Photo Cred: James Vitullo
CHICAGO GOURMET IS “CREATING A STIR” WITH 2022 FESTIVAL
The festival will feature fan favorites plus a new gourmet take on Oktoberfest.
Chicago Gourmet, one of the nation’s most distinguished food festivals, will host a weekend of unforgettable celebrations from September 22-25, 2022. Founding sponsor Illinois Restaurant Association, together with presenting sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, will offer a festival of fan favorites alongside new experiences that champion Chicago’s dynamic dining landscape.
Dedicated to the dreamers and doers in Chicago’s diverse culinary community, the 2022 theme will be “Creating a Stir.”
“This year, we are focused on presenting our favorite programs—what truly makes Chicago Gourmet so special. Of course, we have a few tricks up our sleeves to ensure an unforgettable celebration and a wonderful weekend to toast Chicago’s diverse culinary landscape,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO, Illinois Restaurant Association.
Chicago Gourmet 2022 will feature a host of extraordinary experiences on the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park, including:
Chef Rick Bayless
• A perfect kickoff to the festival weekend, Tacos & Tequila, hosted by Chef Rick Bayless and presented by US FOODS, will reprise its role on Thursday, September 22 from 7 – 10PM with a spectacular showcase of gourmet tacos and agave spirits presented by some of the city’s most impassioned leaders of authentic Mexican cuisine. Guests can explore a range of premium tequilas and mezcals to the stylings of DJ, mariachi and mojiganga performances. It’ll be taco overboard!
• The Burger is Back. A perennial hit, Hamburger Hop hosted by Chef Stephanie Izard presented by Buckhead Meat and Blue Moon will feature chef competitors battling it out atop the Harris Theater Rooftop. At stake on Friday, September 23 from 6 – 9PM: the ultimate bragging rights in burger supremacy. Two winners will be crowned – Judge’s top burger and the People’s Choice!
• The flavors continue to build on Saturday with the beloved Grand Cru. Presented by UnitedHealthcare, this event will showcase the world’s finest wines curated by the nation’s leading wine experts, an enhanced focus on craft spirits, and unforgettable cuisine prepared by Chicago’s award-winning chefs. It’s so nice we’re doing it twice. Saturday, September 24, 2 – 5PM and 7 – 10PM.
• A Sünday Fünday with a gourmet twist, Prost! In the Park is certain to delight as a new festival highlight. This gourmet Oktoberfest-style beer and spirits festival will feature brews, bites, and boozie bevs from popular and soon-to-be-discovered producers. Of course, ticketholders can expect a celebration in the German tradition with a distinctly Chicago flare when Prost! In the Park takes place on Sunday, September 25 from 1 – 4PM. Lederhosen not required (but encouraged!)
As the industry continues to recover, organizers have decided to postpone the Grand Tasting on the Great Lawn in Millennium Park until September 2023.
2022’s full event lineup, details, and tickets will be announced in July at chicagogourmet.org.
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