Chicago Gourmet has revealed its 2020 lineup. Organizers at the Illinois Restaurant Association ( IRA ), the event's founding sponsoralong with presenting sponsor Southern Glazer's Wine & Spiritshave curated a full schedule of programming through Wed., Sept. 30, celebrating Chicago's diverse culinary landscape while safely bringing food and drink enthusiasts the memorable experiences they crave.
Experiences include:
Can't Stop the Hop: The official kick-off to Chicago Gourmet every year, the popular Hamburger Hop expands beyond Millennium Park in 2020 as 100 chef competitors offer burgers for dine-in, delivery or carry out through Sept. 13. Food lovers are encouraged to hop around town, or visit the DoorDash app or website, and try as many burgers as possible. Based on flavor and overall presentation, they will vote on their favorite at ChicagoGourmet.org .
The champion will be announced the week of Sept. 14 and will receive a magnum of fine wine from Josh Cellars; a Yeti cooler filled with premium meat and seafood from Buckhead Meat of Chicago; and bragging rights.
Go Gourmet Dinner and Virtual Series: Held on various dates Sept. 14-30, fans can participate in outstanding, multicourse dinners paired with wine and spirit selections courtesy of Unshackled by the Prisoner Wine Company, Legent Bourbon and more.
Among the chefs taking part in the dinner series are Gibson's Italia's Jose Sosa ( Tuesday, Sept. 15 ), Virtue's Erick Williams ( Sunday, Sept. 20 ) and Monteverde's Sarah Grueneberg ( Wed., Sept. 23 ). Those involved in the virtual series ( cooking classes ) include Blue Door Kitchen & Garden's Art Smith ( Monday, Sept. 14 ), Rick Bayless ( Tuesday, Sept. 22 ) and Stephanie Izard ( Sunday, Sept. 27 ).
Online auction: The Chicago Gourmet annual online auction goes live Sept. 14-30. Featuring a collection of wine, spirits and dinner experiences underwritten by Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, 100% of proceeds from the auction benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.
Reservations and tickets are now available at ChicagoGourmet.org .