As soon as I arrived at Chicago Gourmet in Millennium Park this weekend, I suffered an acute case of sensory overload. Glasses of bubbly rosé bobbed around me, the smell of fire-roasted pork wafted my way, a voice over the speaker system announced Rick Bayless was taking the main stage and I spotted a tray of gold-dusted macarons in my peripheral. This must be heaven, I thought. After collecting myself, a wine glass and plate for food, I made my way toward the madness and didn’t look back.
In the events that followed, I ate my weight in food, chatted with the Chicago chefs that prepared each sample, sipped wines from around the world, Instagrammed the hell out of a very adorable dessert and passed out in a food coma as soon as I got home.
Tickets for the event ran from $170 per day to $275 for a weekend pass. And though I was graciously granted a press pass for the event, I wouldn’t think twice about forking over the cash to attend this event again. Here’s a food-focused rundown of some of the things I ate this weekend.
SATURDAY
RL fried oyster po’ boy: Crispy, buttery and not too heavy on the bread, these tiny sliders were two bites of YES.
Knife & Tine honey lemon curd tart with candied blueberries, ginger nutmeg and whipped cream: Perhaps the best thing I tried all weekend, this tart was heavenly.
Joe Fish Maine lobster roll: I was super excited when I unwrapped this roll but majorly disappointed when I realized the bread-to-lobster ratio was completely off. No thanks.
Flo & Santos crostini with marinated tomatoes and lemon ricotta: Though this bite wasn’t overly memorable, it basically tasted like summer on a piece of bread.
Honey Butter Fried Chicken fried chicken bites with honey butter: I’m a big fan of this Avondale spot, so I was happy to see their classic recipe at the festival.
Autre Monde Cafe braised pork with white corn polenta: This plate was full of texture and flavor, but ended up being just OK in my book.
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The Big Green Egg Elvis s’mores: Chocolate, marshmallows, bananas and more chocolate inside a classic sugar cone. Be still, my heart.
Oak & Char duck kielbasa: Covered in fennel, shaved Brussels sprouts and duck heart gravy, this was my favorite savory dish of the day.
Pazzo’s Chicago osso bucco ravioli with wild mushroom gravy: These giant veal-stuffed pillows were tender, warm and oozing with mushroom goodness.
SUNDAY
Marion Street Market pumpkin soup with celery root brunoise and maple manchego creme fraiche: Like slurping down fall.
Arami poached octopus with seaweed: Despite the tender tendrils, I was over this dish after one bite.
Homestead on the Roof frika salad with burnt leek vinaigrette and smoked goat cheese: Zesty, smoky, chewy yumminess that would be so delicious alongside a hunk of steak.
City Winery duck breast with cherry compote and soba noodles: This flavor combination blew me away and earned the spot for best dish of the day.
Side Door chicken bahn mi sandwich: Tasty? Yes. Memorable? Not particularly.
Paramount Events pork and wild mushroom ragu over stone-ground polenta: Served on a bed of greens and tiny wild flowers, this dish won the award for best dressed.
Dolce Italian crostone with avocado, heirloom tomatoes, shrimp and calamari: Refreshing and tasty, this toasty bite was gone in a matter of seconds.
The bottom line: Though the price tag is a little steep, I felt the experience was absolutely worth it. Chicago Gourmet is essentially an adult playground with unlimited snack time, booze and top chefs. I left each day feeling completely full, a little tipsy and totally happy. Would I go again? Abso-freaking-lutely.
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