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
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!).
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.
(Chef Carla Hall)
Here’s how to explore Chicago’s restaurant world all in one place!
Throughout the weekend, there were cooking demonstrations, interactive wine and cocktail seminars by sponsor, Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, exploration of the finest wines at the Grand Cru, a collaboration between Cadillac as they introduce their Crossover vehicle and Do-Rite Donuts at their Cadillac Doughnut Bar, book signings at the AT&T tent with Chef Fabio Viviani, bbq, beer and bourbon presented by COUNTRY Financial and a visit to the Patron hacienda among so many other experiences on the grounds.
Tequila Passionfruit Popsicle
In conjunction with the main food and spirits festival, there were many ancillary events that included the Hamburger Hop (congrats Chef Tony Priolo from Piccolo Sogno and Maillard Tavern!), Italian Fest, Global StrEATs showcasing dishes and drinks from across the globe, and yoga at Rise and Shine Gourmet to name a few!
(The Global StrEATs Chefs)
Having a fun conversation with Chef Lorena Garcia
(Proxi)
(Barrio)
In the end, we ate, drank, listened to music and enjoyed the beauty of the Chicago skyline and architecture. This exceptionally organized culinary experience is a must see for anyone who appreciates the creativity and passion found in those in the restaurant industry. Mark your calendar for September 27-29, 2019, as Chicago Gourmet is the place to be. Just a warning that tickets sell out very quickly for this festival starting early in the year.
Highlights Of What We Ate And Drank
(Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab)
(Longman & Eagle, Coco Pazzo, Cherry Circle Room, Sapori Antichi bar Italiano, Mariano’s Vero Gelato)
(Fee Reign, Dos Urban Cantina, Kamehachi, Octavio Cantina)
(The vegetarian version to try the bbq sauce!)
(Parlay at Joy District)
(Band of Bohemia)
Every detail is thought of no matter the chef’s location.
(Terrace 16)
(Shrimp roll from Roanoke)
(Free Reign)
See Chicago Gourmet’s 10th anniversary festival and summary here.
Until next year, Chicago Gourmet! Cheers and Bon Appetit!
