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From September 26-29, 2024, Chicago Gourmet returns and this year's theme for the culinary festival is 'Fashion, Plated' - a celebration of the fusion of Food & Fashion. 

"Fashion & Food are deeply intertwined. Both art forms blend colors, textures, emotions, memories, and imagination," remarks Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association. "Our chefs showcase their style through meticulous craftsmanship, dedicating hours to crafting dishes that not only taste delicious but also delight the eyes."

Chicago Gourmet 2024 will feature fashion-inspired events set to take place on the Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park and beyond, including several new ancillary events to be announced this summer. This year’s main schedule:

  • Tacos & Tequila: Tacos & Tequila kicks off on Thursday, September 26 from 7:00-10:00 pm. Set on the Harris Theater Rooftop, Tacos & Tequila showcases tacos crafted by local chefs, coordinated with agave spirits, specialty cocktails, traditional musical and dance performances, and more
  • Hamburger Hop: On Friday night, September 27, from 6:00-9:00 pm, the Hamburger Hop on the Harris Theater Rooftop features chef-styled burgers alongside cold brews, wine, and spirits set against a backdrop of DJ beats and skyline views. Two best-in-burgers will be crowned – celebrity judges bestow the Judge’s Choice award while guests award the People’s Choice.
  • Late Night Gourmet: The official after-party, Late Night Gourmet, is an event featuring late-night bites, specialty cocktails, music, and dancing on Friday, September 27 from 9:00 pm-Midnight.
  • Grand Cru: the lineup continues on Saturday, September 28 with the Grand Cru. Inspired by the "September Issue'' of fashion magazines, this event, held on the Harris Theater Rooftop, offers cuisine crafted by chefs and a selection of wines & spirits. Guests can eat, drink, and strike a pose at the afternoon "blackout party" session, from 2:00-5:00pm or the evening "white party,” from 7:00-10:00 pm. 
  • Rise & Shine Gourmet: Rise & Shine Gourmet closes out the show on Sunday, September 29, from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm on the Harris Theater Rooftop. This newly reimagined brunch event offers an afternoon filled with sweet & savory bites, cocktails, beats, and chefs.

With over 100 participating chefs yearly, the 2024 talent roster includes names such as: Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, XOCO, Bar Sótano, and more), Art Smith (Blue Door, Reunion, and more), Lorena Garcia (CHICA, Food Café), Jeff Mauro (Mauro Provisions), Joe Flamm (Rose Mary, BLVD Steakhouse), Marcos Carbajal (Taqueria Chingon), Thai Dang (HaiSous), Diana Davila (Mi Tocaya Antojería), Dominique Leach (Lexington Betty Smokehouse), Lamar Moore (Bronzeville Winery), Margaret Pak (Thattu), Dylan Patel (Avec), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Darnell Reed (Luella's Southern Kitchen), Sujan Sarkar (Indienne) and Jenner Tomaska (Esmé). 

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