Raising the Bar – James Beard Foundation Celebrates Women Shaking Up Chicago’s Beverage Scene at Taste America Chicago Kick Off

Returning to Chicago for the sixth year, the James Beard Foundation’s Taste America^® presents a kick-off reception on Thursday, October 25, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Lakewood (1758 W. Lake St.). “Raising the Bar – James Beard Foundation Celebrates Women Shaking Up Chicago’s Beverage Scene,” will welcome approximately 200 guests to experience the city’s top mixologists while launching the full weekend of Taste America events. 

Hosted by Eden Restaurant owner Jodi Fyfe and Executive Chef Devon Quinn, Chicago’s leading ladies in mixology will create specialty cocktails in conjunction with Breakthru Beverage Group. Guests will also enjoy seasonal bites from Chef Quinn courtesy of Eden Restaurant. The esteemed lineup of local mixologists and sommeliers includes:

Julieta Campos: Head Bartender, The Whistler

Natalia Cardenas: Beverage Development Manager, Breakthru Beverage Group

Jarmel Doss: Assistant Bar Director, The Aviary*

Julia Momose: Creative Director & Partner, Kumiko; Beverage Curator, Oriole***

Alpana Singh: Master Sommelier; Host of “Check Please!;” Owner, Terra and Vine

Local Partners for the kick-off event include Breakthru Beverage Group, Eden, Illinois Restaurant Association, 3 Floyds Brewing Co., and S. Pellegrino. Make it Better is the official Media Partner. 

Tickets to “Raising The Bar – Women Shaking Up Chicago’s Beverage Scene,” are on sale now and can be purchased for $100 by visiting https://www.jamesbeard.org/events/taste-america-chicago-kick-off