraiser, Restaurants, Wines | 20 Comments

LuxeHome Chill 2017: Food, Wine and Kitchen Design – a delicious recap of my experience at the International wine and food festival led by 50 Chicago Chefs.

What could be more fun than attending an event with the top 50 chefs in Chicago, access to more than 150 premium international wines and located in the most beautiful interior design showrooms around with the goal of raising money for three important Chicago charities? Not much, if you ask me!

LuxeHome Chill 2017: Food, Wine and Kitchen Design logo

The 10-year celebration of LuxeHome Chill, in partnership with LuxeHome and Wine Spectator Magazine took place this past week with an estimated 2,500 guests.… Read more

Nov 17
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LuxeHome Chill at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart

Posted by | Culinary Event, Fundraiser | 5 Comments

luxehome-chill-merchandise-mart-inspiring-kitchen

As someone who works in the home design and cooking space, attending LuxeHome Chill each November is one of the highlights of the year for me. This year, we celebrated the 10th annual LuxeHome Chill International Wine and Culinary event. Held at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, designer showrooms filled with the most gorgeous housewares, fabrics and lighting grace the vignettes which are the backdrop for over 50 world class chefs and over 150 wines to be offered to guests.luxehome-housewares-picmThis premier food festival is presented in cooperation with Wine Spectator Magazine with the evening’s proceeds benefiting three Chicago charities:

The Lynn Sage Foundation – Dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer, this foundation has raised over $2 million to support the Lynn Sage Scholars Program which is 100% local to Chicago and fully research based. … Read more

Oct 07
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Dining and Drinking at Chicago Gourmet 2016

Posted by | Culinary Event | 5 Comments

The Fall season brings many wonderful things to Chicagoans. And nothing is more exciting for someone who loves the culinary scene more than Bon Appetit presents Chicago Gourmet. In fact, this is the 9th year of this upscale, diverse, educational, fun and delicious food festival.  

chicago gourmet 2016 inspiring kitchen

(Aperol Spritz – Aperol, Mionetto Prosecco, Splash of Soda)

Taking place in Millennium Park, Chicago Gourmet offers attendees a full weekend filled with activities, adventures and great food. You will find chef demonstrations, interactive wine and cocktail seminars, the best of the best restaurants offering samples of their creations, wineries, spirit purveyors and breweries pouring their specialties, food brands sampling new products, cookbooks being introduced and parties like Friday night’s Hamburger Hop and the exclusive Grand Cru tasting.… Read more