THIS WEEKEND IN CHICAGO – Ending September with Culinary Delights!
The temps may have cooled down but not our festival season here in Chicago! In fact, we’ll be celebrating with food, jazz, food, a run/walk, and did I mention, more food. Yep, this last weekend of September is going to be filled with culinary delights.
Celebrating the city’s dining scene this weekend is the annual food festival Chicago Gourmet hosted by the Illinois Restaurant Association. The theme for this year’s culinary extravaganza is “Fashion, Plated” (a celebration of the seamless fusion of Food & Fashion). Saturday brings the impeccable Grand Cru, hosted by Chef Paul Kahan, to the Harris Theater rooftop at Millennium Park in The Loop delivering cuisine from world class chefs along with the finest wines and spirits. Choose between the afternoon “Party in Black” or the evening “white Party.” And a newly reimagined brunch also held on the Harris Theater rooftop closes out the show on Sunday with the Rise & Shine Gourmet, co-hosted by Chefs Art Smith, Lorena Garcia, and Jernard Wells, offering sweet and savory bites, cocktails, and lively beats.
Returning for its 21st year of seasonal revelry, Oktoberfest Chicago takes place both in and outside the iconic St. Alphonsus church (1429 W. Wellington Ave.) in the Lakeview neighborhood this Saturday (12 p.m.-10 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.-7 p.m.). This autumn event features a selection of suds, brats, pretzels, and two stages of Bavarian music along with a bunch of cover bands. Plus, a separate ticketed craft beer festival takes place on Saturday. In addition, fun for children and families can be found at this year’s Kinderfest area offering face painting, games and activities, and a friendly Kinderfest meal to enjoy. It’s one of Chicago’s most popular autumn celebrations of all things Bavarian!
If you’re up for a Caribbean feast, then head on over to the Pig Roast at Time Out Market Chicago this Saturday (3 p.m.-8 p.m.) at 916 West Fulton Market in the West Loop and join Lil Amaru’s Chef Rodolfo Cuadros on the patio. He’ll be roasting a whole pig and whipping up a host of tasty dishes which include beef empanadas, pollo al carbon, and more. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of Caribbean flavors, live cooking, music, and good vibes. Since this is not a ticketed event, food is available for purchase a la carte. It’s sure to be a mouthwatering experience for all!
Dedicated to supporting the presentation and ongoing development of jazz, particularly on the South Side of Chicago, the 18th annual Hyde Park Jazz Festival takes place this Saturday (1 p.m.-9 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.-7 p.m.) at various venues across the Hyde Park neighborhood. Chicago’s upbeat jazz scene will be prominently featured by the most critically acclaimed local artists as well as nationally and internationally recognized talent and over 30 bands. As always, shows are free to attend!
The annual AIDS Run/Walk Chicago takes place this Saturday with a 10:35 a.m. start at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop raising funds for AIDS Foundation Chicago. All three courses (5K Walk & Roll, 5K Run, and 10K Run) will once again feature breathtaking views of Chicago’s skyline and Lake Michigan. In addition, water stations will be placed along all courses and additional refreshments will be available at the finish line. Not a run or walk participant? Then be one of the 2,000 people who show up and show out to mobilize support for those living with HIV/AIDS. Afterall, it is the largest HIV gathering in the Midwest!
Sue Moss and Dean’s Team Chicago
