The Green City Market is every Chicagoan's favorite farmer's market, and once a summer Chicago's chefs come together to raise money to fund the market's educational initiatives and to support the mission of improving the availability of high quality foods. This year over 100 local chefs and 30 craft brewers participated in the Green City Market Chef BBQ, and raising more than $170,000.
The Chef BBQ takes place in the South End of Lincoln Park, in the same space that the Green City Market occupies on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the summer. Instead of the produce stands that are set up for the farmer's market, dozens of stations for the restaurants and breweries are set up.
The fun part about this event is that attendees get to interact with chefs from their favorite restaurants, and taste samplings from each one. Of course the food is prepared using ingredients sourced from local farms. Here are some culinary highlights:
White Oak prepared Grilled Pork Collar which was served with a Green Coriander Yogurt, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions and Arugula.
Lula made Eggplant Kabob's, one of many vegetarian offering at the event.
Metropolitan Brewing had the coolest robot kegerators. I am a big fan of their Flywheel Bright Lager.
Limelight created Braised Beef Shank and Oxtail Sliders.
Perhaps my personal favorite was the build your own elote bar at Cafe Des Architects.
A selection of sauces, cheeses, and topping were available to create elotes. It was fun to make, and I loved the flavor combinations.
Osteria Via Stato made Summer Vegetable Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Pesto.
Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill/Topolobampo/Xoco created one of the fan favorites: Corn Masa Cakes topped with Goat Barbacoa, Tomatillo Sauce, and Black Beans.
Tacos and corn were popular at the event, and Seven Lions served Lamb Al Pasto Tacos with Elote. I could eat tacos and elote all day, everyday.
Taus Authentic made Ricotta Tarts with Heirloom Tomato, Olives, Arugula, Walnut Pesto, and Lavender Honey. The ricotta/lavender honey flavor combination was something special.
Now please do yourself a favor and put the Green City Market Chef BBQ on your list of things to do next summer. The food was incredible, and the event was one of the most fun food events I have attended.
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