‘Fashion, Plated’

Chicago, good taste hits the runway this fall! From September 26-29, 2024, one of the nation’s top food festivals is coming in haute as Chicago Gourmet struts onto the scene. With the Illinois Restaurant Association as the founding sponsor and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits as the presenting sponsor, this year's theme for the culinary extravaganza is 'Fashion, Plated' – a celebration of the seamless 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 an abundance of fun 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: First down the runway, Tacos & Tequila, presented by US Foods and the Tourism Board of Guadalajara, Mexico! Awash in a palette of salsa reds, avocado greens, and cornflower blues, this vibrant kick-off event will be held  on Thursday, September 26 from 7:00-10:00 pm. Set on the Harris Theater Rooftop, Tacos & Tequila showcases mouthwatering tacos crafted by premier local chefs, coordinated with premium agave spirits, specialty cocktails, traditional musical and dance performances, and much more! 

Hamburger Hop: On Friday night, September 27, from 6:00-9:00 pm, the Hamburger Hop hype is real! Presented by Sysco, Blue Moon, and DoorDash, the popular Hamburger Hop on the Harris Theater Rooftop is the perfect fit of chef-styled burgers alongside cold brews, wine, and spirits set against a backdrop of pumping DJ beats and stunning 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: Word on the street? Late Night Gourmet matches perfectly with the Hamburger Hop. The official after-party, Late Night Gourmet, presented by TAO Chicago, is an upbeat event featuring late-night bites, specialty cocktails, music, and dancing on Friday, September 27 from 9:00 pm-Midnight.

Grand Cru: With flash bulbs popping, the chic lineup continues on Saturday, September 28 with the impeccable Grand Cru, presented byUnitedHealthcare®. Inspired by the iconic "September Issue'' of fashion magazines, this event, held on the Harris Theater Rooftop, heralds stunning cuisine crafted by world-class chefs and an unparalleled selection of wines & spirits. Drawing inspiration from the elegant simplicity of a fashion sketchbook, 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: The last look? A Sunday best. Rise & Shine Gourmet closes out the show on Sunday, September 29, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, presented by Performance Foodservice on the Harris Theater Rooftop. This newly reimagined brunch event promises a sunny afternoon filled with sweet & savory bites, delish cocktails, lively beats, and top tier chefs who know how to make a dish look as good as it tastes! Now that’s a showstopper.

With over 100 participating chefs yearly, the 2024 talent roster includes renowned 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). 

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. 

The new ancillary events in 2024, plus the complete chef lineup, detailed event information, and ticket sales, will be announced on July 23rd atchicagogourmet.org.