Bon Appetit magazine presented Chicago Gourmet with surrounding events on Sept. 19-24 for a 10th anniversary. There were cocktails on the Crown of the Tribune Tower, and the massive outdoor event in Millennium Park on Sept. 23-24, among other events.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel kicked things off Sept. 23 with a champagne toast and press conference on the main stage of the Pritzker Pavillion.
A multitude of celebrity chefs made appearances, signed books and provided cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend, including Curtis Stone, Carla Hall ( from TV's The Chew ) and Stephanie Izard.
Under the stainless-steel ribbons throughout the park were many vendors supplying samples of food and drinks. Among them were Texas de Brazil, Mastro's Steakhouse and Supreme Lobster & Seafood Co. ( which had long lines for its lobster roll ).
The Grand Cru event, presented by Celebrity Cruises, closed the weekend with global wine tastings on the Harris Theater rooftop.
Also, for the first time, Windy City Times covered the Chicago Gourmet event known as the Hamburger Hop, which Buckhead Pride and Blue Moon Brewing Company presented.
Chefs John Hogan and Tony Mantuano of River Roast, returning champions, were named the judges' Buckhead Pride Hamburger Hop Award winners for their Takashi Express. Chef Martial Noguier of Bistronomic, also a returning champion, earned the People's Choice Award for the Le French Burger. Among the judges were celebrity chefs Hall and Stone. WCT's personal favorite was D4 Irish Pub's burger that was topped with giardineria, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing.
Links' LGBTQ event
Links Taproom ( LinksTaproom.com )an all-American craft beer- and sausage-focused neighborhood bar at 1559 N. Milwaukee Ave.will host a fundraising "F U Hate" event for LGBTQ+ and immigrant children's rights charities on Sunday, Oct. 1.
For the event, 100 percent of all craft beer, liquor, wine and food sales at Links from open to close ( 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. ) will be donated to the Chicago House and Social Service Agency ( ChicagoHouse.org ) and Chicago location of The Young Center For Immigrant Children's Rights ( TheYoungCenter.org ). Links owner/beer director Mike Quinlan, a proud member of LGBTQ+ community, will personally match the total amount of money raised at Links that day.
Note: Restaurant profiles/events are based on invitations arranged from restaurants and/or firms.