2025 Chicago Gourmet Line Up!

GAME ON! CHICAGO GOURMET, POWERED BY INVESCO QQQ, ANNOUNCES ITS 2025 CULINARY FESTIVAL LINEUP WITH TICKETS ON SALE TODAY, JULY 25

Celebrating a fun sports theme in 2025, the premier event invites guests to “Step Up to the Plate!”

Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Appetites! One of the nation’s top food festivals, Chicago Gourmet powered by Invesco QQQ, is hitting the field this fall for the ultimate flavor experience. The culinary event of the year is excited to announce this year’s lineup of all-star chefs, sports-inspired events, and the launch of ticket sales today, July 25.

From September 25-28, with preview festivities throughout the summer, Chicago Gourmet returns with the theme “Step Up To The Plate”- a celebration of the shared passion, energy, and excellence found in both food and sports. Whether you’re here for the big league bites or buzzer-beater sips, this is the main event for food lovers who play to win.

“Chicago Gourmet is a celebration of the unmatched talent, innovation, and hustle that define our city’s food scene,” says Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association. “Just like in sports, excellence in hospitality comes down to precision, passion, and teamwork, and Chicago’s chefs continue to prove they’re playing at an elite level.”

The festival will take over the Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park, along with iconic venues across the city, transforming them into culinary arenas. The pre-game action starts early this year, with a new Culinary World Series of summer preview dinners and events designed to get food fans fired up ahead of the September main event weekend festivities. The Culinary World Series kicked off on July 2 with a sold-out, once-in-a-lifetime Italian dinner on the NASCAR Chicago Street Race course.

Ready for the main event?  This year’s Chicago Gourmet weekend schedule includes:

THE WEEKEND OPENER!

Tacos & Tequila, Thursday, September 25, 6:00-9:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.

Taco goooaals!  An absolute crowd favorite, Tacos & Tequila, presented by US Foods, starts off the action on Thursday, September 25th from 6:00-9:00 pm on the Harris Theater Rooftop! Hosted by renowned Chefs Rick Bayless of Bar Sótano, Frontera Grill and Marcos Carbajal of Carnitas Uruapan, Tacos & Tequila serves up big game tacos from top local chefs, premium agave spirits from Jose Cuervo Traditional, Patron Tequila, and others mixed in with specialty cocktails, traditional musical & dance performances, and much more. This night is in a league of its own!

Turn up the heat for:

• Marcos Ascencio & Oliver Poilevey, Mariscos San Pedro

• Manny Cisneros, Bar Tabú

• Diana Dávila, Mi Tocaya Antojería

• Jaysen Euler, Old Pueblo Cantina

• Veronica Fabre, Tacos El Rey

• Carlos Gaytán, Tzuco / Somos Hospitality Group

• Rishi Kumar & Zubair Mohajir, Mirra

• John Manion, Brasero / El Che Steakhouse & Bar

• Dan Harris, Tuco & Blondie

• Jessica Perjes, Tacotlan

• Jim Shirley, Jim Shirley Enterprises, South Walton, Florida

• Alfonso Sotelo, 5 Rabanitos

$130 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

A GLORIOUS DAY GAME!

Somm Sessions, Friday, September 26, 12:00- 2:00 pm, Adalina Prime, 360 N. Green St.

Presented by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, guests will steal away for an upscale luncheon on Friday, September 26, from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. Hosted by Chef Soo Ahn of Adalina Prime and Serafin Alvarado, MS of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, some of Chicago’s best sommeliers compete to team up a wine and song pairing, creating perfect harmony with the signature dishes. Along with a delightful — and delicious! — afternoon, guests will also be raising a glass because Somm Sessions will benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

$250 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

HEY PATTY, PATTY!

Hamburger Hop, Friday, September 26, 6:00-9:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.

Presented by Home Grown Program supported by Sysco, DoorDash, and Blue Moon, the fan-favorite Hamburger Hop is going crosstown chef classic this year. North Side and South Side chefs will be swinging for the fences with their best burgers on Friday, September 26, from 6:00-9:00 pm, teamed with plenty of cold Blue Moon beer, wine pours from Caymus Vineyards and cocktails from 1800 Tequila and more, plus pumping DJ music, and unmatched skyline views from the Harris Theater Rooftop. Co-hosted by Chefs Joe Flamm of Day Off Group,  Il Carciofo,  Rose Mary, and  BLVD Steakhouse (South Sider), and Sarah Grueneberg of Monteverde Restaurant and Pastificio (repping the North Side), two burgers will be crowned champs at the Hamburger Hop – the coveted Judge’s Award and the fan favorite People’s Choice.

Your burger MVPs:

• Joey Beato, Community Tavern

• Jeff Benzon, Burger Alley

• Marco Colin, Moe’s Cantina

• Joe Fontelera, Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant

• Bob Gallagher, Gibsons Restaurant Group

• Israel Idonije & Stephen Gillanders, The Staley

• Ross Johnson & John Papaioannou, Legends

• Martial Noguier, Bistronomic

• Dondee Robinson, Nafsi South Shore Beach

• Juan “George” Rodriguez, The Harding Tavern

• James Sanders & Nick Kleutsch, Sanders BBQ Supply Co

• Jim Shirley, Jim Shirley Enterprises, South Walton, Florida

• Jose Sosa, The Greggory

• Djibril Webb, Mordecai

$130 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

EXTRA TIME, EXTRA FLAVOR!

NEW in 2025! Asian Late Night Market, Friday, September 26, 9:00 pm-Midnight, TAO Chicago, 632 N Dearborn St.

Extra time on Friday night means extra fun at the Asian Late Night Market! After the Hamburger Hop, the party continues at a new Asian market-inspired celebration on Friday, September 26th from 9:00 pm to Midnight. Hosted by Chef Thai Dang of HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen and Crying Tiger and presented by TAO Chicago, this high-energy after-party keeps the action going with plenty of music, lights, dancing, and fun vendors serving late-night bites and specialty cocktails with an Asian flair. This new street market is a slam dunk.

Draft Picks for the Night:

• Henry Cai, 3LP

• Kelly, Michael, & Laura Cheng, Sun Wah BBQ

• Bo Fowler, BiXi Beer

• Huy Hoang, TAO Chicago

• Helen Nguyen, Saigon Social, New York City

$85 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

IT’S THE G.O.A.T.!  (GOURMET OF ALL TIME)

Grand Cru, Saturday, September 27, Session One 2:00 – 5:00 pm, Session Two 7:00-10:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.

Like Jordan, Biles, and Brady, Saturday’s Grand Cru is the GOAT. As the Harris Theater Rooftop buzzes with fabulous sights, smells, and sounds, the incomparable Grand Cru, presented by UnitedHealthcare and RATIONAL USA, on September 27th, showcases lights-out cuisine from best-of-the-best chefs paired with the very finest wines & spirits. Saturday is a beautiful day for the Cru, so let’s do two! Guests can enjoy their culinary MVPs during the afternoon session from 2:00-5:00pm, hosted by Goat-famous Chef Stephanie Izard Executive Chef and Owner of Girl & the Goat, Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat, Cabra, and Valley Goat, or during the evening session from 7:00-10:00 pm, hosted by Chef Karen Akunowicz of Fox & the Knife Enoteca, Bar Volpe Ristorante, and Fox Pasta Company.

Meet the all-star lineup:

Session 1: 2:00-5:00 pm:

• Fleetwood Covington, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, Miramar Beach, Florida

• Franco Diaz, The Langham, Chicago

• Norman Fenton, Cariño

• Mari Katsumura, Shō

• Drew Keane, Gibsons Italia

• Athinagoras Kostakos, La Serre

• Lamar Moore, etc.

• Tony Priolo, Piccolo Sogno

• Jacob Saben, Coda di Volpe

• Pat Sang, Oki Sushi

• Jim Shirley, Jim Shirley Enterprises, South Walton, Florida

• Bailey Sullivan, Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio

• Jenner Tomaska, The Alston

• Donald Young, Duck Sel

• Hisanobu Osaka, Miru

Session 2: 7:00-10:00 pm

• Junior Borges, Nic & Junior’s

• Fleetwood Covington, Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood, Miramar Beach, Florida

• Thai Dang, HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen / Crying Tiger

• Casey Doody, pastryCASE

• Brian Jupiter, Frontier / Ina Mae’s Packaged Goods / Migos Fine Foods

• Mari Katsumura, Shō

• Rob Levitt, Publican Quality Meats / The Publican

• Leo Ramos  & Reynel Mendoza, Kie-Gol-Lanee

• Carrie Nahabedian, Brindille

• Jake Potashnick, Feld

• Doug Psaltis, Asador Bastian

• Alexander Quintero, Toro by Chef Richard Sandoval, Chicago

• Pat Sang, Oki Sushi

• Sujan Sarkar, Indienne / Nadu / Sifr / Swadesi

• Jim Shirley, Jim Shirley Enterprises, South Walton, Florida

• Paul Virant, Petite Vie / Vistro Prime / Gaijin / Jar Sessions

• Gene Kato, Momotaro / Itoko

$255 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

THE HOME STRETCH!

Rise & Shine Gourmet, Sunday, September 28, 11:00 am-2:00 pm, Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.

Down the stretch on Sunday, it’s brunch time! Hosted by Chef Art Smith of Chef Art Smith’s Reunion, Restaurateur, TV Host, and Author Lorena Garcia, and Jernard Wells of Haute Cuisine, Rise & Shine Gourmet is presented by Performance Foodservice, Kerrygold, and COUNTRY Financial on September 28th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This Sunday sendoff delivers a brunch trifecta of top-tier chefs serving up sweet & savory bites, plenty of inventive cocktails, and lively music on the Harris Theater Rooftop. It’s the perfect victory lap for the weekend!

The Winners Circle:

• Mike Alaridi, Virgin Hotels

• Julián Almanza, Don Pez Fish Taco

• Michael Ciapciak, Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits / Pretty Cool Ice Cream

• Aaron Cuschieri, The Dearborn

• Mary Elder-McClure, Cafe Yaya

• Paul Fehribach, Big Jones

• Nikolaos Kapernaros, Pierless Hospitality at Navy Pier

• Dominique Leach, Lexington Betty Smokehouse

• Lawrence Letrero, Bayan Ko / Bayan Ko Diner

• Devon Quinn, Eden

• Cliff Rome, Peach’s Restaurant

• Jim Shirley, Jim Shirley Enterprises, South Walton, Florida

• Sarah Stegner, Prairie Grass Cafe

• Malvin Tan, Cebu Chicago

• Steven Zabel, Performance Foodservice

$115 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

NEW this year, an expanded lineup of incredible Culinary World Series events will heat up the city ahead of the Chicago Gourmet main event weekend—bringing bold flavors, top chefs, and all-star experiences to the table in a winning pregame celebration of food and sport. Events Include:

A GRAND SLAM OF A NIGHT!

NEW in 2025! Game Day Gourmet at the Crosstown Classic, Friday, July 25th, 6:00-9:00 pm, Rate Field, 333 W 35th St

Whether you have North Side pride or South Side swagger, everyone’s on the same team when it comes to great food and good vibes. At the new Game Day Gourmet, presented by Square and hosted by Chef Kevin Hickey of The Duck Inn on Friday, July 25, from 6:00-9:00 pm, guests can root, root, root while enjoying next-level ballpark fare, cocktails, wine, and beer from an air-conditioned private suite during the Crosstown Classic ballgame at Rate Field. Plus, top chefs will go head-to-head in “The Duck Inn Dog” showdown—our upscale spin on the classic hot dog—where you decide who waves the W!

Cheer On:

• Richie Farina, After

• Brian Jupiter, Frontier /, Migos Fine Foods / Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods

• Bill Kim, Urbanbelly / Table at Crate

• Rishi Kumar & Zubair Mohajir, Mirra

• Sarah Stegner, Prairie Grass Cafe

• Nick Toth, Levy Restaurants

$275 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+

A TRIBUTE TO A LEGEND!

NEW in 2025! A Tribute To Jackie Robinson Dinner, Wednesday, August 20, 6:00-9:00 pm, Virtue Restaurant, 1462 E 53rd St

On Wednesday, August 20, from 6:00-9:00 pm, James Beard Award-winning chefs Erick Williams and Damarr Brown will host a powerful evening honoring the legacy of Jackie Robinson at Virtue Restaurant. This special dinner pays tribute to Robinson’s courage, resilience, and lasting impact, both on and off the field. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception with canapés and live music by Marqueal Jordan & The Wachezaji, followed by a three-course dinner plus a selection of mignardises, which will reflect the spirit of perseverance and progress. Proceeds will benefit Virtue Leadership Development and the IRA Educational Foundation.

$225 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+

THE ULTIMATE MATCH-UP!

NEW in 2025! A One Night Only Collaboration: eden x Soul & Smoke,  Sunday, August 24, 5:00 pm-7:30 pm, eden Restaurant, 2734 W Roscoe St

Experience an unforgettable evening as two of Chicago’s standout chefs come together for a family style summer BBQ feast on Sunday, August 24 at 5 PM. Chef Devon Quinn of eden and Chef D’Andre Carter of Soul & Smoke are teaming up for a one-night-only collaboration that blends their distinct culinary styles into a vibrant, seasonal menu celebrating the flavors of summer.

$150 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+

GOING FOR GOLD

NEW in 2025! A Toast to the Games: An Evening Celebrating Champions, Thursday, September 4, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, Carpenter St, 111 N Carpenter St

Join us for an unforgettable evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and Olympic inspiration.  Mingle with past Olympians in an intimate, relaxed setting where you can hear their incredible stories first hand.  Sip, savor and spark conversations – this is your chance to gain insight into what it truly takes to compete on the world’s biggest stage. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to connect, celebrate, and be inspired!

$75 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+

ALL-STARS IN THE SKY

NEW in 2025!  High Spirits with Happ, Saturday, September 6, 7:00 pm-10:00pm (VIP hour from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm), The Penthouse at Fioretta, 318 N Sangamon St

Join us for an intimate evening at the Penthouse at Fioretta—where skyline views meet incredible food, great company, and a meaningful cause. Hosted by Ian Happ, this special night benefits The Happ Foundation, supporting youth wellness, education, and access to sports. Expect delicious bites from Prime & Provisions, La Serre, Lyra, Fioretta, and Siena Tavern and specialty cocktails crafted by DineAmic mixologists, and a lively atmosphere with a raffle featuring can’t-miss items and experiences. It’s all about coming together, giving back, and enjoying the best of what Chicago has to offer. Bring your friends, your appetite, and your generosity.

$300 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+

GAME LEGENDS

NEW in 2025! State of the Game: Illinois Icons, Tuesday, September 9,  6:00 pm-9:00 pm, The Dawson, 730 W Grand Ave

Join The Dawson for an unforgettable evening as part of Chicago Gourmet’s Culinary World Series—a celebration of global flavors, iconic chefs, and the rich cultural fabric of Chicago’s food scene.

“State of the Game: Illinois Icons” is a spirited celebration of Illinois Athletics, featuring special appearances from Fighting Illini greats across generations, alongside elevated hors d’oeuvres, craft cocktails, and more. Guests will enjoy a cocktail-style reception with live chef action stations, The Dawson’s signature wood-fired grill, and curated beer, wine, and cocktail pairings from the acclaimed bar team.

$150 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+

NEW in 2025! Robata & Rare Cuts: A Chef’s Tribute to Iconic Chicago Sports, Wednesday, September 10, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm, Roka Akor, 456 N Clark St

Join us for an exclusive, sports-inspired robatayaki dinner and wine pairing celebrating Chicago’s rich athletic legacy. Chef Ce Bian crafts an elevated multi-course experience paying tribute to the city’s iconic teams and stadium flavors, reimagined through Roka Akor’s signature robata grill, rare wagyu cuts, and artful sushi. Enjoy storytelling, unique cocktails, and fire-forged culinary mastery in a luxe, spirited setting.

$175 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+

FIRE UP THE FLAVORS!

NEW in 2025! Out of Left Field, Saturday, September 13, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, Mordecai, 3632 N Clark St

Kick off game day in style with a pregame experience like no other. Join us just steps from Wrigley Field for an intimate cocktail tasting with dishes from Chef Djibril Webb. Guests will explore a curated menu of inventive cocktails — bold, experimental takes on beloved classics — perfectly paired with elevated small bites.

Set in a stunning venue across from the ballpark, this exclusive event is the perfect warm-up before the Cubs take on the Tampa Bay Rays. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just here for the vibes, it’s a pregame that promises to impress.

$125 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+

EAT UP AND BEAR DOWN!

NEW in 2025! Gourmet Tailgate, Sunday, September 14, 11:30 am – 3:00 pm, Utopian Tailgate, 1608 N Wells St.

Forget the parking lot. This is tailgating, elevated. The new Gourmet Tailgate party, hosted by Chefs Jonathon Sawyer of Kindling and Britt Rescigno of Fiamma (Sun Valley, Idaho) and presented by COUNTRY Financial, touches down at Utopian Tailgate on Sunday, September 14, from 11:30 am-3:00 pm. Food fans and football fans alike should come hungry, come hyped, and come ready to catch the Bears game on the rooftop surrounded by unbeatable bites, drinks that go long, and a crowd that knows flavor is the real win.

Huddle up with chefs:

• Marcos Ascencio & Oliver Poilevey, Mariscos San Pedro

• Javier Bardauil, Barda, Detroit

• Martin Arellano, The Fifty/50 Group

• Israel Idonije & Stephen Gillanders, The Staley

 $110 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

TASTE THE VICTORY!

NEW in 2025!  Ice & Fire: A Taste of Glory with The Blackhawks & Chicago Fire FC, Thursday, September 18, 7:00 – 10:00 pm, Loft 22 at UMMO, 22 W Hubbard St

Join Chef Carlos Gaytán—the first Mexican-born chef to earn a Michelin star—for a one-night-only culinary showdown inspired by the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Fire FC. Chef Gaytán will turn up the heat (and bring the chill) with team-inspired menus that capture the spirit of competition and the heart of Chicago.

This special event is part of the Chicago Gourmet Culinary World Series, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Chicago Fire Foundation, and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation.

$75 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.

READY TO RALLY!

Chefs Get Pickled, Saturday, September 20, 7:00 – 10:00 pm, SPF Chicago, 2121 N Clybourn Ave.

Hosted by Chef Jeff Mauro of Mauro Provisions, Chefs Get Pickled, presented by South Walton, Florida, returns in 2025! Get ready for the ultimate mash-up of your favorite chefs, big flavors, and a side of pickleball action. Sip on premium wine, cocktails and beer, and nosh on scrumptious bites from local culinary favorites — all while cheering on your favorite “chefaletes” as they face off in a fun-filled pickleball tournament at SPF Chicago, a gorgeous space in Lincoln Park.

The starting lineup includes:

• Serafin Alvarado, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

• Dave Berni, Top Butcher

• Tom Carlin, Burl

• Rachel Canfora-Carlin, Burl

• Michael Ciapciak, Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits / Pretty Cool Ice Cream

• Christine Cikowski, Honey Butter Fried Chicken

• David Cunningham, Cinders & Salt, South Walton, Florida

• Aaron Cuschieri, The Dearborn

• Daniel de Oliveira, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

• Richie Farina, After

• Sandra Holl, Floriole

• Mathieu Holl, Floriole

• Josh Kulp, Honey Butter Fried Chicken

• Lawrence Letrero, Bayan Ko / Bayan Ko Diner

• Gabriel Magliaro, Half Acre Beer Co.

• Lamar Moore, etc.

• Jonathon Sawyer, Kindling Downtown Cookout & Cocktails

• Art Smith, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion

$99 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+

Tickets to Chicago Gourmet are live now, July 25, 2025, at chicagogourmet.org.

Chicago Gourmet programming will benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

(IRAEF), a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to building and promoting the health and prosperity of the restaurant industry by investing in both youth and workforce.