Guests at the Chicago Gourmet 2023 Grand Cru event
Make way, fashion-forward cuisine hits the runway this fall at Chicago Gourmet. One of the country’s hottest food festivals is coming to town Sept. 26 through 29, promising a ‘Fashion, Plated’ motif, a “Best Dressed Dish” competition, style-themed courses, refreshments from presenting sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and more.
“To truly blend fashion and food, we are collaborating with local colleges, where students craft fashion pieces inspired by food, and with local Chicago fashion designers to showcase their talent by styling our chefs for each event,” says Sam Toia, president and CEO of the event’s founding sponsor, the Illinois Restaurant Association. “With a growing lineup of 10 events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”
Chefs Jernard Wells (left) and Cory Hinton (right) at Chicago Gourmet 2023
The event—taking place at Harris Theater Rooftop and beyond—features more than 100 participating chefs, including Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, XOCO, Bar Sótano and more), Jenner Tomaska (Esmé), Sujan Sarkar (Indienne), Joe Flamm (Rose Mary and BLVD Steakhouse), Dylan Patel (Avec), Diana Davila (Mi Tocaya Antojería), Art Smith (Blue Door, Reunion and more) and Thai Dang (HaiSous), among many others.
“Chicago Gourmet showcases the talents of local chefs and restaurants, helping them gain national and global recognition,” says Toia. “We are dedicated to celebrating culinary excellence and building a community among chefs, restaurateurs and food enthusiasts alike.”
Chef Rick Bayless, host of the 2023 Tacos & Tequila event
The festivities kick off with a celebration of Mexican culture, cuisine and heritage on Sept. 26 from 7 to 10 p.m. Presented by US Foods and the Tourism Board of Guadalajara, Mexico, Tacos & Tequila features musical and dance performances, high-caliber agave spirits, signature craft cocktails and culinary offerings from a number of the city’s renowned local chefs.
Guests will then have the chance to embark on a hamburger-centric dining experience featuring chef-made patties, deluxe accouterments and cold brews, wine and spirits—all set with the ambiance of skyline views and curated DJ sets.
Chef Shota Nakajima (left) is presented the 2023 Sysco Hamburger Hop Award by host chef Stephanie Izard (right)
Presented by Sysco, Blue Moon and DoorDash, the Harris Theater Rooftop Hamburger Hop will ensue on Sept. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring a best-in-burgers competition, celebrity judges and two crowns—the Judge’s Choice and the People’s Choice awards.
TAO Chicago is hosting the official afterparty from 9 p.m. to midnight, featuring signature bites, music, dancing and house cocktails.
Guests at the 2023 Grand Cru event
The festivities continue on Sept. 28 with the United Health Care-presented Grand Cru event, which draws inspiration from the “September Issue” of fashion magazines. With a blackout party from 2 to 5 p.m. and a white party from 7 to 10 p.m., visitors will have the chance to try fashion sketchbook-themed gourmet dishes and signature drinks.
The celebrations come to a close with the Sept. 29 Rise & Shine Gourmet brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., presented by Performance Foodservice. The Harris Theater Rooftop hosts an afternoon of crave-worthy eats and quintessential brunch beverages (mimosas, anyone?) from larger-than-life local chefs.
Participating chefs Art Smith (left) and Lorena Garcia (right) at the 2023 Rise & Shine Gourmet brunch
“Chicago Gourmet’s primary goal is to showcase the remarkable culinary talent within our city. It’s been a privilege to collaborate with and support some of the industry’s most prominent figures. Each year, we channel our creativity to make unique themes to give guests a new, unforgettable experience,” says Toia.
Proceeds from Chicago Gourmet 2024 programming benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF) and the IRAEF-developed Restaurant Employee Relief Fund—which has provided more than $3.4 million in scholarships to qualified students. The IRAEF strives to bolster the local restaurant industry by supporting young professionals and workforce members through career development and exploration programs, scholarships and image enhancement.
Chef Stephanie Izard hosting the 2023 Hamburger Hop competition
“We’re deeply grateful for the widespread support we receive—from our sponsors to the dedicated hospitality workers and from local and visiting foodies. It’s been an honor to serve and uplift this thriving industry alongside the entire community. Perhaps most of all, we are proud to showcase incredible chef talent from Chicago and from around the globe for a weekend celebration of all things food, wine, and spirits,” says Toia.
The new ancillary events in 2024, along with the complete chef lineup, detailed event information and ticket sales, will be announced on July 23 at chicagogourmet.org.
Photography by: Photography of Chicago Gourmet 2023 by Garrett Baumer & James Vitullo
