Chicago Gourmet has become my Christmas. I have started to look forward to it like no other time of year and I count down the days like a child with an advent calendar. Just like the holidays, I can’t wait to sample all of the delicious foods, see familiar faces and there is always anticipation of a surprise or two around the corner.
As I was driving to Chicago Gourmet at Millennium Park this weekend, I started singing (a tone-deaf version of “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas”)…..
It’s beginning to look a lot like Chicago Gourmet
Everywhere I go
Folks in crisp white coats
Steph from Girl & the Goat
With food from every great place in Chicago
It’s beginning to look a lot like Chicago Gourmet
Lots of wine to pour
But the prettiest sight to see
Is food in front of me
I can’t wait to go for more
So this year I thought I’d share my adventure via pictures like Christmas cards posted on the wall and thank everyone who participated. Chicago Gourmet is truly a gift that never disappoints and I will start my countdown until next year immediately!
Cooking With Kids Demo by Jonathon Sawyer (those are his real kids)
I saw lots of these glasses being filled with hundreds of wines
Piccolo Sogno’s Wild Boar Meatball with squash puree
My absolute favorite chef, Chef Cory Morris from Mercat a la Planxa
Chef Takashi after his demo on Ramen for the Home Chef
Salmon tartar on a tarro root chip, Pearl Tavern
Iron Chef Morimoto
Spritzburger Chef Dan Smith
Chef Mario Garcia and Mark Brand from 720 South Bar & Grill (and my pals from my cheese -cation!)
Tom Van Lente’s “local” contribution to the Keeping It Local Demo
Chef Kevin Hickey manning the BBQ for Rockit Ranch
Antique Taco: Pumpkin Habanero Soup with spicy pumpkin seeds
Dirk Flanigan, il Coniglio
Park Grill Chicago
Bon Appetit Editor, Adam Rapoport
Mercat’s chicken croquette’s
Bistronomic’s play on a Kit Kat bar
Jon Keeley’s creation from Gemini Bistro/Rustic House
Mercadito Fish Smoked fish dip on a garlic crostini with herb oil
Classic Shrimp Cocktail from Mike Ditka’s
Butterscotch Corn Bread Pudding from Francesca’s
Bread & Wine: Caramel Corn Panna Cotta
Trenchermen
Howells and Hood: 72-hr char sui pork jowl, with sweet & sour carrots, huckleberry sauce and edamame
Stephanie Izard plating for Girl & The Goat at The Grand Cru Tasting
Bumped into Greg Laketek of West Loop Salumi at the Grand Cru
Hooray for Wisconsin Cheese at The Grand Cru
Beatrix had a great muffin assortment.
Lockwood’s DELICIOUS Chicken and Waffles
Chef John Coletta from Quartino
Lobster salad on sweet corn macaroons puff by 720 South Bar & Grill
Adamus-Citrus Poached Bay Scallop Ceviche aka The last taste of summer
One of my favorites, Chef Tony Priolo
TWO Restaurant & Bar, Chef Tom Van Lente’s -Tomato, fennel puree (like a bisque) with lobster, scallop and shrimp
Iron Chef Judge, Mario Rizzoli
ZED 451 Stuffed Peppadews
Candyality super cute way to stand out.
The Jellyfish Maki (not maki made with jellyfish!)
Glazed and Infused, Goat Cheese Donut with Red Wine Glaze
Three Aces: Italian Sausage ragu over mushroom polenta
Great use of our last summer tomatoes by Thai Dang at Embeya
Po’Baby from Jared Van Camp
Dirk Flanigan’s creation from The Keeping It Local Demo
Rodelio Aglibot, Yum Cha Dim Sum Parlor
Baby Rockit Burgers!
Street Food Love-In with Rodelio Aglibot and John Formica (standing in for Tony Hu who got stuck elsewhere due to the airline issues this week in Chicago)
Housemade Salumi Sandwiches from Quartino
Monica Sharma from Red Butter making her debut in the Global Street Food Tent
Tim Graham-Travelle, White gazpacho panna cotta with shrimp escabeche
Chicken with a cream cheese filling, tamarind chutney and mint chutney, Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine
The Drawing Room, Corn and Fresh Scallops Elotes
Cafe de Architectes Stone Fruit Bavarois
Andrew Knowlton, the Foodist from Bon Appetit
Always a pleasure to enjoy a dish from Chef Zoe Schor from Ada Street.
The ‘fun factor’ radiates from all your photos, and I love how happy you look!!! Wish I could do Chicago Gourmet with you every weekend.
Thanks with helping with my pictures this year.
Oh, my! Oh, my! WOW!
It was a glorious weekend!!!