Chicago Gourmet

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

I have never gone to this event. I am considering going. I am wondering what past participants think about this event.

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.

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.

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,

Early bird tickets to Chicago Gourmet today at 10am. http://www.chicagogourmet.org/?page=SpringPresale_2015

Chicago Gourmet to sell discounted tickets on Black Friday

http://www.chicagotribune.com/dining/ct ... story.html

One of the most overpriced food events of the yr. http://gapersblock.com/drivethru/2012/10/01/review_chicago_gourmet/

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.