140 CHICAGO | SEPTEMBER 2019
SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATUREENCORE! ENCORE EVENTS!
STAR-STUDDED SPECIAL EVENT SERIES BRINGS
FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT TO LIFEThis year’s Encore Events celebrate the "Lights, Camera, Napkin"
theme with sought-after culinary + entertainment experiences.“Chicago Gourmet continues to push the boundaries of
creativity,” said Rick Bayless, culinary luminary and Chef/
Owner of Frontera Restaurants. “At heart, it’s about the
food. That we can explore its connectivity to other cultural
institutions—like theatre, for example—through an event series
like this one brings the conversation and experience to a more
meaningful place.”Benefiting several worthy causes, Encore Events also provide
a way to give back to the community while enjoying all the
revelry you can handle. The lineup includes:- Tuesday, Sept. 24, 6–10:30 p.m.
Raise your Glass to Freedom: A Hamilton Exclusive
hosted by Rick Bayless at CIBC Theatre Celebrate the Year of
Chicago Theatre with an exclusive VIP evening at “Hamilton”
with Chef Rick Bayless. Enjoy early access to the theatre, a
reception featuring decadent cocktails and bites, premier
seating for the evening performance, and an exclusive
Q&A session with Hamilton himself, Miguel Cervantes! This
event benefits The Bayless Family Foundation “Stepping
Stone” Grants, which supports established Chicago theatre
organizations with a vision for institutional and artistic growth. - Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7–10 p.m.
“Take the Gun, Leave the Cannoli”: Italian Feast presented
by Performance Foodservice on the Odyssey Chicago River
An offer you can’t refuse, join chefs Fabio Viviani (Siena
Tavern), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno, Maillard Tavern), Carolina
Diaz (Terzo Piano), and Federico Comacchio with wines
curated by Master Sommelier Alpana Singh, (Check Please!,
Terra & Vine) for a mobster-inspired Italian feast aboard the
Odyssey Chicago River. A portion of proceeds go to the Illinois
Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.- Thursday, Sept. 26, 6–9 p.m.
Jef Comedy Jam Hosted by Jeff Mauro at Theater on the Lake
Join Chicago native and self-proclaimed funniest chef in
the world, Jeff Mauro (Pork & Mindy’s), for delicious fare,
refreshing cocktails, and a show by some of Chicago’s most
well-known comedians, Adam Burke (NPR's Wait Wait Don't
Tell Me), Pat Tomasula (WGN), Rapti Gupta (Big Bang Theory),
Kevin Farley, the "Grand Cru" comedy group, and more. A
portion of proceeds go to the Illinois Restaurant Association
Educational Foundation. - Friday, Sept. 27, 12–2 p.m.
Battle of the Masters at Swift & Sons Join Southern Glazer’s
Wine and Spirits Master Sommelier Serafin Alvarado for
an afternoon of delectable food, along with wine & music
pairings from local and visiting Certified Wine Educators and
Master Sommeliers including Fred Dame, MS (Daou Vineyards
and Winery), Kathy Morgan, MS (Southern Glazer’s Wine &
Spirits), and Alpana Singh, MS (Check Please!, Terra & Vine).
A live band will perform while guests savor and select their
favorite pairing. A portion of proceeds go to benefit the Illinois
Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.- Friday, Sept. 27, 6–9 p.m.
Hamburger Hop presented by Buckhead Meat of Chicago and
Blue Moon Brewing Company on the Harris Theater Rooftop
Tasty burgers, cold beer, wine & cocktails, and skyline views
are on the menu when leading chefs vie for burger glory at the
Hamburger Hop. Celebrating the entertainment theme, burgers
will be inspired by favorites from the small screen to the silver
screen. A portion of proceeds go to the Illinois Restaurant
Association Educational Foundation. - Friday, Sept. 27, 9 p.m.–Midnight
Late Night Gourmet presented by Chicago magazine at Dance
Studio VOL. 1 Every star-studded event deserves an equally glitzy
after party! Directly following the Hamburger Hop, Late Night
Gourmet revelry will cap off (or start off!) your evening with the
hottest DJs, late night bites, tasty libations and fun with Chicago
Gourmet chefs, sommeliers and other tastemakers. A portion of
proceeds go to the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational
Foundation.
- Friday, Sept. 27, 6–9 p.m.
- Saturday, Sept. 28, 8–11 p.m.
The Big Chill(i): Gourmet Chili Cook-Off presented by Illinois
Beef Association & Iowa Beef Industry Council on the Harris
Theater Rooftop Hosted by Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde) this
star-studded chili competition brings the heat. Join Jimmy Bannos
(Heaven on Seven), Jimmy Bannos, Jr. (The Purple Pig, Piggie
Smalls Gyro Shop), Abe Conlon (Fat Rice), Diana Dávila (Mi
Tocaya Antojería), Cedric Harden (River Roast), Kevin Hickey (The
Duck Inn), Kim Leali (One Off Hospitality), Carlos Gaytan (Tzuco/
Tales of Carlos Gaytan), Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons), Jose Sosa
(Gibsons Italia), and some local firehouse chefs as they pull out
all the stops to see whose creation will reign supreme. This event
benefits the 100 Club of Chicago, which provides for the families
of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. - Sunday, Sept. 29, 8:30–10:45 a.m. or 10 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Rise & Shine Gourmet at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
The comforting combo of yoga and brunch includes a
restorative yoga session, provided by CorePower Yoga, and
bliss-inducing brunch bites from Jason Hammel (Lula Café/
Marisol) and Justin Large (Left Coast Food + Juice). Benefits
Pilot Light, which helps children make healthier food choices.
“I’m so happy to host the chili cook-off as it supports a great
organization, The 100 Club of Chicago, as well as provides
attendees the opportunity to enjoy one of my favorite Texas
pastimes: chili,” said Chef/Partner Sarah Grueneberg of
Monteverde. “I’m excited to taste what this incredible chef line-
up cooks up and know that this will be a fantastic new event our
fans and supporters will love.”PHOTOGRAPHY: JEFF SCHEAR