Chicago Gourmet 2009

For the third year in a row, foodies will descend on Millennium Park September 25th and 26th for “Chicago Gourmet,” an extravaganza expected to attract our city’s greatest food and wine talents. The Illinois Restaurant Association made the announcement earlier today to kick-off the promotion of the event, which will draw more than 100 chefs from not only Chicago, but the entire country.

Last year’s event had about 8,000 attendees, and with the addition of Bon Appetit Magazine as a key sponsor, organizers are hoping for an even greater turnout this year.

A one-day pass costs $150; admission for both days is $250. Bon Appetit’s Editor-in-Chief, Barbara Fairchild was at the press conference today to help announce the addition this year of the‚ Bon Appetit Marketplace Tent, where guests can mingle with the magazine’s editors. Also new this year, the Foodspring.com Specialty Food Pavilion, a new Fancy Food Show consumer retail area.

If you don’t want to drop $150 for a day’s pass, try the Dine Around program. If you dine at five different participating restaurants between August 30 and September 26, (and you save your receipts) you can get a one-day free pass if you bring them with a special passport to the registration desk that day.

Hard-core oenophiles can plunk down an extra $175 to taste some seriously rare wines from around the world and rub elbows with a couple of master sommeliers.

Extra events include a burger-cooking contest on the Friday night beforehand (Sept. 24), featuring more than a dozen chefs at the Harris Theatre’s Rooftop Terrace. Tickets for that kick-off event cost $75.

More information about the super gourmet weekend at www.chicagogourmet.org