Chef Pickleball Tournament At Chicago Gourmet: The anticipation is building for Chicago Gourmet 2024, the city’s premier food festival that brings together the finest chefs and restaurants with a inaugural Chicago Gourmet Chef Pickleball Tournament Scheduled to run from Saturday, September 21 to Sunday, September 29, the event will take place at the Harris Theater rooftop in Millennium Park, setting the stage for a week of culinary celebration and innovation.
The highlight of the festival, chef pickleball tournament, the Grand Cru, will make its return on September 28 with two exclusive sessions at the Harris Rooftop. This signature event promises a blend of exceptional wine and gourmet bites curated by top Chicago chefs. However, this year’s festival will not feature the expansive Millennium Park setup of past years. Instead, organizers from the Illinois Restaurant Association are introducing a new theme—“Fashion Plated.” Attendees are encouraged to embrace sartorial elegance, dressing in specified colors and styles for each event. “Fashion and food both tell stories, sharing history, traditions, and cultures of people,” said Sam Toia, President of the association, in a press release.
Pickleball and Culinary Delights
The festival’s kickoff event, Chefs Get Pickled, promises to blend culinary prowess with athleticism. Hosted by Chicago native and Food Network star Jeff Mauro, this new addition on Saturday, September 21, will feature the inaugural Chicago Gourmet Chef Pickleball Tournament. Attendees will enjoy an array of bites and drinks while watching chef competitors such as Tigist Reda (Demera), Art Smith (Reunion), Sarah Mispagel-Lustbader (Loaf Lounge), and Kevin Hickey (The Duck Inn) battle it out on the pickleball court. Chef Pickleball Tournament At Chicago Gourmet will be a event to wacth
A Taste of Italy and More
On Wednesday, September 25, Mario Rizzotti, another prominent food media personality, will host the House of Gourmet Italian Dinner inside the Chicago History Museum. This first-time event will offer an extravagant multi-course meal prepared by acclaimed chefs Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Fabio Viviani (Siena Tavern, Bar Siena), Diego Puddu (Eataly), José Sosa (Greggory Hearth & Tavern), and Casey Doody (Boka Restaurant Group).
Returning Favorites and New Experiences
Tacos & Tequila will make its comeback on Thursday, September 26, at the Harris Theater Rooftop. Hosted by celebrity chef Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo) and Marcos Carbajal (Carnitas Uruapan), the event will feature vibrant tacos, agave spirits, and cocktails. Guests are encouraged to don bright colors for a lively celebration, with culinary offerings from Diana Dávila (Mi Tocaya Antojería), Carlos Gaytan (Tzuco), and Danny and Jhoana Espinoza (Santa Masa Tamaleria).
The Hamburger Hop, a favorite among festival-goers, will take place on Friday with Top Chef alums Joe Flamm (Rose Mary) and Adrienne Cheatham at the helm. Attendees are invited to embrace a “streetwear” dress code while enjoying gourmet burgers on the Harris Theater Rooftop.
Smaller Events and Festivities
The festival will also include a variety of smaller events, such as the Somm Session on Friday, September 27, at the elegant Italian restaurant Adalina. On Sunday, attendees can look forward to the Rise & Shine Gourmet Brunch featuring Art Smith, Lorena Garcia, and Jernard Wells, as well as a Late Night Gourmet after-party at Tao Chicago, offering small bites and cocktails.
Chicago Gourmet 2024 promises a dynamic blend of culinary excellence and unique experiences, ensuring a memorable week for food enthusiasts and festival-goers alike.
News in Brief: Chef Pickleball Tournament At Chicago Gourmet
Chicago Gourmet 2024, running from September 21 to 29 at Millennium Park’s Harris Theater rooftop, promises a week of culinary celebration. The Grand Cru on September 28 will feature top chefs and exceptional wine. New this year is “Fashion, Plated,” encouraging attendees to dress in themed colors.
The festival kicks off with Chefs Get Pickled, featuring a pickleball tournament with chefs. Highlights include Mario Rizzotti’s Italian Dinner, Tacos & Tequila with Rick Bayless, and The Hamburger Hop. Other events include the Somm Session, Rise & Shine Brunch, and Late Night Gourmet. This year’s festival blends fine dining with unique themes and experiences.
