Taste Talks Returns to Chicago this Fall

Taste Talks, a national series of innovative food festivals that has hosted sold-out events around the country, has announced the return of Taste Talks Chicago, curated by chef Jason Hammel of Lula Café. From Friday, September 30 - Sunday, October 2, top cultural influencers and culinary luminaries will gather in Chicago for the festival, celebrating the future of taste.

A limited release of Early Bird tickets and passes are now on sale. For more information on the festival and how to attend, please visit chicago.tastetalks.com

First launched in Brooklyn in 2012, followed by Chicago in 2013 and expanding this year to Los Angeles, each Taste Talks weekend includes a day-long celebration of culinary innovation through a series of panels, fireside chats, workshops and tastings; exclusive meals and VIP parties featuring top chefs and personalities; and the signature All-Star BBQ, where the biggest names in food and pop culture team up for a festive cookout with live music.

Chef and owner of Chicago's Lula Café, Hammel is nationally regarded for his commitment to sustainable and local cuisine. As festival curator, Hammel will draw on the global culinary inspiration reflected in Chicago's vibrant culinary landscape, bringing together his favorite food, beverage, and music experts for a weekend of epicurean delight and culture.

Festival highlights include appearances by:

• Jimmy Bannos, Jr.: Chef/owner, The Purple Pig
• Abe Conlon: Chef/owner, Fat Rice
• Brian Enyart: Executive Chef, Dos Urban Cantina
• Sarah Grueneberg: Chef/partner, Monteverde
• Jennifer Jones Enyart: Pastry Chef, Dos Urban Cantina
• C.J. Jacobson: Executive Chef, Ema
• Brian Jupiter: Executive Chef, Frontier 
• Rachael Lowe: Beverage Director, Spiaggia
• Iliana Regan: Chef/owner, Elizabeth
• Mathew Rice: Pastry Chef, Publican
• Joanne Stachon: Executive Chef, Ada Street
• Jason Vincent: Chef/owner, Giant

More to be announced in the coming months.