Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence

A celebratory toast was in order for the winners of the 2018 Jean
Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence.

THE PARTY More than 400 restaurateurs and foodies made their way to Venue SIX10 to celebrate the city’s culinary standouts at this year’s Jean Banchet Awards. Guests started the evening with a Champagne reception presented by Champagne Henriot before moving on to the award ceremony. THE PEOPLE Monteverde was crowned Restaurant of the Year, with owner Sarah Grueneberg saying, “The secret to Monteverde is that we love each other and do everything we can to make the restaurant work.” Golden Globe Award-nominated actor Eriq La Salle presented Smyth with the award for Best New Restaurant. THE PINNACLE With the event supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, it was fitting that young aspiring chef Evie Murphy (who suffers from cystic fibrosis) helped to dole out the accolades. Even after the last award was announced, the celebrations kept going with revelers enjoying special bites and live music overlooking Michigan Avenue. -Jacquelyn Lumley

Photos by Christy Clow Photography and Soda Fountain Photography