Charles and I went to Cochon555 for the first time, and we loved it! The event is centered around 5 chefs from local restaurants who each prepare a heritage pig from nose to tail. The chefs compete against each other to win votes from the judges and attendees to become the Pork Prince or Princess. (read more)
chicago events
Chef Kevin Hickey on the Farm to Table Trend
Chicago Gourmet took over Millenium Park last weekend, and one of my favorite parts of the event is getting to listen to local chefs’ perspective on food. Country Financial kicked off the weekend with a chat between “Check Please!” host Cat De Orio and The Duck Inn‘s Chef Kevin Hickey. Country Financial provides a wide (read more)
Pre-Brands, STK, and Chicago Gourmet
Chicago Gourmet is the foodie event of the year. It falls perfectly at the start of Fall when the weather is agreeable and all you want to do is spend time outside. And what could be better than spending a day (or a whole weekend) surrounded by food from the city’s top chefs? This year, my (read more)
Picnicking with West Elm and Snap Kitchen
When Snap Kitchen asked me to host a picnic in Oz Park, I instantly said yes because I am a huge fan of their so-delicious-you-don’t-even-realize-it-is-healthy food. When they mentioned that West Elm was providing decor, I didn’t quite expect it to involve dining room tables and the most elegant tablescapes I have even seen. Let (read more)
Shedd BLU 2016 Recap
Charles and I spent Saturday night at the 10th annual Shedd BLU at the Shedd Aquarium. It’s one of our favorite events of the summer. This was our third year attending and it seems to get better and better each year. On top of being an incredibly fun party, money is raised for the Shedd (read more)
Chicago Summer Bucket List
Chicago knows how to do summer. Let’s face it, the weather here is pretty brutal most of the year, but the city makes up for it during the summer. Every winter I have those days were I realize that I could live anywhere I wanted, and that I don’t have to put up with negative (read more)
Why You Should Go to the Windy City Smokeout
If you are going to go to one food festival this year, go to the Windy City Smokeout. This year the event is taking place Friday July 15th – Sunday July 17th, and it is one of my favorite events of the summer. The food is top notch, and music is incredible, and the venue feels (read more)
Exploring Chicago with United Fresh Produce Association
I am so excited to share this project with you! In June, the United Fresh Produce Association is hosting their annual convention in Chicago, it’s an event that brings together companies in every segment of the fresh produce supply chain – that means the growers, shippers, and everyone in between, all the way up to the retailers and (read more)
2016 James Beard Awards Recap
The James Beard Awards took place on Monday, bringing my favorite week of Chicago food events to a close. Fortunately, this year – unlike last year- the weekend of the awards didn’t fall on Derby Day, Cinco de Mayo, and the Rioja Wine Fest. While last year Chicago was the site of a frenzy of (read more)
Wintertime Date Ideas for Chicagoans
Dating in Chicago in the winter can require a little creativity. I have a handful of wintertime date ideas for Chicagoans that will make sure your weekends are filled with fun (and food). I created seven different date ideas that pair an activity with my favorite thing – food. I tried to pick accommodate a (read more)