Do you ever have a place where you just feel a sense of comfort? It could be the familiar smells of delicious food or maybe just the surroundings are something that brings you happiness. It could be the faces you look forward to seeing or maybe it is just a setting that is warm and inviting.

For me the event called CHILL presented by LuxeHome on Thursday, November 13, at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago gives me that sense of comfort and joy.

This was the eighth year of the event (my fourth) and I want to say it was one of the best ones yet. It was like walking into one of your favorite family member’s homes. You get a whiff of delicious foods peeping out of every nook of the boutiques, people are joyous and there is always the anticipation of seeing surprises lurk around every corner.  And, of course, you know the night is going to just bring you pure comfort and joy.

Most folks go grab something to drink first and CHILL had plenty of choices in the libation department. There were so many wines from all over the world to choose from that paired beautifully with the dishes being served.

But I go directly for the place that brings me the most happiness (kind of like your favorite relative), Mercat a la Planxa. Chef Cory Morris made his awesome chicken croquettes with lemon truffle aioli, shaved Brussels Sprouts on site so they were warm and crispy…..and delicious.

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Chef Cory Morris
Always love to see Chef Cory.
Mercadito's Spicy Pork taco with Mexican slaw
Mercadito’s Spicy Pork taco with Mexican slaw
Zapatista made a fabulous taquito.
Zapatista made a fabulous taquito.
Bistrot Zinc's Grilled Radicchio Salad with Merguez Sausage and Fig Vinaigrette
Bistrot Zinc’s Grilled Radicchio Salad with Merguez Sausage and Fig Vinaigrette
McCormick & Schmick's seared scallop with miso
McCormick & Schmick’s seared scallop with miso
Chef Zoë from Ada Street made a nice light butternut squash salad with goat cheese and toasted hazelnuts.
Chef Zoë from Ada Street made a nice light butternut squash salad with goat cheese and toasted hazelnuts.
There were so many musicians from the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra playing their little hearts out.
There were so many musicians from the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra playing their little hearts out.
Savory foie gras macarons were absolutely delicious from Cafe des Architectes
Savory foie gras macarons were absolutely delicious from Cafe des Architectes
HUB 51 made one of my favorite dishes of the night, Tuna Poke.
HUB 51 made one of my favorite dishes of the night, Tuna Poke.

 

Moto probably had one of the most beautiful natural presentations for their smoked salmon dish.
Moto probably had one of the most beautiful natural presentations for their smoked salmon dish.
Chef Richie Farina of Moto Restaurant (and Top Chef fame) is always fun to bump into!
Chef Richie Farina of Moto Restaurant (and Top Chef fame) is always fun to bump into!
Kudos to the performance artists. She was just beautiful.
Kudos to the performance artists. She was just beautiful.
Roy's Tuna Maki with Sweet Inamona and Avocado Cream
Roy’s Tuna Maki with Sweet Inamona and Avocado Cream
Paris Club did a nice lobster and eggs on PERFECTLY toasted crostini.
Paris Club did a nice lobster and eggs on PERFECTLY toasted crostini.
Missed seeing Chef Tony Priolo but enjoyed his butternut squash soup from Piccolo Sogno
Missed seeing Chef Tony Priolo but enjoyed his butternut squash soup from Piccolo Sogno
Davanti Enoteca Apple Bread Pudding
Davanti Enoteca Apple Bread Pudding
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The Florentine
The Chopping Block sure did represent with a Terriyaki Pork Belly, Crispy Salmon Skin Maki
The Chopping Block sure did represent with a Terriyaki Pork Belly, Crispy Salmon Skin Maki
Part of the extraordinary team from The Chopping Block. Love these people!
Part of the extraordinary team from The Chopping Block. Love these people!
Many of us were captivated by these artists.
Many of us were captivated by these artists.
My final bite of pastry with pumpkin cream from Pump Room was the perfect way to end the evening.
My final bite of pastry with pumpkin cream from Pump Room was the perfect way to end the evening.

The night provided a content belly and a full heart knowing that the evening helped raise money for The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, The Respiratory Health Association and The Lynn Sage Foundation .

As our days continue to get colder and we embrace the joys that come with the holidays of the season, it is such a comfort to me to know that I can look forward to this amazing event year after year.

Thank you to the folks at LuxeHome for making this year a warm hug.

Thank you to my husband Earl for helping me this year with photos!
Thank you to my husband Earl for helping me this year with photos and being my arm candy.