Chicago Gourmet has announced this year’s ensemble of chefs, a lineup of dance-inspired events, and the official launch of ancillary event ticket sales July 22.
From September 23–27, with opening act festivities kicking off early, Chicago Gourmet returns with the theme “Let Your Tastebuds Dance” - a celebration of the shared energy, rhythm, and passion found in both food and movement.
This year’s Chicago Gourmet schedule includes:
Gourmet Tailgate, Sunday, September 13, 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, Utopian Tailgate, 1608 N Wells St.
Hosted by Jonathon Sawyer and Cheetie Kumar, guests will watch the Chicago Bears in action while sampling gourmet spins on tailgate favorites. $110 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. The Choreographed Chef Lineup:
Marcos Ascencio & Oliver Poilevey, Mariscos San Pedro, Taquería Chingón
Alexander Carnovale & Israel Idonije, Buttercup
Chris Cunningham, JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop
Fernando Mendoza, Utopian Tailgate
Global Stage Dinner, Wednesday, September 23, 6 pm - 9 pm, Pritzker Pavilion Stage at Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph Street
The Global Stage Dinner is a brand-new dining experience that takes place directly on the Pritzker Pavilion stage. Guests will enjoy a choreographed multi-course dinner. Dishes will be accompanied by a live dance experience that inspired the dish and celebrates the chef's heritage. $250 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. The Headliners:
Lorena Garcia, Chef, Owner, Restauranteur, TV Host, Author (Miami)
Kwame Onwuachi, Dōgon by Kwame Onwuachi (New York City)
Tony Priolo, Piccolo Sogno
John Shields, The Loyalist
Asian Night Market, Wednesday, September 23, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St.
Step into a street market experience hosted by Thai Dang and Beverly Kim at Bridgeport’s Zhou B Art Center. Savor late-night-style bites with an Asian flair, music, and specialty cocktails. $99 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. Performers for the night:
Joe Fontelera, Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant
Gene Kato, Momotaro
Aaron Kabot, Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar
Sathish Kumar, INDIENNE
Andrew Lim, PERILLA Korean Fare / PERILLA Korean Steakhouse
Helen Nguyen, Saigon Social / Cô Lạc (New York City)
Tacos & Tequila, Thursday, September 24, from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
Tacos & Tequila kicks off Chicago Gourmet weekend with a celebration of Mexican cuisine, agave spirits, and dance. Hosted by chefs Rick Bayless and Diana Dávila, the evening features a curated selection of tacos from local chefs paired with premium tequila and mezcal. Guests can experience the live mariachi, traditional Mexican folk dancers, mojiganga performances, and a DJ set. $130 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. Turn up the heat for:
Elton Ambrose, Fairmont
Marcos Ascencio & Oliver Poilevey, Mariscos San Pedro, Taquería Chingón
Marco Colin, La Luna / La Lunita
Jaysen Euler, Old Pueblo Cantina
Dan Harris, Tuco & Blondie
Eddie Jobin, US Foods
Reynel Mendoza & Leo Ramos, Kie-Gol-Lanee
George Riley Miller, Vue on 30a (South Walton, Florida)
Carlos Munoz, Istmo
Jessica Perjes, Tacotlan
Somm Sessions Friday, September 25, 12:00–2:00 pm, Adalina Italian, 912 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
At Somm Sessions, guests will slip away for a lyrical luncheon hosted by Chef Soo Ahn and Sommelier Serafin Alvarado. Some of Chicago’s best sommeliers will compete to pair the perfect wine and song with signature dishes. Guests will be raising a glass for a cause, with proceeds benefiting the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. $250 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.
Hamburger Hop, Friday, September 25, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
The Hamburger Hop will once again serve up takes on the classic alongside beer, wine, and cocktails. This year, the experience is elevated with live breakdancing and music-driven entertainment. Hosted by chefs Joe Flamm and Jeff Mauro, celebrity judges award the Judges’ Choice and attendees crown the People’s Choice. Toro, located inside the Fairmont hotel, will host this year’s Hamburger Hop after party from 9pm-12am! Enjoy live DJ spins all night, fire and samba dancers, and a churro station for a late night bite. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $130 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. The Burger Crew:
Damion Henry, Torali Italian-Steak at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
Josean Irizarry, Smash Jibarito
John McClean & Martin Murch, Burger Bar Chicago
George Riley Miller, Vue on 30a (South Walton, Florida)
Rahim Muhammad, Mahari
Gustavo Torres, Empire Burger
Alex Williams, Leavitt Street Inn & Tavern
The Dawson
Judges:
Amy Cavanaugh, Chicago Magazine
Bruno Lacaria, Invesco QQQ
Tony Mantuano, The Purple Pig
Art Mendoza, Toasted Hospitality
James Sanders, Sanders BBQ Supply Co.
Scott Stroemer, Galit / Cafe Yaya
Grand Cru, Saturday, September 26, Session One 2:00 - 5:00 pm, Session Two 7:00-10:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
Saturday’s Grand Cru is taking over the Harris Theater Rooftop on September 26, this signature experience is a choreography of cuisine from 30+ award-winning chefs paired with a lineup of premium wines and spirits. Guests can groove into the afternoon session from 2-5:00 pm, hosted by chefs Stephanie Izard and Lee Anne Wong or step out for the evening edition from 7-10:00 pm, hosted by chefs Sarah Grueneberg and Chris Shepherd. $255 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.
Session 1: 2:00-5:00 pm:
D’Andre Carter, Soul & Smoke
Fleetwood Covington, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood (South Walton, Florida)
Aaron Cuschieri, The Dearborn
Thai Dang, HaiSous / Cà Phê Dá / Crying Tiger / Kitty’s Cosmopolitan Club / Gus’s Sip & Dip
Norman Fenton, Cariño
Javauneeka Jacobs, Frontera Grill
Nikolaos Kapernaros, Pierless Hospitality at Navy Pier
Chef Demos, September 26, Various times throughout the day, Pritzker Pavilion Stage at Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph Street
Demos are back at Chicago Gourmet! Join on Saturday, September 26, at the Pritzker Pavilion stage for a full lineup of culinary demonstrations from all-star chefs. Guests are invited to get up close and personal to the chefs as they showcase their best tips and tricks to recreating some of their most popular dishes. Chef Demo tickets are available as an add on to any Grand Cru ticket purchase. $20 per person, per demo, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. Grand Cru ticket required. Participating chefs include:
1:00-1:30 pm Stephanie Izard, Girl & the Goat (Chicago and LA), Little Goat Diner, Duck Duck Goat, Cabra (Chicago & LA), Valley Goat & Lee Anne Wong, Koko Head Cafe (HawaiI)
2:30-3:00 pm - Rick Bayless, Frontera Grill & Diana Dávila, Mi Tocaya Antojería
3:30-4:00 pm - Tony Mantuano, The Purple Pig, Takashi Yagihashi, Noodles by Takashi, Tabo Sushi and Noodles, Slurping Turtle & John Hogan
5:00-5:30 pm - Art Smith, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion & Fleetwood Covington, Seagar's Prime Steaks & Seafood (South Walton, Florida)
6:00-6:30 pm - Sarah Grueneberg, Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio & Chris Shepherd, Southern Smoke Foundation (Texas)
Rise & Shine Gourmet, Sunday, September 27, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
Sunday’s Rise & Shine Gourmet brunch brings a down-home country cookout to the Harris Theater Rooftop on September 27, from 12–3:00 pm. Hosted by chefs Art Smith and Erick Williams, this gathering features a spread of sweet and savory bites from top-tier chefs and cocktails. $115 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. The Closing Ensemble:
John Avila, Rendang Republic
Fleetwood Covington, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood (South Walton, Florida)
Lalo Garcia, Nonnina
Dominique Leach, Lexington Betty’s Smokehouse
Chris Murphy, Junebug Cafe Six Corners
Lamar Moore, Mariano’s Tastemaker
Martial Noguier, Bistronomic
Raul Polidario, The Prospect
Devon Quinn, eden
Tigist Reda, Demera
Darnell Reed, Luella’s Southern Kitchen
Jose Sosa, The Greggory
Sarah Stegner, Prairie Grass Cafe
Steven Zabel, Performance Foodservice
Dine Around Series, September 1-18, Restaurants Across Chicagoland
The Dine Around Series takes Chicago Gourmet beyond the main festival grounds and directly into the city’s diverse neighborhoods. For nearly three weeks, food lovers can visit ~80 restaurants to experience exclusive, festival-inspired dishes, tasting menus, cocktails, and wine pairings. As an added bonus, guests who spend $50 or more at participating restaurants during the series can enter to win an ultimate Chicago Gourmet VIP experience, featuring a two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, four tickets to the Hamburger Hop, and four tickets to the Grand Cru, Session 2.
Participating Dine Around Series restaurants include:
14 Parish Restaurant and Rhum Bar, Ambar Chicago, Avli on The Park, Beatnik, Bistro Verde - Lincoln Land Community College, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!, Carnivale Restaurant Chicago, Cebu Chicago, Chef Art Smith's Reunion, CheSa’s Bistro & Bar, Clara's, Coco Pazzo, Dawn A.M. Eatery, eden, Ema - River North, Fat Rosie's, Firelake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, Frontera Grill, Gaijin, Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine, Gene and Georgetti, Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Il Porcellino, JR Dessert Bakery, Kapitan, Kinzie Chophouse, La Luna, La Lunita, Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!, Mama Delia, Mercadito Lincoln Park, Mercadito River North, Mexican Radio, Mon Ami Gabi, Mordecai, Nonnina, Petterino's, Piccolo Sogno, Pizzeria Portofino, Pour Destino - Elmhurst, Ramen-san Deluxe, Ramen-san Fulton Market, Ramen-san Lincoln Park, Ramen-san River North, Roanoke, RPM Italian, RPM Seafood, RPM Steak, Saigon Sisters, Sepia, Sifr, Soul & Smoke, State and Lake Chicago Tavern, Sushi-san Lincoln Park, Sushi-san River North, Tacotlan, Tandoor Char House, Tanta Cocina Peruana, Taqueria Los Comales, Taste 222, Tavern on Rush, The Albert, The Dearborn, The Prospect, The Smith, The Vig West Loop, Tortoise Supper Club, TZUCO Chicago, UMMO Chicago
Tickets to Chicago Gourmet are live now at chicagogourmet.org.
The Rundown
Chicago Gourmet has announced this year’s ensemble of chefs, a lineup of dance-inspired events, and the official launch of ancillary event ticket sales July 22.
From September 23–27, with opening act festivities kicking off early, Chicago Gourmet returns with the theme “Let Your Tastebuds Dance” - a celebration of the shared energy, rhythm, and passion found in both food and movement.
This year’s Chicago Gourmet schedule includes:
Gourmet Tailgate, Sunday, September 13, 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, Utopian Tailgate, 1608 N Wells St.
Hosted by Jonathon Sawyer and Cheetie Kumar, guests will watch the Chicago Bears in action while sampling gourmet spins on tailgate favorites. $110 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. The Choreographed Chef Lineup:
Global Stage Dinner, Wednesday, September 23, 6 pm - 9 pm, Pritzker Pavilion Stage at Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph Street
The Global Stage Dinner is a brand-new dining experience that takes place directly on the Pritzker Pavilion stage. Guests will enjoy a choreographed multi-course dinner. Dishes will be accompanied by a live dance experience that inspired the dish and celebrates the chef's heritage. $250 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. The Headliners:
Asian Night Market, Wednesday, September 23, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St.
Step into a street market experience hosted by Thai Dang and Beverly Kim at Bridgeport’s Zhou B Art Center. Savor late-night-style bites with an Asian flair, music, and specialty cocktails. $99 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. Performers for the night:
Tacos & Tequila, Thursday, September 24, from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
Tacos & Tequila kicks off Chicago Gourmet weekend with a celebration of Mexican cuisine, agave spirits, and dance. Hosted by chefs Rick Bayless and Diana Dávila, the evening features a curated selection of tacos from local chefs paired with premium tequila and mezcal. Guests can experience the live mariachi, traditional Mexican folk dancers, mojiganga performances, and a DJ set. $130 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. Turn up the heat for:
Somm Sessions Friday, September 25, 12:00–2:00 pm, Adalina Italian, 912 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
At Somm Sessions, guests will slip away for a lyrical luncheon hosted by Chef Soo Ahn and Sommelier Serafin Alvarado. Some of Chicago’s best sommeliers will compete to pair the perfect wine and song with signature dishes. Guests will be raising a glass for a cause, with proceeds benefiting the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. $250 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.
Hamburger Hop, Friday, September 25, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
The Hamburger Hop will once again serve up takes on the classic alongside beer, wine, and cocktails. This year, the experience is elevated with live breakdancing and music-driven entertainment. Hosted by chefs Joe Flamm and Jeff Mauro, celebrity judges award the Judges’ Choice and attendees crown the People’s Choice. Toro, located inside the Fairmont hotel, will host this year’s Hamburger Hop after party from 9pm-12am! Enjoy live DJ spins all night, fire and samba dancers, and a churro station for a late night bite. Tickets are available on Eventbrite. $130 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. The Burger Crew:
Judges:
Grand Cru, Saturday, September 26, Session One 2:00 - 5:00 pm, Session Two 7:00-10:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
Saturday’s Grand Cru is taking over the Harris Theater Rooftop on September 26, this signature experience is a choreography of cuisine from 30+ award-winning chefs paired with a lineup of premium wines and spirits. Guests can groove into the afternoon session from 2-5:00 pm, hosted by chefs Stephanie Izard and Lee Anne Wong or step out for the evening edition from 7-10:00 pm, hosted by chefs Sarah Grueneberg and Chris Shepherd. $255 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.
Session 1: 2:00-5:00 pm:
Session 2: 7:00-10:00 pm
Chef Demos, September 26, Various times throughout the day, Pritzker Pavilion Stage at Millennium Park, 201 East Randolph Street
Demos are back at Chicago Gourmet! Join on Saturday, September 26, at the Pritzker Pavilion stage for a full lineup of culinary demonstrations from all-star chefs. Guests are invited to get up close and personal to the chefs as they showcase their best tips and tricks to recreating some of their most popular dishes. Chef Demo tickets are available as an add on to any Grand Cru ticket purchase. $20 per person, per demo, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. Grand Cru ticket required. Participating chefs include:
Rise & Shine Gourmet, Sunday, September 27, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
Sunday’s Rise & Shine Gourmet brunch brings a down-home country cookout to the Harris Theater Rooftop on September 27, from 12–3:00 pm. Hosted by chefs Art Smith and Erick Williams, this gathering features a spread of sweet and savory bites from top-tier chefs and cocktails. $115 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. The Closing Ensemble:
Dine Around Series, September 1-18, Restaurants Across Chicagoland
The Dine Around Series takes Chicago Gourmet beyond the main festival grounds and directly into the city’s diverse neighborhoods. For nearly three weeks, food lovers can visit ~80 restaurants to experience exclusive, festival-inspired dishes, tasting menus, cocktails, and wine pairings. As an added bonus, guests who spend $50 or more at participating restaurants during the series can enter to win an ultimate Chicago Gourmet VIP experience, featuring a two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, four tickets to the Hamburger Hop, and four tickets to the Grand Cru, Session 2.
Participating Dine Around Series restaurants include:
Tickets to Chicago Gourmet are live now at chicagogourmet.org.
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Location
201 E. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601
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