One of Chicago’s most distinguished culinary festivals, Chicago Gourmet, caused a stir today when it opened ticket sales and released the festival’s 2022 star-studded line up.
The blockbuster weekend, themed, “Creating a Stir,” will spotlight international Chef Stars, Daniel Boulud, Kwame Onwuachi and Michelle Bernstein and feature an exciting mashup of sensational food, drink and entertainment representing Chicago’s diverse culinary scene.
Founding sponsor, Illinois Restaurant Association, together with presenting sponsor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, will showcase an exciting array of spirited events featuring talent from Chicago and around the world Sept. 22-25 atop the Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park.
The acclaimed culinary festival was created to spotlight Chicago as an international culinary destination via its unparalleled epicurean talent. The 2022 festival will benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) dedicated to building the health and prosperity of the restaurant industry by investing in youth and workforce. It has awarded more than $3.2 million in scholarships since its inception.
Check out the weekend line-up below. For a complete list of chefs, participating restaurants and judges, visit Chicago Gourmet. Tickets are available beginning today, July 27, at chicagogourmet.org.
Tacos & Tequila: Thursday, Sept. 22, 7 – 10 p.m.
The festival kicks off with a spectacular showcase of gourmet tacos and agave spirits presented by some of the city’s most impassioned leaders of authentic Mexican cuisine. Hosted by Chef Rick Bayless (Of Frontera Grill, Topolobampo and XOCO) and presented by US FOODS, guests can enjoy tacos and explore a range of premium tequilas and mezcals to the stylings of DJ, mariachi and mojiganga performances. $99 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.
Somm Sessions: Friday, Sept. 23, 12 – 2 p.m.
This is the lunch event where you get to be the critic. Presented by Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, guests will enjoy a fabulous menu of delicious food, wine, and music all under one roof at LÝRA, 905 W. Fulton Market. With each course, Master Sommeliers will go head-to-head with a wine and song pairing to complement the featured chef’s dish. $250 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.
Hamburger Hop: Friday, Sept. 23, 6 – 9 p.m.
All-star Chef Stephanie Izard (Of Girl & The Goat, Little Goat and Duck Duck Goat) will host this perennial favorite serving up tasty burgers, cold beer, wine, spirits and beautiful skyline views. Presented by Buckhead Meat and Blue Moon, the Hamburger Hop will feature top chefs battling for bragging rights as a celebrity panel of judges chooses “Top Burger” and guests crown the “People’s Choice.” $130 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.
Late Night Gourmet: Friday, Sept. 23, 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
The official Hamburger Hop after-party, Late Night Gourmet trades burgers for beats along with late night bites, specialty cocktails, music and dancing. Presented by TAO Chicago, 632 N. Dearborn, Late Night Gourmet is the perfect way to keep the party going. $60 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+. A Friday night ticket package of Hamburger Hop plus Late Night Gourmet is $175 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.
Grand Cru: Saturday, Sept. 24, 2 – 5 p.m. and 7 – 10 p.m.
The Grand Cru will showcase exclusive wines, extraordinary craft spirits and unforgettable cuisine. During two exciting sessions, guests will savor gourmet offerings from world-class chefs, including Chef Daniel Boulud (Of DANIEL, Bar Baloud and Le Pavillon), Chef Beverly Kim (Wherewithall) and many more. Taste and learn about the world’s finest spirits and wines curated by leading master sommeliers like Serafin Alvarado and master mixologists like Daniel de Oliveira, both of Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. $255 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.
Prost! In The Park!: Sunday, Sept. 25, 1 – 4 p.m.
New in 2022, introducing Prost! In the Park. Chef Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio) will host this gourmet Oktoberfest-style beer and spirits festival featuring brews and bites from popular and soon-to-be-discovered producers. Ticket holders can expect a celebration in the German tradition with a distinctly Chicago flair. $95 per person, exclusive of taxes and fees, 21+.
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