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
Authors
Foodie News
Take to the Outdoors with a Fresh, Picnic-Friendly Sandwich
When the weather breaks and it’s time to get outdoors, there’s hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park. Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic-Friendly Sandwich.
Take to the Outdoors with a Fresh, Picnic-Friendly Sandwich
(Feature Impact) When the weather breaks and it’s time to get outdoors, there’s hardly any better place to be than resting on a deck, lounging in the backyard or curled up on a picnic blanket at a local park. Enjoy that leisurely time with loved ones by sharing a spread that includes these Picnic Party Sandwiches, perfect for a filling lunch that provides the energy you need for kicking around a soccer ball, playing tag or flying a kite.
Find more lunch ideas fit for enjoying the sunshine by visiting Culinary.net.
Picnic Party Sandwiches
Recipe adapted from “Crunch Time Kitchen”
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 1 large fresh baguette
- 1/4 cup fig preserves
- 6-8 ounces cured meats, such as prosciutto, salami and capocollo
- 6 ounces brie cheese, sliced
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- Mash together room temperature butter with fresh parsley. Set aside.
- Cut fresh baguette length-wise and smear bottom half of the baguette with herbed butter. Top with fig preserves.
- Layer on cured meats followed by slices of brie cheese. For brie, cut off any large pieces of rind.
- In small bowl, toss arugula with lemon juice and salt. Add arugula to sandwich followed by top half of baguette.
- Cut baguette into four even sandwiches and eat immediately or wrap each one tightly in paper or plastic wrap.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
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/
Food and Beverage
Big Chicken Goes Global: Shaquille O’Neal’s Restaurant Brand Debuts in Honduras
Big Chicken, founded by Shaquille O’Neal, debuts in Honduras with new restaurants in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba, marking its Central America expansion.
SAN PEDRO SULA & LA CEIBA, Honduras — The global expansion of celebrity-backed dining concepts continues to gain momentum as Shaquille O’Neal brings his fast-growing restaurant brand, Big Chicken, to Central America for the first time.
Founded in 2018, Big Chicken has quickly built a reputation for blending comfort food favorites with bold, modern flavors—and now it’s making its mark in Honduras with the opening of two new locations in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba.
A Strategic Central American Launch
The new restaurants—located at Plaza Masdeval in San Pedro Sula and Plaza Corvey in La Ceiba—represent a significant milestone in the brand’s international growth strategy. Both cities offer strong economic and cultural appeal:
- San Pedro Sula serves as Honduras’ industrial and commercial hub
- La Ceiba is a vibrant coastal destination known for tourism and Caribbean energy
Together, they provide an ideal entry point for a brand built around high-energy dining and community engagement.
The expansion is led by international franchise operator Thomas Talarico, CEO of BLT UK Holdings Limited, who is spearheading Big Chicken’s rollout across the region. Following Honduras, plans are already in motion for additional locations in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Panama.
What’s on the Menu?
Big Chicken’s Honduras menu delivers the same fan-favorite offerings that have fueled its success in North America, including:
- Signature sandwiches like “The Original” and “The Shaq Attack”
- Crispy chicken tenders and “Dunks” (bite-sized chicken pieces)
- Hand-spun milkshakes and indulgent sides
- New “Shaq Snacks,” featuring tenders paired with garlic toast and bold toppings
In a move tailored to local tastes, the brand also plans to introduce limited-time menu items inspired by Honduran flavors, blending global appeal with regional culinary identity.
Riding the Fast-Casual Boom
Big Chicken’s expansion comes at a time when the Latin American fast-casual dining sector is experiencing rapid growth. Industry projections estimate the market will surpass $70 billion by 2026, driven by increasing demand for convenient, high-quality dining options.
The brand’s strategy—combining recognizable celebrity influence, scalable franchising, and localized menu innovation—positions it well to compete in this evolving market.
More Than Just a Celebrity Brand
While Shaquille O’Neal’s name brings instant recognition, Big Chicken’s leadership emphasizes that its long-term success hinges on more than star power. CEO Josh Halpern highlighted the importance of local partnerships and community-driven experiences as key to the brand’s international growth.
With more than 40 locations already operating across North America and beyond—and dozens more in development—Big Chicken is rapidly evolving into a global fast-casual contender.
The Bigger Picture
From arenas and airports to cruise ships and now Central American city centers, Big Chicken’s footprint continues to expand across diverse markets. Its arrival in Honduras signals not just a new dining option for local communities, but also a broader trend: the globalization of American fast-casual brands with localized twists.
As the brand builds momentum across the Americas, one thing is clear—Big Chicken is betting big on flavor, fun, and international growth.
Related Links
Big Chicken Official Website
Franchise Opportunities
Source
- Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken Touches Down in Central America with Honduras Debut — PR Newswire (Craveworthy Brands), March 18, 2026
For more Food News and Recipes, visit STM Daily News…
SAN DIEGO, CA — The award-winning JOEY Restaurant Group is continuing its U.S. expansion with the debut of its first San Diego location, JOEY La Jolla, opening April 23, 2026. The new restaurant will be located at Westfield UTC, one of Southern California’s premier retail and lifestyle destinations.
A New Dining Destination for La Jolla
Set in the heart of La Jolla, the 10,600-square-foot restaurant is designed to deliver a vibrant, upscale-yet-approachable experience. Guests can expect a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor dining, complete with a welcoming fire feature, lush landscaping, and a covered patio that opens into an expansive, modern interior.
Inside, the space features a lively bar and lounge area, complete with a DJ booth for select evenings, a curated wine wall, and contemporary art installations. The dining room centers around a striking olive tree beneath a wood canopy, creating a warm and immersive atmosphere ideal for everything from casual lunches to late-night gatherings.
Elevated Cuisine Meets Global Inspiration
JOEY Restaurants has built its reputation on globally inspired dishes and high-quality ingredients—and JOEY La Jolla is no exception.
The menu will showcase a wide range of offerings, including:
- Premium steak cuts like Bone-In Prime Ribeye and Tomahawk
- Fire-torched sushi and fresh seafood
- Shareable plates and handcrafted bowls
- Signature creations like Truffle Udon Carbonara
The beverage program is equally robust, featuring a curated wine selection and handcrafted cocktails such as the Good Life Margarita and Woodsmoked Old Fashioned. Guests can also explore “JOEY Supers,” a creative take on the classic highball with a refreshing twist.
Leadership Behind the Experience
The culinary and beverage program is led by an award-winning team, including:
- Matthew Stowe, Executive Chef and Top Chef alumnus
- Jay Jones, Bar Development Leader and Hall of Fame inductee
- Jason Yamasaki, Group Sommelier
Their combined expertise is expected to elevate JOEY La Jolla into one of San Diego’s standout dining destinations.
Soft Opening and Reservations
Diners eager to get an early look can reserve a table during the restaurant’s limited preview period from April 18–22, ahead of its official grand opening on April 23. Once open, JOEY La Jolla will offer full-service dining daily, including lunch, happy hour, dinner, and late-night service.
Hours of Operation:
- Sunday–Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Friday–Saturday: 11 AM – 1 AM
Location:
4489 La Jolla Village Drive, Suite 1600
San Diego, CA 92122
A Strategic Expansion into Southern California
According to company leadership, the move into San Diego marks a significant milestone in JOEY’s broader growth strategy. With its strong culinary culture and coastal lifestyle, La Jolla provides an ideal backdrop for the brand’s signature blend of hospitality, design, and globally influenced cuisine.
As San Diego’s dining scene continues to evolve, JOEY La Jolla is positioned to become a go-to destination for locals and visitors seeking a dynamic and elevated dining experience.
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/
