This Fall, All Roads Lead to Chicago Gourmet

Chicagoans, and travelers alike, put your tray tables in the upright and locked position because Chicago Gourmet takes flight in 2023  

Pack your bags, Chicago!  The wine is topped off.  The beer is chilled.  And our wanderlust shows no signs of stopping. From September 21-24, 2023, Chicago Gourmet, one of the nation’s most distinguished food festivals, sets it sights on destinations unknown. Founding sponsor Illinois Restaurant Association, together with presenting sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, are celebrating all things food + travel this year dubbing the theme for the 2023 weekend culinary festival to be “All Roads Lead to Gourmet.”

“Travel has the power to turn a chef into the greatest of storytellers,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO, Illinois Restaurant Association.  “This year, we celebrate travel for its ability to inspire and connect us all, particularly those in the culinary world.”

Following a sold-out 2022 festival, Chicago Gourmet 2023 will feature a host of travel-inspired embarkations on the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park & beyond including:

Head south of the border and taco walk on the wild side!  Tacos & Tequila, hosted by Chef Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, XOCO, Bar Sótano and more) and presented by US FOODS, is the spirited kickoff to a fabulous festival weekend.  With some of the city’s most impassioned leaders of authentic Mexican cuisine, the event will return on Thursday, September 21 from 7 – 10PM with a stunning showcase of gourmet tacos and agave spirits on the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park.  Better still, savorpremium tequilas and mezcals to the stylings of DJ, mariachi and mojiganga performances.

•  We’re going on a road trip! The Hamburger Hop, hosted by Chef Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat, Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat and more) and presented by Sysco andBlue Moon, is taking guests on the great American road trip this year with deliciousness at every stop.   With an all-star roster of chefs driving the grills, this friendly burger showdown takes place on the Harris Theater Rooftop on Friday, September 22 from 6-9PM.  Two best-in-burgers will be crowned – Judge’s select and the People’s Choice!
• Friday night is so fun, extend the trip! As the official Hamburger Hop after-party, Late Night Gourmet, presented by TAO Chicago(632 N Dearborn St.), is where it’s at!  This upbeat event will feature late night bites, specialty cocktails, music and dancing on Friday, September 23 from 9PM – 12AM.
• Let’s go on a Grand Tour! Presented by UnitedHealthcare and Lexus, Grand Cruwill showcase the world’s finest wines and spirits curated by the nation’s leading experts accompanied by unforgettable cuisine from award-winning chefs. With two sessions to choose from on September 23, 2 – 5PM and 7 – 10PM on the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park, the Grand Cru is the loveliest way to spend a Saturday.  When planning a trip, always take the Grand tour.  Cue the Cru!
• Eins, zwei, drei, Prost! Raise that stein. Prost! In the Park is back on tap!  Chef Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio) will host the Oktoberfest-style beer and spirits festival for the second year running.  The Sünday Fünday to remember will feature brews, bites, and bevs from a selection of very special producers. Head to Prost! In the Park on the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park on Sunday, September 24 from 1 – 4PM.  Missing out could be the wurst!

Chicago Gourmet programming will benefit theIllinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF), a 501 (c)(3) dedicated to building and promoting the health and prosperity of the restaurant industry by investing in both youth and workforce.

2023’s full event lineup, details, and tickets will be announced in July at chicagogourmet.org.

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