Beloved Chicago Chef Darnell Reed of Luella’s Southern Kitchen – located in Chicago’s vibrant Lincoln Square neighborhood – steps into the spotlight, serving as the Host Chef for the star-studded party. Guests will have the opportunity to experience exclusive tasting portions from more than 50 restaurants showcasing their respective Chicago Restaurant Week menus, as well as wine, beer, spirits, entertainment and more.
“I am honored to serve as the 2023 host for First Bites Bash,” said Chef Reed. “This event provides an amazing opportunity for Chicagoans to meet some of the most celebrated chefs in the city and to preview the exciting flavors that can only be found during Chicago Restaurant Week,” he added. “My team and I are also very passionate about the causes it supports, which bolsters opportunities for our youth – our next generation of leaders.”
Choose Chicago, in partnership with Society Insurance, is pleased to continue the longstanding tradition of supporting local organizations by donating a portion of the proceeds from First Bites Bash. For 2023, a donation will be made to Kitchen Possible, an organization dear to Chef Reed’s heart. Kitchen Possible’s mission is to build empowered mindsets in kids through cooking. The group does so by working with youth in underserved areas, offering 8-week sessions throughout the year in Pilsen, Englewood and East Garfield Park. The kids learn powerful life lessons firsthand through cooking – setting goals, patience, asking for help and celebrating success.
The event will also benefit the James Beard Foundation’s Scholarship Program. Established in 1991, the scholarship program assists aspiring and established culinary professionals who plan to further their education at a licensed or accredited culinary school or hospitality institution, college, or university. As of 2022, the Foundation will have awarded nearly $9 million in financial aid to over 2,000 recipients.
Participating restaurants in First Bites Bash include both longtime Chicago Restaurant Week participants and newcomers alike representing Chicago’s vibrant communities. The complete list of First Bites Bash participants is available here.
A limited number of Flash Sale tickets are now available for $115 per person at firstbitesbash.com until tickets in that category run out. Limited Early Bird tickets will then go on sale for $130 per person, and then General Admission tickets to First Bites Bash will become available for $150 per person until event capacity is reached or until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2023.
Chicago Restaurant Week, taking place January 20 – February 5, 2023, offers visitors and local foodies a meaningful opportunity to experience some of the area’s most sought-after restaurants. For 17 consecutive, dining-packed days, participating dining establishments will showcase specially curated prix fixe menus with prices set at $25 for brunch and lunch and $42 and/or $59 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, gratuity). Lending an ideal reason to explore Chicago’s nationally lauded culinary scene, diners can experience new, showstopping restaurants and familiar favorites alike throughout the city’s vibrant communities. Visiteatitupchicago.com on Tuesday, December 13 to view participating restaurants, menus and make reservations online.
Enthusiasts are encouraged to follow @ChooseChicago on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Get social using #FirstBitesBash and #ChicagoRestaurantWeek.
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