Chicago Gourmet- a celebration of food and wine

If anyone ever needed proof that Chicago is one of the world's top food destinations, The 2009 Chicago Gourmet event held in Millennium Park this past weekend would seal the deal. This Bacchanalian orgy of food, wine, and spirits definitely lived up to its billing, showcasing more than 100 chefs, 300 wineries and 65 spirits providers. A veritable who's who of Chicago's culinary elite offered samples of signature dishes while wine and spirits providers kept the corks popping and glasses filled. Cooking demos, book signings, wine seminars, and a silent auction all competed for one’s attention.

From celebrity chef Rick Bayless bantering with C-House's Marcus Samuelsson on the Pritzker Pavilion stage to Tony Mantuano discussing pantry essentials, even the most jaded gourmand would be impressed. This was not the grab-and-go aesthetic of Taste of Chicago, but an in-depth celebration of dining excellence, the foodie equivalent of the Oscars. A stellar collection of some of Chicago’s best and brightest gathered to strut their stuff and show why northeast Illinois has become the global epicenter of epicurean erudition. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

This was the 2nd year for this event and despite a few minor deficiencies, it appears to be a huge success. The crowds were large but not uncomfortably so. Lines for some of the food tastings were long but moved quickly. Complaints about the previous year's shortage of food seemed to have been addressed, at least on Saturday when we were there, and there was certainly no problem keeping the wine and spirits flowing. Which can be a perilous thing, of course. Even the tiny amounts poured in the glasses can add up pretty quickly if you don't pace yourself. There were a number of barrels for bottled water scattered around, but they were empty the times we looked. A few more seating areas would have helped as would more trash containers. Event staff came around to pick up plates, napkins, etc., and did an admirable job, but it would have been easier to provide suitable receptacles. These are very minor quibbles for an event of this scope and complexity and overall things appeared to run very smoothly. Considering the logistics of getting this many chefs, sommeliers, and restaurateurs together for one weekend, the promoters did an outstanding job.

Weather is always a concern at outdoor events like this and fortunately was not a major issue this year. Temperature extremes, rain, or worse could have a serious impact on an event where proper presentation is vital. That said, Millennium Park and the Pritzker Pavilion provide a terrific venue for Chicago Gourmet. The latticework canopy of the Pavilion coupled with the stunning skyline of Chicago is a great complement to the aromas and tastes emanating from beneath.

Navigating a massive event like this required a game plan, similar to taking your kids to Disney World. You couldn't do everything, so you had to pick and choose, a really tough job given the choices available. It was tempting to try to gobble everything in sight and down it all with as many drink samples as you could, but then you would miss the true enjoyment of great cuisine. The frequently changing menus at the various tasting pavilions didn’t make it any easier, with irresistible offerings by the likes of Graham Elliot Bowles, Carrie Nahabedian, and many more. Much better to take it a little slower and savor each morsel before moving on to the next.  Right.  Because of the overwhelming array of selections available, singling out a few favorites would be unfair and wholly arbitrary. I’ll just say our list of future dining destinations just got a lot longer.

Wine and spirits vendors seemed to dominate the event, at least in terms of floor space. 11:00 AM is probably too early to start sampling Pinot Noirs, but in the interest of journalistic professionalism, we soldiered on as best we could. Tent after tent they went on, seducing you with the bouquets of fruits and herbs and whatever else the vintners thought would lure you into stashing away a case or two of their latest vintages. Prices weren’t posted, so it gave a little more credence to the veracity and honesty of the tastings. One wasn’t influenced one way or the other by the cost. Asking about it produced the general price range and availability.  Most of the servers (pourers?) were knowledgeable about their product, but a few recited the company line, just reading from the cheat sheets in front of them. The good ones really knew their stuff, describing in detail the virtues of their products. Some were really into it, like Ross, the bekilted (is that a word?) rep for Chivas Regal, who  not only gave a generous pour, but could describe in detail the virtues of 21 year old blended Scotch.

All of this came at a price, of course. Tickets started at $150.00 for one day and went up from there; special events such as the Grand Cru Tastings were a separate charge. Although it seems expensive (and is, especially in a still sluggish economy) you do get a big bang for your buck. A full day (7 hours start to finish on Saturday, 6 on Sunday) of incredible food, enough wine to fill Napa Valley, and the chance to meet and hear world class chefs discuss their craft is a very enticing premise.

This was a major achievement for the city of Chicago and helped solidify the region’s prominence in the culinary arts. It was not an elitist event for food or wine snobs, despite the hefty admission fee, but a showcase for the talents and passions of a very creative group of people. Let’s hope it will continue for many years to come.

Make way for the next round of goodies             

 Rick Bayless and Marcus Samuelsson shake hands 

 before the big ceviche smackdown         

Ross and Dalia want you to try a little Chivas

Tony and Cathy Mantuano discuss pantry essentials   

So much to eat and drink. Where do we start?

When Alan isn’t gorging himself on prime rib and old vines Zinfandel, he designs and builds contemporary furniture at alancarterstudio.com.