Buns of Glory: Lake Forest Food and Wine Fest returns, featuring a Wagyu Burger Battle

The Lake Forest Food and Wine Festival is set for a three-day run in Lake Forest, Ill., with daytime and nighttime events built around food, drinks, and live entertainment. The event, called Lake Forest Food & Wine: A Revelry Experience, is hosted by Chef Beau MacMillan, Chef Dominic Zumpano, and curator Cecilia Lanyon, according to the website.

The festival brings together celebrity chefs, beverage professionals and musicians for a weekend of tastings and culinary programming. Organizers say the event is designed for food and beverage fans who want close access to the people making the dishes and drinks.

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Three signature events

The weekend opens with Shift Drink on Friday, Sept. 18, from 7-10 p.m. at The Gallery Lake Forest. The evening is billed as a mix of cocktails, cuisine, and culinary conversation, with guests invited to move between the bar and the kitchen.

On Saturday, Sept. 19, Vines & Vibes runs from 6-10 p.m. at The Lake Forest Club. The event pairs wine, food, cocktails, and music, with Tournament of Champions winner Tiffany Faison guiding the evening.

The festival closes Sunday, Sept. 20, with Whiskey, Wu-Tang & Wagyu Burger Battle from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Gorton Center. Ten professional chefs will compete for the title of Wagyu Burger Champion, with a panel of celebrity judges choosing the winner.

The closing event also includes live music, craft brews, cocktails and local food favorites. A family zone at Gorton Center will offer activities for children, and kids under 10 are free with the purchase of an adult ticket, the website confirms.

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Notable chefs and talent

The lineup includes Chef Tiffani Faison, Chef Beau MacMillan, Chef Brian Duffy, mixologist Jason Asher, and Chef Richie Farina, along with other culinary and beverage talent. Organizers say the festival is meant to blend competition, conversation, and entertainment into one weekend in Lake Forest.