Foodie News
Discover the Ultimate Culinary Collusion at Chicago Gourmet 2024: Fashion, Plated
Experience the fusion of fashion and cuisine at Chicago Gourmet 2024, with tickets now on sale!

Chicago, the heartbeat of Midwestern culinary innovation, is once again poised to delight gastronomes from around the globe with its premier epicurean event—Chicago Gourmet 2024. Presented by the Illinois Restaurant Association and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, this year’s event, themed ‘Fashion, Plated,’ promises an exquisite melding of fashion-forward concepts and culinary excellence. Starting on July 23, aspiring attendees can secure their tickets to participate in a series of savory and stylish happenings scheduled between August 15 and September 29.
Unique Events to Stir the Senses
Kicking off the festivities, ‘Goats & Totes’ with acclaimed chef Stephanie Izard is an inventive venture that combines craft with cuisine. Held at the vibrant Little Goat Diner on August 15 from 6-8 pm, this casual gathering invites guests to create uniquely designed tote bags using fruits and veggies as stamps, all the while savoring select bites and beverages. This community-focused event has tickets priced at $85 per person.
The culinary competition heats up with ‘Chefs Get Pickled’ happening on September 21 from 7-10 pm at SPF Chicago. In this inaugural pickleball competition, local chefs will face off under the active guidance of Celebrity Chef Jeff Mauro. The evening promises vigorous matches alongside delectable food and drink offerings. Tickets for this novel sports and dining experience are set at $99 per person.
For a touch of elegance, the ‘House of Gourmet Italian Dinner’ on September 25 from 6-9 pm at the historic Chicago History Museum offers a sumptuous multi-course Italian feast presented by Eataly. Guests will be treated to an expertly curated selection of beverages by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, hosted by none other than Mario Rizzotti. Each ticket is available for $225 per person.
‘Tacos & Tequila’ on September 26 merges the vibrancy of Mexican culinary traditions with modern mixology. From 7-10 pm at the Harris Theater Rooftop, join culinary stars Rick Bayless and Marcos Carbajal for an evening of artisan tacos, top-shelf tequila, and exhilarating music. Tickets are priced at $120 per person.
The festival also includes exclusive wine tastings, lively burger cook-offs, and enchanting late-night events, with each curated to offer a distinctive slice of Chicago’s eclectic food scene.
An Exquisite Culmination: The Grand Cru
The crown jewel event, the Grand Cru, will be convened on September 28 with two available sessions: 2-5 and 7-10 pm. Hosted by culinary luminary Paul Kahan on the Harris Theater Rooftop, this event will feature a panorama of world-class cuisines paired with exceptional vintages. Tickets for this elite gathering are available at $255 per participant.
Wrapping it Up with Rise & Shine Gourmet
Concluding the gastronomic festival, ‘Rise & Shine Gourmet’ promises a brunch like no other. Co-hosted by chefs Art Smith, Lorena Garcia, and Jernard Wells, this morning rendezvous turns the final page of Chicago Gourmet 2024 with an elegant array of dishes infused with global flavors, cocktails, and soothing music— all on the last day, September 29 from 11 am-2 pm, priced at $105 per person.
Secure Your Tickets Now
As we herald the arrival of Chicago Gourmet 2024, culinary aficionados are encouraged to secure their tickets early for these exclusive events. Each promises a unique fusion of taste and artistic expression, epitomizing Chicago’s status as a beacon of global culinary innovation. Dive into the fashion of food, and plate up some excitement this year at Chicago Gourmet. For tickets and more information, visit the Chicago Gourmet website. https://www.chicagogourmet.org/
SOURCE: Illinois Restaurant Association
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Food and Beverage
Unwrap the Holidays: Whataburger Launches 12 Days of Whatacheer With Daily App Deals
Celebrate the holidays with Whataburger’s 12 Days of Whatacheer! Discover daily in-app deals, exclusive to Rewards members, from December 12–23. Unwrap new menu favorites, BOGO offers, and festive savings—only on the Whataburger App.
12 Days of Whatacheer: Festive Deals for Rewards Members
How It Works
- Who: Whataburger Rewards members (sign up in the app if you’re not already!)
- When: December 12–23, with a new offer every day
- How: Open the Whataburger App, claim the day’s deal, and enjoy with your next order
Holiday-themed graphic reading ‘12 Days of WhataCheer’ on a red background with white dots. Below the text are images of Whataburger menu items: a Cinnamon Roll, Onion Rings, a Whataburger, a Whatafresher, a Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, and a Strawberry Shake.
Why Join the Whataburger Rewards Fun?
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Recipe of the Week
Holiday Desserts Just Got a Dairy-Forward Upgrade
Holiday Desserts: From festive cookies to indulgent dips, these delicious desserts bring people together to create memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking to impress guests, Santa Cookies are the ultimate treat. For a unique twist, try Gingerbread Dip, featuring vanilla Greek yogurt made with 100% grass-fed organic milk.
Last Updated on December 17, 2025 by Rod Washington

Holiday Desserts Just Got a Dairy-Forward Upgrade
(Family Features) Holiday desserts set the stage for seasonal delight and add a touch of joy to gatherings. From festive cookies to indulgent dips, these delicious desserts bring people together to create memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking to impress guests, Santa Cookies are the ultimate treat. Made with Maple Hill Salted Butter, they’re rich, soft and full of festive spirit. For a unique twist, try Gingerbread Dip, featuring vanilla Greek yogurt made with 100% grass-fed organic milk. Whether you’re hosting or deciding what to bring to the potluck, Maple Hill’s 100% grass-fed organic dairy makes it easy to whip up desserts that are as wholesome as they are delicious. Rich in nutrients and free from GMOs, hormones and antibiotics, each product comes from farms that prioritize regenerative practices as nature intended. With a 40% healthier ratio of omega 3:6 and 40% higher levels of CLA fatty acids compared to traditional organic dairy, you can feel good about sweet treats at the holiday table. To find more recipes, visit MapleHill.com.
Santa Cookies
Yield: 14 cookies- 1 cup (2 sticks) Maple Hill Salted Butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- mini chocolate chips
- mini red chocolate-coated candies
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) Maple Hill Salted Butter, at room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Preheat oven to 350 F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In large mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add egg and beat until combined. Add flour and salt; mix until dough begins to form ball.
- Remove 1 cup dough and set aside. Add red food coloring to remaining dough.
- From red cookie dough, make one 1-inch ball and five 1/2-inch balls. From plain cookie dough, make one 3/4-inch ball and five 1/4-inch balls.
- On prepared baking sheet, place red 1-inch ball and gently flatten until 1/2-inch thick. Attach four red 1/2-inch balls for arms and legs. Attach plain 3/4-inch ball for head and gently flatten until 1/2-inch thick. Attach plain 1/4-inch balls for hands and feet. Shape remaining red 1/2-inch ball into triangle for hat and attach. Repeat with remaining dough, arranging cookies 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Add chocolate candies for eyes and buttons.
- Bake 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- To make frosting: In medium bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add vanilla and powdered sugar; mix until combined.
- To decorate: Place half of frosting in piping bag with small tip to line Santa’s arms and legs. Place other half in second piping bag with small star tip to add Santa’s beard, hat and hands. Put small dot of icing between eyes and beard and place red mini chocolate-coated candy on face for nose.

Gingerbread Dip
Servings: 8-12- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 container (16 ounces) Maple Hill Vanilla Greek Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups whipped cream
- graham crackers
- fruit
- In medium bowl using electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and sugars about 1 minute. Add molasses and mix until combined.
- Add Greek yogurt, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg; beat until combined. Fold in whipped cream and mix until fully incorporated. Refrigerate 1 hour before serving or overnight.
- Serve with graham crackers and fruit.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
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Food and Beverage
Usher in Cool Weather with Easy Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin may be a classic fall flavor, but there’s no reason you can’t satisfy your craving for savory comfort foods all year long. Its smooth, creamy texture is a go-to ingredient for a variety of recipes, including this heartwarming and simple easy Pumpkin Soup.

Usher in Cool Weather with Easy Pumpkin Soup
(Family Features) Pumpkin may be a classic fall flavor, but there’s no reason you can’t satisfy your craving for savory comfort foods all year long. Forget spiced latte; with its wholesome nutrition and plenty of earthy flavor, pumpkin is the perfect ingredient for all kinds of flavorful dishes. It may inspire a warm, fall feeling but it’s much more than a seasonal product. Pumpkin puree can be enjoyed all year long mixed into your favorite baked goods, stirred into chilis or even scooped into your morning smoothie. The smooth, creamy texture of Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin, made in the United States with premium quality in mind, is a go-to ingredient for a variety of recipes, including this heartwarming and simple Pumpkin Soup. Simply simmer the pumpkin puree with coconut cream, vegetable stock, garlic and ginger for a soup that is comfort in a bowl. Explore new ways to enjoy seasonal recipes at greengiantvegetables.com.Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Pumpkin
Soup Cook time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4- 1 can (15 ounces) Green Giant 100% Pure Pumpkin
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- coconut rice, for serving (optional)
- bread, for serving (optional)
- In saucepan over medium heat, combine pumpkin, coconut cream, vegetable stock, garlic, ginger and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir until well incorporated, cook 10 minutes.
- Serve over coconut rice or with bread, if desired.
The fate of Lucky Supermarkets in SoCalLink: https://stmdailynews.com/the-fate-of-lucky-supermarkets-in-socal/
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