James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® Chicago

As the first weekend of James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® approaches, we’re starting to highlight what’s happening in each of the fantastic food destinations on our tour. First up: the dynamic city of Chicago.

On Friday, September 20, Taste America All-Star Richard Blais will join a lineup of top Midwestern chef talent, including a number of Beard Award winners and nominees, at Chicago’s historic Union Station. Dubbed “Journey through the Great Lakes”, the dinner will highlight the best regional bounty and products, and will kick off with a cocktail reception by the Violet Hour, a 2013 JBF Award nominee for Outstanding Bar Program. JBF Award–winning food reporter Steve Dolinsky of ABC 7's Hungry Hound will be on hand to emcee.

Dinner will be followed the Night Bites after-party, a spirited dine-around featuring Chicago’s hottest chefs and presented by Breadcrumb PRO. Expect tasty snacks from Storefront Company, Lillie's Q, Nightwood, Telegraph, The Lobby, Carriage House, Found, Little Market Brasserie, Tavernita, and TWO, plus drinks from Crafthouse Cocktails and Louis Glunz Beer Inc. and tunes from DJ Matt Roan.

On Saturday, join us at Sur La Table at 900 North Michigan Shops for a day of free cooking demos, tastings, cookbook signings, and more. Mister Blais will lead off with a demonstration in Sur La Table’s demo kitchen, with Outstanding Chef winner and restaurant empire builder Paul Kahan to follow.

The James Beard Foundation is proud to donate a portion of Chicago proceeds to Common Threads, an organization that teaches children from underserved communities how to cook wholesome, healthy meals.

Click here to reserve tickets for Friday night’s event. Saturday’s events at Sur La Table are free, but space is limited.

Check back tomorrow for details about Taste America events in Miami!

James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® would not be possible without the generous support of our title sponsor, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Visa Signature®. We would also like to thank our retail partner, Sur La Table, our media partner, Every Day with Rachel Ray, andnational sponsors Breville, Delta Air Lines, The Gulf Oyster Industry Council, and Lurpak® butter.

Additional support for events in Chicago provided by: Breadcrumb PRO, Casa Noble Tequila, Chicago Magazine, Crafthouse Cocktails, Death’s Door Spirits, DJ Matt Roan, Don Q Cristal Rum, Entertaining Company, Fernet Branca, Galdones Photography, Good Vines Wines Great Lakes Brewing Co., JW Marriott Chicago, Kehoe Designs, Louis Glunz Beer, Inc., Mountain Valley Spring Water, Novovino Wine Co., Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine, Royal Cup Coffee, Sunrise Digital, Templeton Rye Whiskey, The Butcher & Larder, The Violet Hour