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    Post #1 - August 30th, 2013, 10:20 pm
    Post #1 - August 30th, 2013, 10:20 pm Post #1 - August 30th, 2013, 10:20 pm
    Chicago Gourmet weekend is fast approaching with the Hamburger Hop set for September 27th and the full event taking place on the 28th and 29th at Millennium Park. Tickets are still available for all these events: http://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/asso ... gogourmet/

    I missed the past two years, but am really excited for this years event. As usual tons of outstanding restaurants/chefs are participating: http://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/asso ... =art_smith

    What I love about this event is that it is several hours long, so not mad rush to try and eat from as many stations as possible in a short period time a la Bacon Fest, Green City Market BBQ etc. Also of interest this year (though quite pricey) is as part of the Grand Cru ten Michelin starred Chicago chefs are being paired up with ten chefs from other countries: http://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/asso ... /?page=199

    You can earn a free ticket to the regular event (not Grand Cru) through eating at any five of many participating restaurants between now and September 20th and saving receipts - details here: http://www.illinoisrestaurants.org/asso ... /?page=200
    Twitter: @Goof_2
  • Post #2 - September 16th, 2013, 7:01 pm
    Post #2 - September 16th, 2013, 7:01 pm Post #2 - September 16th, 2013, 7:01 pm
    I have never gone to this event. I am considering going. I am wondering what past participants think about this event.
  • Post #3 - September 16th, 2013, 8:46 pm
    Post #3 - September 16th, 2013, 8:46 pm Post #3 - September 16th, 2013, 8:46 pm
    We went two years ago, and I'm not in a hurry to go back.
    Most booths served heavy rich umami bombs, with a distinct lack of bright and spicy
    You can only eat so much of that without feeling stuffed.

    There's a lot of booze. If you drink a lot, you can get a lot of value there.
    What is patriotism, but the love of good things we ate in our childhood?
    -- Lin Yutang
  • Post #4 - September 19th, 2013, 4:18 pm
    Post #4 - September 19th, 2013, 4:18 pm Post #4 - September 19th, 2013, 4:18 pm
    I've been three times, four with this next weekend. All visits were comped. I think it gets better and better each year and I've had a great time, even in rain and mud. The setting in Millennium Park sets the stage. I agree with Joel that the food is nothing special, but it has improved and I don't find the lines too cumbersome or the food too scant, as it was with the first year's relative disaster. But the wines are special and if you like wine and spirits, you'll not be disappointed. That said, is it worth the price of admission at $150 or so? Depends on your priorities and your pocketbook. If you go with people you enjoy, you'll have a great time. If you go alone, you may not stay as long as it tends to be a big party. I really don't have much interest in seeing celebrity chefs or food demos, but there's plenty of that if you do, although it may be hard to view given the crowds. Again, the setting in the Park is what makes this something to which I look forward. And truth be told, I cannot ever remember what I ate outside of the omnipresent salami trays, which are scattered around the venue. One last tip: sometimes folks are selling deeply discounted tickets outside the park a few hours into the event. Particularly on Sunday, the last day. But, as I said, after the event begins. Also, you can try Craig's list. A friend of mine went free off a Craig's list ticket, as the seller was out of town. He just e-mailed her the ticket and said have fun.
  • Post #5 - September 19th, 2013, 7:44 pm
    Post #5 - September 19th, 2013, 7:44 pm Post #5 - September 19th, 2013, 7:44 pm
    Hi,

    I went once with an LTH'r who won her pair of tickets. We tag teamed the food lines by each standing in different lines, taking two portions, exchanging these portions and getting into another line.

    I stood behind a Mother and daughter, when daughter declared, "I'm not wasting my time eating food. I am going to get my money's worth by getting drunk." You could read her Mother's face, "Why am I here? I want to go home."

    I might go again, if I had a comped ticket. Otherwise it is really not my kind of event.

    Regards,
    Cathy2

    "You'll be remembered long after you're dead if you make good gravy, mashed potatoes and biscuits." -- Nathalie Dupree
    Facebook, Twitter, Greater Midwest Foodways,
  • Post #6 - April 16th, 2015, 7:43 am
    Post #6 - April 16th, 2015, 7:43 am Post #6 - April 16th, 2015, 7:43 am
    Early bird tickets to Chicago Gourmet today at 10am. http://www.chicagogourmet.org/?page=SpringPresale_2015
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #7 - November 27th, 2015, 9:37 am
    Post #7 - November 27th, 2015, 9:37 am Post #7 - November 27th, 2015, 9:37 am
    Chicago Gourmet to sell discounted tickets on Black Friday

    http://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct ... story.html
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #8 - November 28th, 2015, 8:15 am
    Post #8 - November 28th, 2015, 8:15 am Post #8 - November 28th, 2015, 8:15 am
    One of the most overpriced food events of the yr. http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2012/10/01/review_chicago_gourmet/
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #9 - October 1st, 2018, 10:36 am
    Post #9 - October 1st, 2018, 10:36 am Post #9 - October 1st, 2018, 10:36 am
    Seems like it's fallen out of favor here, but did anyone else go over the weekend? It's gotten a little too crowded but I enjoyed it. Definitely a drinker's paradise but the food was pretty good. Way too much of everything to process effectively and sorely lacking a nap pavilion.

    The temperature was about 40 degrees cooler than last year which made it a better day all around.
  • Post #10 - June 30th, 2020, 2:07 pm
    Post #10 - June 30th, 2020, 2:07 pm Post #10 - June 30th, 2020, 2:07 pm
    Chicago Gourmet cancels main event for 2020, plans smaller programs

    https://www.chicagotribune.com/coronavi ... story.html
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #11 - August 26th, 2020, 11:44 am
    Post #11 - August 26th, 2020, 11:44 am Post #11 - August 26th, 2020, 11:44 am
    There will be a Chicago Gourmet this year, though not in the format we’ve come to expect.

    There will be tastings, in the form of in-person, multicourse dinners held in 10 restaurants over two weeks. And there will be cooking demonstrations, though you’ll need a browser and a purchased login to watch them.

    And there will be a Hamburger Hop, though instead of hopping from booth to booth in one venue, you’ll be able to “hop” from one venue to another, with dozens to choose among.

    https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/c ... story.html
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #12 - June 16th, 2021, 4:16 pm
    Post #12 - June 16th, 2021, 4:16 pm Post #12 - June 16th, 2021, 4:16 pm
    Chicago Gourmet returns (sort of) with more in-person events, including Hamburger Hop

    https://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/c ... story.html
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #13 - August 12th, 2021, 1:22 pm
    Post #13 - August 12th, 2021, 1:22 pm Post #13 - August 12th, 2021, 1:22 pm
    The most overpriced and under serving food event I've ever endured.
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #14 - August 12th, 2021, 1:41 pm
    Post #14 - August 12th, 2021, 1:41 pm Post #14 - August 12th, 2021, 1:41 pm
    Jazzfood wrote:The most overpriced and under serving food event I've ever endured.

    I like Chicago Gourmet. Though from the perspective of someone who has never paid to attend. The few times I've gone as a guest I was "media" and the rest as a vendor passing out food. I've also done a few stage demos and book signings there. They treat the ~help~ well and are well organized.

    One year it was 100° out, I was working and came thisclose to passing out, but that is another story.
    Hold my beer . . .

    Low & Slow
  • Post #15 - August 12th, 2021, 1:54 pm
    Post #15 - August 12th, 2021, 1:54 pm Post #15 - August 12th, 2021, 1:54 pm
    I also attended as a guest 1st writing for Gapersblock and 2nd via Jam. Try it as a civilian w/o VIP status and long lines and w/a premier wine tasting it's upwards to $350 a tix which for me is not worth it.
    "In pursuit of joys untasted"
    from Giuseppe Verdi's La Traviata
  • Post #16 - September 21st, 2022, 3:11 pm
    Post #16 - September 21st, 2022, 3:11 pm Post #16 - September 21st, 2022, 3:11 pm
    Chicago Gourmet Returns This Weekend With Celebrity Chefs Including Daniel Boulud.
    https://chicago.eater.com/2022/9/21/233 ... d-festival
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard
  • Post #17 - April 11th, 2023, 3:31 pm
    Post #17 - April 11th, 2023, 3:31 pm Post #17 - April 11th, 2023, 3:31 pm
    Chicago Gourmet, the high-profile annual food festival that brings together some of the city’s most lauded restaurants and chefs, will return this year from Thursday, September 21 to 24 to the Harris Theater rooftop in Millennium Park.

    https://chicago.eater.com/2023/4/11/236 ... el-tourism
    Never order barbecue in a place that also serves quiche - Lewis Grizzard

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