This Fall, "All Roads Lead to Chicago Gourmet"

From September 21-24, 2023, the Chicago Gourmet food festival is celebrating all things food + travel this year dubbing the theme for the 2023 weekend culinary festival to be “All Roads Lead to Gourmet.”

“Travel has the power to turn a chef into the greatest of storytellers,” said Sam Toia, President and CEO, Illinois Restaurant Association.  “This year, we celebrate travel for its ability to inspire and connect us all, particularly those in the culinary world.”  

Chicago Gourmet 2023 will feature a host of travel-inspired embarkations on the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park & beyond including:

• Tacos & Tequila, hosted by Chef Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, XOCO, Bar Sótano and more), is the kickoff to the festival weekend.  The event will return on Thursday, September 21 from 7 - 10PM with a showcase of gourmet tacos and agave spirits on the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park with tequilas and mezcals to the stylings of DJ, mariachi and mojiganga performances.
• The Hamburger Hop, hosted by Chef Stephanie Izard (Girl & The Goat, Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat and more), is taking guests on the great American road trip this year. With a roster of chefs driving the grills, this friendly burger showdown takes place on the Harris Theater Rooftop on Friday, September 22 from 6-9PM.  Two best-in-burgers will be crowned – Judge’s select and the People’s Choice.
• As the official Hamburger Hop after-party, Late Night Gourmet, will feature late night bites, specialty cocktails, music and dancing on Friday, September 23 from 9PM – 12AM.
• Grand Cru will showcase world wines and spirits accompanied by cuisine. With two sessions to choose from on September 23, 2 – 5PM and 7 – 10PM on the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park.  
• Prost! In the Park is back on tap. Chef Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio) will host the Oktoberfest-style beer and spirits festival for the second year running.  The Sünday Fünday will feature brews, bites, and bevs from a selection of very special producers. Head to Prost! In the Park on the Harris Theater Rooftop in Millennium Park on Sunday, September 24 from 1 - 4PM.  

Chicago Gourmet programming will benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF), a 501 (c)(3) dedicated to building and promoting the health and prosperity of the restaurant industry by investing in both youth and workforce.