First Bites Bash returns as kick-off to Chicago Restaurant Week

First Bites Bash, the celebratory kick-off event for the 16^th annual Chicago Restaurant Week, will make an exciting return for the first time since 2020. The event will be held Thursday, January 19, 2023 at Chicago’s Field Museum from 6 to 9 p.m. “First Bites Bash is one of the events Chicagoans love the most about our city,” said Lynn Osmond, Choose Chicago President and CEO. “It is a signature celebration championing Chicago’s leading role as a culinary destination. The breadth of both cuisines and neighborhoods represented at this event and throughout Restaurant Week provide an unparalleled opportunity to make memorable dining part of an amazing Chicago experience.” 

Beloved Chicago Chef Darnell Reed of Luella’s Southern Kitchen – located in Chicago’s vibrant Lincoln Square neighborhood – steps into the spotlight, serving as the Host Chef for the star-studded party. Guests will have the opportunity to experience exclusive tasting portions from more than 50 restaurants showcasing their respective Chicago Restaurant Week menus, as well as wine, beer, spirits, entertainment and more.

A portion of the proceeds from First Bites Bash will be donated to Kitchen Possible, an organization dear to Chef Reed’s heart. Kitchen Possible’s mission is to build empowered mindsets in kids through cooking. The group does so by working with youth in underserved areas, offering 8-week sessions throughout the year in Pilsen, Englewood and East Garfield Park. The kids learn powerful life lessons firsthand through cooking – setting goals, patience, asking for help and celebrating success.

The event will also benefit the James Beard Foundation’s Scholarship Program. Established in 1991, the scholarship program assists aspiring and established culinary professionals who plan to further their education at a licensed or accredited culinary school or hospitality institution, college, or university. As of 2022, the Foundation will have awarded nearly $9 million in financial aid to over 2,000 recipients.

Participating restaurants in First Bites Bash include both longtime Chicago Restaurant Week participants and newcomers alike representing Chicago’s vibrant communities. The complete list of First Bites Bash participants is available here.

A limited number of Flash Sale tickets are now available for $115 per person at firstbitesbash.com until tickets in that category run out. Limited Early Bird tickets will then go on sale for $130 per person, and then General Admission tickets to First Bites Bash will become available for $150 per person until event capacity is reached or until 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2023.

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