Recap: A Taste of Culinary Heaven at the 2016 Chicago Gourmet Food Festival
Chicago Gourmet is the premier food festival for any self-proclaimed foodie. Located on the gorgeous grounds of Millennium Park, my own version of culinary heaven features 150+ internationally renowned chefs, master sommeliers and winemakers. The fine-dining affair celebrates food and wine via gourmet tastings, wine seminars, and cooking demos.
Cooking demonstrations were conducted on two main stages furnished by Thermador. The innovative appliance company punctuated its 100-year anniversary by providing world class appliances for Chicago’s best chefs.
From amazing food and drink to premier kitchen accommodations, here are my favorite moments of Chicago Gourmet 2016:
Star Lounge Booth
Thermador expanded its strong presence in the Star Lounge Booth, where a packed schedule of sweet treats, boozy delights and food artist attracted festival-goers to join in on the brand’s centennial celebration.
Best Bite
The best bite of the weekend was Corn Panna Cotta (Simi’s Sonoma County) with trout roe. It was refreshingly flavorful and different from anything else at the festival. Other favorites included Chicago-style Duck Fat Dog (Duck Inn) and beet salad (The Bristol).
The Dom Pérignon Brut Champagne, 2004 from Estates and Wines at The Grand Cru
Who doesn’t love some Dom Pérignon? Anyone that knows me knows I am a huge champagne, excuse me, champs fan. There’s something sexy about vintage and if you know anything about DP, they are vintage champagnes, meaning they are not made in weak years.
The “Spice of Life” Live Cooking Demo
Front row seats for Chefs Eddy Kim (Ruxbin/Mott Street) and Joseph Johnson (The Cecil) spice demonstration.
Thanks Chicago Gourmet and Thermador for an amazing experience. I would strongly encourage all foodies to move this event to the top of their to-do lists for 2017!
* I received a complimentary ticket in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.
Um this looks like it was a blast! So fun.
It’s one of the best weekends of the year. You need to come next year!