Partying with Maurice Hennessy and Zooey Deschanel in Chicago

Boka Restaurant Group co-founder Rob Katz (pictured here, center, with his children, Shelby and Jamison) entered the party like a champion after his company took home the award for Outstanding Restaurateur.

Welcome to Wonderland
Immediately following this year’s James Beard Awards, the stars of the culinary world traveled down the rabbit hole for an Alice in Wonderland-themed afterparty at Girl & the Goat. As guests sipped on Don Julio Blanco tequila cocktails out of tiny bottles marked “drink me” and nibbled on bites like pork chorizo, Stephanie Izard could be found flitting from group to group in an oversized Mad Hatter hat. As the night went on, the scene got curiouser and curiouser. Actress Zooey Deschanel snacked on roasted carrots while Rising Star Chef Award winner Kwame Onwuachi got down on the dance floor and guests took shots from the custom goat-shaped ice luge. We’re just thankful nobody lost their heads. –Jaclyn Jermyn

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Steak Out
Fine cuts of steak put Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse on the map three decades ago, and its continued success merits celebration. The Chicago mainstay hosted an exclusive 30th anniversary luncheon to honor longtime employees and loyal regulars. The mouthwatering three-course meal included fan favorites like filet mignon—making it clear why it’s the Gold Coast standard. –Tiffany Goldstein

1. Erick Starke (left) with friend

2. Sam Gutilla and Sydney Schubert

3. Hugo Ralli, co-founder of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, checked in on Tom Tabani.

4. Bob Kanzler and Dan Huebschman

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Brotherly Love
The newly opened Rockwell on the River set an impressive scene for the Alexian Brothers Foundation’s annual philanthropic event, where more than 450 guests helped raise $725,000 to support AMITA Health System in providing behavioral medicine programs and services. The 33rd annual Ball de Fleur began with an impactful video of one woman’s recovery story as guests enjoyed a gourmet four-course dinner and, later, danced along to live music by TC Squared. –Emmy Lucas

1. The photo booth was a huge success, judging from the line outside.

2. Thor Thordarson with Jack and Holly Chamberlin

3. Meg and Michael Racenstein

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Drink Up
Liquor lovers savored rare spirits and delicious bites at an exclusive cognac tasting party hosted at Z Bar. The evening offered an unparalleled cognac selection—including the exquisite Hennessy Paradis Imperial—that was drawn and handcarried into the country for the tasting. Maurice Hennessy, the eighth generation of the brand’s namesake family, graced the event as the guest of honor and signed carafes for a lucky few. –Diti Kohli

1. Frankie Villegas, Marcin Zaborowski and Daniel Mojica

2. Anthony Mays shared a laugh with other guests.

3. Z Bar made an incredibly comfortable space for tastings.

4. Lawrence Lee and Pete Horvath

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Mental Games
On and off the field, Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon knows the importance of mental strength. As part of The Family Institute’s 50th anniversary series, Maddon teamed up with Cubs mental skills coordinator Bob Tewksbury and leading therapist Danielle Black for the Psychology of Top Performance panel at Steak 48. VIP guests enjoyed cocktails and socializing and all agreed the evening was a big hit. –Anna McAndrew

1. Joaquin Brieva and Jill Antoniewicz

2. Daniel Theisinger and Joelle Rosen

3. Joe Maddon greeted collegues and fans alike.

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