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!
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. Funds raised through the event went to The Lynn Sage Foundation, Saturday Pace and Respiratory Health Association. Since the event’s origination in 2007, nearly $1 million has been raised to support these organizations.
Throughout the 30 luxury home building and renovation boutiques that showcased gorgeous tiles, flooring, lighting, premium appliances, cabinetry, kitchen design and plumbing were Chicago’s most talked about restaurants and chefs. I have shared my experiences working with the LuxeHome boutiques as you can see here.
As you wandered the first floor of The Merchandise Mart, you encountered musicians strolling the vast building, “beertenders” riding a bicycle stopping to hand you a pilsner, mariachis energizing the crowd, and then you step in to the showrooms to learn about the collaboration between the wineries and menus each chef has prepared.
Now, while we were all excited to taste the dishes being shared with us, there was an added bonus which comes with attending this culinary and wine feast: the opportunity to mingle with the Chefs themselves!
LuxeHome Chill 2017: Food and Wine
I know you are so curious about what was served at this year’s LuxeHome Chill, so here’s a small window of the deliciousness:
The Florentine, Chef Zachery Walrath
Butternut squash risotto, honey crisp apple, sage. Note: this was offered with pork belly. As a non-meat eater, this chef has accommodated me every time I have had the opportunity to try one of his dishes. And EVERY dish has been outstanding without the meat. To me, this means that he has prepared a dish that stands alone. I love that! Thank you, Chef! The risotto was delicious with the bonus of the apples.
The Hampton Social, Chef Ivy Stark
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Chef Justin Diglia
Ahi tuna tartare cones: Ahi tuna, avocado puree, togarashi, sesame dressing
Latincity Food Hall & Lounge, Chef Marcos Flores
Coctel e Camarones: poached shrimp, housemade cocktail sauce, cucumber, tomato and red onion
Marshall’s Landing, Chef Chef Michael Kornick
Tavern on Rush, Chef John Gatsos
Jumbo gulf shrimp with fresh tomato, feta cheese, dill, extra virgin olive oil and sautéed and served on a crouton
Hubbard Inn, Chef Matt Wilde
Lobster rolls: Maine lobster salad, red onion, celery, lettuce, aioli, New England hot dog bun
Howell’s & Hood, Chef Brett Faldstein
Tongue Twister: pressed watermelon, whipped burrata, spiced orange, sour apple and matcha. Pretty and delicious.
Maple & Ash, Executive Pastry Chef Aya Fukai
Coconut cream pie: coconut custard and rum Chantilly
Beatrix, Chef Yasmin Gutierrez
Oh My! Caramel Pie: shortbread cookie crust with caramel filling and a vanilla bean whipped cream
Firecakes Donuts, Chef Jonathon Fox
Buttermilk Old Fashioned, Sprinkle Donut and Chocolate Buttermilk Old Fashioned
Flight Club, Chef Rick Gresh
Cotton Candy: not the cotton candy from your childhood. Key Lime; LemongrassWines:
Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay
There are 150 wines and spirits to try! Come to the 2018 LuxeHome Chill and try them for yourself along with the wealth of talented chefs preparing specialties in collaboration. Cheers to a successful evening introducing me to new restaurants, wines and supporting three important charities in Chicago. Until next year, LuxeHome Chill!
I’m glad you had a great time, I’m a little jealous;) That event looks fabulous, I love mariachi by the way. What a fun way to experience new cuisine. Maybe next year…
Thank you, Tina. It was definitely a festive evening. The music was super fun too. Hope you get a chance one day to check it out.
What a fun post! Loved looking through all the photos!
The photos are such a great way to remember how delish the food was and which restaurants I need to go too. Thanks for the sweet words!
I love events like this! My husband and I will go to 1 or 2 big ones every year and a bunch of smaller, local events. They’re the best. Looks like you had a great time!
Thats such a great way to explore your city. Food brings people together after all! And we did, thank you!
This looks like a great time – so much good food in one place!!
Yes, totally! Highlights Chicago’s fabulous restaurants and chefs. Thanks
How fun! I’m in the Chicago area and I’ve never heard of this. Maybe next time….
Wow, you should totally come next year. It’s at the Merchandise Mart and is the perfect way to try 50 different restaurants all in one place. It’s so fun!
This sounds like such a fun event and some yummy looking food! Like how the chef was willing to accommodate you.
Thanks, Stephanie! That is very memorable to me as well. Says a lot about his focus on customer service.
Looks like you had great fun! amazing pics.
Thanks, Prasanna!
Swooning over the sight of that lobster roll! Sounds like a deliciously good time!!!
The seafood and lobster were awesome! Nothing better, right?! Thanks.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time! Such a fun event and so much delicious food too!
So true! Thanks.
Wow! Everything looks fabulous. What a fun thing to be a part of.
Thank you! It was definitely a great way to learn about new restaurants.