Dust off your apron and prepare to experience a culinary journey at the highly anticipated 2023 Chicago Gourmet! This year, the festival’s theme is “All Roads Lead to Gourmet,” celebrating the seamless connection between food and travel. Joining the star-studded lineup are none other than all-star chefs Art Smith and Lorena Garcia, who will co-host a special event titled “Rise & Shine Gourmet.”
When & Where
Taking place from September 21st to the 24th, 2023, Chicago Gourmet will be boasting an array of festivities that reflect a painting of cultures. On the last day, from 11am to 1:30pm, “Rise & Shine Gourmet” promises a Sunday morning like no other. The venue is Chef Art Smith’s Reunion, located at the iconic Navy Pier in the heart of Chicago. The event will feature a scrumptious multi-course family-style brunch, combining Southern classics with an alluring Latin twist.
Dishing Out Stories
What sets this brunch apart is the magic that happens when lifelong friends and esteemed chefs Art Smith and Lorena Garcia share their stories. As they guide guests through each course, they’ll intertwine heartwarming tales of their friendship and the inspirations they’ve gathered from their globe-trotting escapades. Prepare to be transported to far-off places through the flavors on your plate and the narratives that accompany them.
The Full Experience
But that’s not all—”Rise & Shine Gourmet” offers more than just delightful dishes. It’s a complete sensory experience, with chill music setting the ambiance and interactions with the chefs, certain to add an extra dash of excitement. As you sip on sensational cocktails amidst the beautiful surroundings of Navy Pier, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the atmosphere of cuisine.
Get Your Tickets
Tickets for “Rise & Shine Gourmet” and the full lineup of events for the 2023 Chicago Gourmet will be available for purchase on July 26, 2023 here! By attending this fantastic festival, not only will you be treating yourself to a fabulous experience, but you’ll also be supporting a great cause. The proceeds will go toward the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, an organization dedicated to nurturing and advancing the restaurant industry by investing in its youth and workforce.
All Roads Lead to Gourmet
As stated, the festival is celebrating the theme “All Roads Lead to Gourmet.” What exactly does this mean? Well, every chef has an expansive pallet; often one that appreciates a mosaic of culture. Chicago Gourmet 2023 wishes to make this aspect of cuisine an all-embracing experience by creating a culinary adventure.
Culinary Adventure Itinerary
1st Stop: Mexico
- Event: Tacos & Tequila
- Date: Thursday, September 21, 2023
- Time: 7:00-10:00PM
- Location: Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
- Details: Enjoy gourmet tacos and tequila with a lively atmosphere, DJ, and performances.
2nd Stop: Italy
- Event: Somm Sessions
- Date: Friday, September 22nd, 2023
- Time: 12:00-2:00PM
- Location: Adalina, 912 N State St.
- Details: Lunch event with upscale Italian dishes, wine, and live music. Experience a fun wine-pairing competition.
3rd Stop: Route 66
- Event: Hamburger Hop
- Date: Friday, September 22, 2023
- Time: 6:00-9:00PM
- Location: Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
- Details: Enjoy delicious burgers, beer, wine, and music under the stars. Top chefs will compete for the best burger title.
4th Stop: Asia
- Event: Late Night Gourmet
- Date: Friday, September 22, 2023
- Time: 9:00PM-Midnight
- Location: TAO Chicago, 632 N. Dearborn St.
- Details: Asian-inspired late-night bites, cocktails, music, and dancing. The official after-party of Hamburger Hop.
5th Stop: The Grand Tour
- Event: Grand Cru
- Date: Saturday, September 23, 2023
- Session 1: 2:00-5:00PM
- Session 2: 7:00-10:00PM
- Location: Harris Theater Rooftop, 205 E. Randolph St.
- Details: A global celebration of exclusive wines, craft spirits, and cuisine presented during two sessions.
Passports for the Adventure
The hosts will offer special Chicago Gourmet Passports for two, which include a hotel stay, event tickets, free entry to select events, early event access, and festival merchandise. There are four Passport packages with varying hotel options:
- “Bon Voyage” – Starts at $1,205, includes Hyatt Regency Chicago stay, tickets to Tacos + Tequila, Hamburger Hop, and more.
- “Jetsetter” – Starts at $1,355, includes Hyatt Regency Chicago stay, tickets to Hamburger Hop, Grand Cru Session 2, and more.
- “Gourmet Getaway” – Starts at $1,540, includes Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park stay, tickets to Hamburger Hop, Late Night Gourmet, and more.
- “Globetrotter” – Starts at $1,999, includes The Langham, Chicago stay, tickets to Hamburger Hop, Late Night Gourmet, Grand Cru Session 1, and more.
To book your Passport and join the culinary adventure, click here!
Mark your calendars and get ready to taste a world of food, friendship, and fun at Chicago Gourmet 2023. It is no question that this event will be an extraordinary celebration of culinary excellence once again!
