Chicago’s top chefs serve up a night of culinary magic for Meals on Wheels

More than 50 of Chicago’s top chefs brought their considerable talents to the table for the 36th annual Celebrity Chef Ball, an evening of culinary creativity and philanthropy benefiting Meals on Wheels Chicago on October 23 at The Geraghty.

At the sold-out black-tie-optional affair, the event transformed the industrial-style venue at 2520 S. Hoyne Ave. into a showcase for the city’s dining talent, with proceeds supporting older adults and people with disabilities who rely on nutritious meals and essential services.

Co-chaired by Mary and Mark Baranek, the popular fundraiser featured an interactive six-course tasting experience that put a distinctive spin on the traditional gala dinner. Rather than serving every guest the same menu, teams of chefs created custom tasting menus for individual tables, preparing and presenting courses tableside.

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The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from participating chefs and restaurants, followed by a culinary procession that drew on an extraordinary range of cuisines and techniques. Guests also had opportunities to participate in raffles and live and silent auctions featuring culinary experiences and other special offerings.

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Leading the 2026 chef lineup were Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir of Mirra and Mariela, whose restaurants bring together inventive flavors and diverse culinary influences. Featured mixologist Richard Beltzer of Muhājir and BOBO added a cocktail component to the festivities.

The roster read like a who’s who of Chicago dining. Participating chefs represented restaurants and establishments including Aba, Adalina, Frontera Grill, Indienne, Maple & Ash, North Pond, S.K.Y., Tanta, Topolobampo and The Alston, among many others.

The reception featured contributions from Bar Roma, Labriola, Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya and Logan Oyster Socials, along with lobster from Supreme Lobster and oysters from Island Creek Oyster Company. Dessert specialists from Adorn, Bittersweet Bakery, Goose Island and Verzênay Chicago helped bring the evening to a sweet conclusion.

The chefs’ generosity was central to the event, with participating restaurants and culinary professionals donating their time, talent and food to support the cause.

But beyond the inventive menus and chef-driven experience, the evening served a more substantial purpose: helping Chicagoans who face food insecurity and isolation.

Meals on Wheels Chicago provides home-delivered meals, wellness support and other resources to older adults and people with disabilities. Its programs also include Nourish Chicago Pantry, which helps provide groceries and fresh produce; a program supplying food and essential items for clients’ pets; and wellness packs containing personal-care and household necessities.

The Celebrity Chef Ball has helped feed more than 2 million seniors since its inception, making it a meaningful reminder of what can happen when Chicago’s culinary community rallies around its neighbors.

As Meals on Wheels Chicago CEO and Executive Director Elise Geiger noted in advance of the event, the ball celebrates the city’s culinary community while bringing people together to support older adults and people with disabilities.

Sources: 

• Meals on Wheels Chicago: Celebrity Chef Ball
• ChiVibe: Celebrity Chef Ball Chicago 2026
• Chicago Food Magazine: Meals on Wheels Chicago hosts 36th annual Celebrity Chef Ball
• WTMX: Celebrity Chef Ball 2026