Get ready for tastings, wine and cocktail samples, insightful seminars, and more in one of the world’s top cultural and culinary cities. The Chicago Food + Wine Festival presented by FOOD & WINE Magazine brings together acclaimed chefs, wine & spirits experts, and winemakers from across the nation as well as from Chicago’s own acclaimed restaurant community for an experience unlike any other.
For this inaugural year, organizers have curated a can’t-miss itinerary filled with evening tasting events, up-close and personal access to culinary, wine and spirit talent at dozens of cooking demos, wine and cocktail seminars, and more. Between sessions, indulge in The Grand Tasting Pavilion, showcasing over 90 wine, spirit and artisanal food exhibitors, along with celebrated local and regional restaurants. Plus, pick up copies of inspiring cookbooks and get them signed by your favorite chefs in the Book Signing Tent.
Featuring world-class chefs, sommeliers, cocktail experts, culinary personalities, rising stars, and musical acts, Chicago Food + Wine Festival will attract a national and international audience of food and wine lovers, while showcasing the talent, innovation and unique flavors of Chicago in the heart of downtown. Here is a sample of what you can expect:
Feast Under the Stars: On Friday, join chefs Jimmy Bannos, Graham Elliot, Stephanie Izard, Tony Mantuano and Mindy Segal (HotChocolate) for a collaborative, family-style Feast Under the Stars. This pre-Festival dinner will be a separately ticketed event, hosted at Lincoln Park. Feast Under the Stars is an intimate, outdoor celebration featuring five of Chicago’s best chefs preparing an al fresco dinner with wine pairings.
Chef Showcase: Featuring different chefs and restaurants on Saturday and Sunday, the Grand Taste tents at Lincoln Park will give festivalgoers the opportunity to meet some of the city’s top chefs, while sampling dishes from a diverse line-up of restaurants.
Cooking Demonstrations: Throughout the weekend, festival attendees will have the opportunity to get up close and personal as top chefs offer interactive and engaging cooking demonstrations.
Toast & Taste: Saturday night’s signature event at Grant Park, Toast & Taste, will give guests the opportunity to sample signature dishes from award-winning chefs.
Last Call: Join Chicago’s most decorated pastry chefs for a late-night sips and sweets nightcap party at an undisclosed location. Chefs and more details will be announced soon.
A portion of the Festival’s proceeds will benefit The Kendall College Trust (KCT). As the beneficiary of the Chicago Food + Wine Festival, KCT will be able to provide vital support to the pursuit of our students’ dreams. Kendall College Trust (KCT), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, was established in 2008 with a mission to provide need-based financial assistance to Kendall College students pursuing a degree in hospitality and/or the culinary arts. KCT has awarded over one million dollars in scholarship funds to date, averaging approximately $250,000 annually.
Festival partners have recruited an Advisory Board comprised of Chicago chefs including Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven, The Purple Pig, Juicy-O); Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco, Tortas Frontera); Graham Elliot (Graham Elliot Bistro); Jose Garces (Garces Group); Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat, The Little Goat); Paul Kahan (One Off Hospitality Group); Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia); and Art Smith (Art and Soul, Table Fifty-Two, Lyfe Kitchen, Southern Art) to gather ideas and feedback for event programming and talent recommendations.
