Tuesday, July 23rd was the 2024 Chicago Gourmet launch party. As we eagerly await one of the biggest Fall events in Chicago, we received news on new events, mingled, and of course enjoyed yummy bites. Check out the details below for 2024 Chicago Gourmet.
CHICAGO GOURMET 2024 IS COMING IN HAUTE! THE PREMIER CULINARY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ITS 2024 LINEUP WITH TICKETS ON SALE
2024 Chicago Gourmet Launch Party
Good taste is hitting the runway at Chicago Gourmet 2024. The culinary event of the year is excited to announce this year’s lineup of fashion-inspired events, a stylish world-class roster of chefs, and the launch of ticket sales.
From September 21-29 and an early preview on August 15, one of the nation’s top culinary festivals, Chicago Gourmet, struts onto the scene in haute style. With the Illinois Restaurant Association as the founding sponsor and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits as the presenting sponsor, this year’s theme for the culinary extravaganza is ‘Fashion, Plated’—a celebration of the seamless fusion of food and fashion.
Fashion and food are deeply intertwined. Both art forms blend colors, textures, cultural expression, memories, and imagination. Each aspect of Chicago Gourmet will be tied to a fashion theme: bright colors for Tacos & Tequila, streetwear for Hamburger Hop, black and white parties for the Grand Cru, and posh pastels at Rise & Shine Gourmet. Chicago Gourmet is also partnering with local college students to create food-inspired fashions that participating chefs will show off at their events.
“Fashion and food both tell stories, sharing history, traditions, and cultures of people,” says Sam Toia, President & CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association. “That’s why it’s an honor to bring together these highly acclaimed chefs to share their stories in Chicago, the culinary capital of the United States.“
2023 Chicago Gourmet
Special Announcement: Leading up to the ticket launch, Chicago Gourmet hosted an entertaining ‘Best Dressed’ plating competition. Ten esteemed chefs competed online for public votes by showcasing beautiful photos of their stylishly plated dishes with the plate receiving the most votes named ‘Best Dressed’ and the chef receiving an honorarium for their chosen charity. The winning chef was announced at the 2024 Chicago Gourmet Launch Party. Congrats to Jessica Perjes from Tacotlan. As the winner, Jessica’s chosen charity, Cookies for kids will receive a donation in her honor.
The era of culinary fashion awaits on the Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park and beyond! There’s several new and returning events this year. For a full list of events and to buy your tickets head to: chicagogourmet.org.
THREE NEW EVENTS
EARLY PREVIEW: One-of-a-Kind!
NEW in 2024! Goats & Totes with Stephanie Izard, Thursday, August 15, 6:00-8:00 pm, Little Goat Diner,3325 N Southport Ave.
Guests become the designers at this intimate affair! Using a colorful sampling of fruits and vegetables as stamps, these apprentice designers will decorate their own bespoke tote bags. Hosted by Chef Stephanie Izard and presented by Little Goat Diner, this festival appetizer is sure to be a crowd pleaser. These lucky goats will graze on bites and drinks on Thursday, August 15, from 6:00-8:00pm.
$85 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+
FIRST DOWN THE RUNWAY: We’re Having a Ball!
NEW in 2024! Chefs Get Pickled, Saturday, September 21, 7:00-10:00 pm, SPF Chicago, 2121 N Clybourn Ave.
At this ball, party goers wear sneakers! Trading aprons for jerseys, favorite local chefs step out of the “kitchen” and gear up for a fun, new pickleball event on Saturday, September 21 from 7:00-10:00 pm, presented by SPF Chicago. With plenty of tasty bites and beverages to “relish” from participating restaurants, attendees will mix, mingle, and cheer on the chef competitors at Chefs Get Pickled, the inaugural Chicago Gourmet chef pickleball tournament, hosted by Chef Jeff Mauro. Between dink shots and slices, and the possibility of seeing a team get pickled, guests will have a ball!
Cheer on:
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Serafin Alvarado, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
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Lorenzo Boni, Barilla (new addition)
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Christine Cikowski, Honey Butter Fried Chicken
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Daniel de Oliveira, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
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Kevin Hickey, The Duck Inn
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Sandra Holl, Floriole
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Javauneeka Jacobs, Frontera Grill
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Josh Kulp, Honey Butter Fried Chicken
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James Martin, Bocadillo
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Matthias Merges, Folkart Management
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Sarah Mispagel, Loaf Lounge
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Timothy Minefee, Barilla
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Tigist Reda, Demera Ethiopian Restaurant
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Jonathon Sawyer, Kindling Downtown Cookout & Cocktails
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Anthony Scardino, Professor Pizza
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Art Smith, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion
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Paul Virant, Petit Vie / Vistro Prime / Gaijin / Jar Sessions
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Djibril Webb, Mordecai
Guests can also play for a nominal fee after the event has ended at 10PM.
$99 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+
A limited number of player spots are available to compete in the talent tournament! $300 per team of two, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.
NEXT UP: Made in Italy!
NEW in 2024! House of Gourmet Italian Dinner, Wednesday, September 25, 6:00-9:00 pm, Chicago History Museum, 1601 N Clark St.
Two things Italy is known for — food and fashion — make this dinner ‘perfetto’ for the Chicago Gourmet 2024 lineup! Held at the beautiful Chicago History Museum and emceed by culinary expert Mario Rizzotti, the House of Gourmet Italian Dinner, presented by Eataly, will treat guests to an extravagant, multi-course dinner fashioned by some of Chicago’s top chefs. Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will curate the beverage selections perfectly tailored to complement the deliciously designed dishes accompanied by a fashion showcase curated by Chicago Fashion Week on Wednesday, September 25 from 6:00-9:00 pm.
Delight in the cooking styles of:
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Casey Doody, Boka Restaurant Group
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Tony Priolo, Piccolo Sogno
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Diego Puddu, Eataly
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José Sosa, The Greggory Hearth & Tavern
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Fabio Viviani, Siena Tavern / Bar Siena
$225 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.
2024 Chicago Gourmet Launch Party
