Chicago Gourmet, one of the nation's most distinguished food festivals, has revealed a lineup of acclaimed chef participants for the 2022 weekend culinary celebration.
Founding sponsor Illinois Restaurant Association, together with presenting sponsor Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, will showcase an array of spirited events featuring talent from Chicago and around the world on Sept. 22-25 atop the Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park.
Some of the events will include:
—Tacos & Tequila: Hosted by Chef Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, XOCO and more) and presented by US FOODS, Tacos & Tequila will take place Thursday, Sept. 22, 7-10 p.m. Some of the chefs slated to take part include La Luna Chef Marco Colin, La Lagartija Chef Elizabeth Godines, Bar Takito Chef Yani Sanchez and Antique Taco Chef Rick Ortiz.
—Hamburger Hop: All-star Chef Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat, Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat and more) will host this perennial favorite on Friday, Sept. 23, 6-9 p.m. Chefs will battle for bragging rights as a celebrity panel of judges chooses "Top Burger" while guests crown the People's Choice. Some of the culinary combatants will include Frontier Chef Brian Jupiter, Vermillion Chef Rohini Dey, Adorn Chef Brian Rodriguez and Epic Burger Chef Nick Barnhart (who was the 2021 citywide winner).
—Grand Cru: The Grand Cru will showcase exclusive wines, craft spirits and cuisine on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 2-5 p.m. and 7-10 p.m. Participants are scheduled to include Izard, Wood Chef Devin Kreller, Travelle at The Langham Chef Justin Gomes, eden Chef Devon Quinn and avec/bar ave Chef Dylan Patel, among many others.
—Prost! In the Park!: A new event, Chef Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio) will host this gourmet Oktoberfest-style beer and spirits festival that will feature brews, bites and boozy beverages from popular and soon-to-be-discovered producers. Funkenhausen Chef Mark Steer, Hewn baker Ellen King, Beach Ave BBQ Chef Juan Silva and Soul & Smoke Chef D'Andre Carter are some of the people slated to take part.
Tickets are available at chicagogourmet.org .
