There are numerous reasons why you might head south to the Windy City; but, for food lovers one of the best is Chicago Gourme, a world-class tasting event presented by Bon Appetit magazine that features cooking demonstrations, seminars and plenty to eat and drink.
This year’s sold out event, held Sept. 24-26 in Millennium Park, was a gastronomic feast, showcasing the talents of 208 chefs, including local favorites like Rick Bayless and Paul Kahn as well as headliner Emeril Lagasse and British nose-to-tail chef April Bloomfield.
Perfect sunny weather, an efficient layout and an abundance of food and wine (as well as sit-down demonstrations and seminars) made for a glorious and delicious afternoon featuring dishes including Oysters Rockefeller sausages, smoked s’mores cones, roasted Jimmy Nardello peppers with octopus vinaigrette and On the beverage side, there was also plenty to try, including wine, beer, cocktails and spirits (from cognac to sake).
Meanwhile, for those who paid the extra $199 to attend the Grand Cru Tasting on the rooftop of the Harris Theater, a surfeit of delights awaited, including wine pours from master sommeliers (many pouring from bottles $70 and up) and dishes from venues honored within Bon Appétit’s new restaurant issues.
Nico Osteria serving up its smoked fish ravioli [See full gallery here].
On Saturday, the feast was offered up by Aska (NY), who served up a seeded shortbread cracker with cured pigeon and pine mushrooms augmented with birch oil and salted red currants; The Purple Pig (Chicago), who made Spanish Chorizo bocadillos; The Pass & Provisions (Houston), who delighted with Castelvetrano ice cream served in a black olive cone with milk chocolate; and Nico Osteria (Chicago) who made palates dance with their ravioli featuring smoked Arctic char, golden raisins and ricotta salata.
Thinking about attending next year?
Plan ahead. Discounted tickets are often available for those who purchase them early (usually early to mid-April). This year, discounted presale pricing ranged from $135 per person/per day or $225 per person/weekend pass. (with regular priced tickets running $170-$275). Travel packages are also available. See chicagogourmet.org for more information.
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
