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
Food
Add 2 Key Nutrients You Might Be Overlooking with an Easy Avocado Recipe
While everyone is talking about protein these days whether watching their weight or managing type 2 diabetes, fiber and healthy fats are nutrients many people are overlooking. One food that makes it easier to invest in your health, according to nutrition experts: avocados. Try this recipe for Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding for your next breakfast or snack.
Add 2 Key Nutrients You Might Be Overlooking with an Easy Avocado Recipe
(Feature Impact) While everyone is talking about protein these days whether watching their weight or managing type 2 diabetes, fiber and healthy fats are nutrients many people are overlooking.
The latest reports show most Americans already meet or exceed recommendations for protein while nearly all (about 95%) do not eat enough fiber, and many people consume too much saturated fat versus unsaturated fat, according to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee. Prioritizing ways to get more fiber and healthy fats on your plate could be key to managing weight and type 2 diabetes goals this summer.
One food that makes it easier to invest in your health, according to nutrition experts: avocados.
A growing body of research and materials from Avocados – Love One Today, a science-based resource, suggests fresh avocados offer weight management benefits, help with type 2 diabetes management and are good for blood sugar management. Avocados uniquely contain fiber and healthy fats in each nutrient-dense bite, which slows digestion, helping you feel satisfied and fuller longer.
To explore evidence-based avocado nutrition information, along with practical tips and easy recipes, visit Avocados – Love One Today, a leading resource for avocado nutrition information. Try this recipe for Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding for your next breakfast or snack.
Watch video to see how to make this recipe!
Avocado and Blueberry Chia Pudding
- 1 1/2 cups plain, unsweetened soy milk (or milk of choice)
- 1 ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted and peeled
- 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/3 cup chia seeds
To Serve:
- 1/3 cup granola
- 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 kiwi, chopped
- 1/2 fresh, ripe avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and chopped
- In blender, puree soy milk, avocado, blueberries, yogurt and maple syrup until smooth. Pour mixture into storage container or bowl and add chia seeds. Whisk well to combine. Cover with lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight, until thickened.
- To serve, divide into bowls and top with granola, fresh blueberries, kiwi and avocado.
Notes: Use any milk (dairy or non-dairy) that you prefer in pudding. Use fresh blueberries or conventional frozen blueberries. Other topping options include: nuts, seeds, hemp hearts, sliced banana or strawberries, or nut butter.
SOURCE:
Looking for more bites, sips, and local dining news? Head over to STM Daily News’ Food & Drink page for more food and beverage stories: https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink-3/
Food and Beverage
Hawksmoor Boston Opens Sept. 8 in Fort Point at 15 Necco Street
Hawksmoor, the acclaimed London steakhouse, opens Sept. 8 in Boston’s Fort Point with dry-aged steaks, seafood, cocktails, and a Sunday roast tradition. Hawksmoor Boston
Last Updated on September 11, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Hawksmoor, the London-born steakhouse known for its charcoal-grilled, dry-aged cuts, is opening its first Boston location on September 8. Hawksmoor Boston is located on the ground floor of 15 Necco Street in Fort Point, with seating for 280 guests indoors and on an outdoor terrace overlooking the Fort Point Channel. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner throughout the week.
What’s on the menu
Hawksmoor says it’s bringing its “do things properly” steakhouse approach to Boston, sourcing from local purveyors using sustainable systems and dry-aging each cut for deeper flavor and tenderness. Steaks are seasoned with Maldon sea salt, cooked over high-heat charcoal, rested before serving, and paired with a side of roasted bone marrow.
The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Thomas Park (previously Saltie Girl; before that Uchi in Austin), with an emphasis on local seafood and technique. Menu highlights include charcoal-roasted scallops wild-harvested from Georges Bank and Maine lobster, plus Boston-specific additions like a Lobster Crumpetand a Beer-Battered Fish Butty made with local haddock and jalapeño tartar sauce.
Sunday Roast + cocktails
Boston will also get a classic British tradition: the Hawksmoor Sunday Roast, featuring slow-cooked dry-aged roast beef served with giant Yorkshire puddings, beef-dripping roast potatoes, vegetables, and bone marrow-onion gravy.
The bar program is led by Beverage Director Liam Davy and includes Hawksmoor staples like Shaky Pete’s Ginger Brew, Sour Cherry Negroni, and ultra-cold Direct Martinis served at -2°F, alongside Boston-inspired cocktails and local beers.
Design details + reservations
Designed with Aria Design, the space features dark blue and green paneled walls, leather and velvet seating, and wood-and-brass tabletops—no white tablecloths or black-tie formality. Reservations are now available via OpenTable.
For more information, visit www.thehawksmoor.com/us/locations/boston and follow @HawksmoorBoson Instagram.
Source
- PRNewswire / Hawksmoor press release (Sept. 2, 2026): https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hawksmoor-boston-londons-famous-steakhouse-opens-in-fort-point-on-september-8-302867194.html
Looking for more bites, sips, and local dining news? Head over to STM Daily News’ Food & Drink page for more food and beverage stories: https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink-3/
Sports
Chili’s Takes the ‘19th Hole’ Literally With Golf Course Pop-Up
Chili’s took the 19th-hole tradition to a new level with a limited-time golf course pop-up in Burbank featuring food, specialty margaritas and exclusive golf apparel.
BURBANK, Calif. — Chili’s Grill & Bar took its casual-dining game onto the golf course with a limited-time experience celebrating one of golf’s favorite traditions: the 19th hole.
The restaurant chain transformed the clubhouse at DeBell Golf Club in Burbank, California, into the Chili’s Golf Club, a two-day pop-up held Aug. 28–29. The event welcomed golfers and fans to enjoy Chili’s favorites, specialty drinks and a golf-inspired apparel collaboration.
The concept played off the traditional “19th hole” — the post-round gathering spot where golfers grab food and drinks, talk about the day’s round and, perhaps, make those missed putts sound a little closer than they actually were.
Chili’s Meets the Golf Course
Guests at DeBell could stop by after playing 18 holes — or simply visit the clubhouse — for Chili’s menu favorites such as the Triple Dipper. The pop-up also featured golf-themed drinks including the Transfusion Marg and Tee Time Marg, created specifically for the Chili’s Golf Club experience.
The promotion also teamed Chili’s with active-lifestyle apparel brand Rhoback for a limited-edition Rhoback X Chili’scollection featuring the Chili’s Golf Club crest. The lineup included performance polos, hoodies, quarter-zips, crewnecks and golf hats.
“Chili’s is the people’s clubhouse, so it only made sense to bring that spirit to the course,” George Felix, chief marketing officer and executive vice president of Brinker International, said in announcing the campaign.
Food, Golf and Entertainment Collide
Chili’s extended the promotion beyond the course with a campaign film celebrating everyday golfers — particularly those whose enthusiasm for the game may be considerably stronger than their scorecards.
The film featured appearances by Wesley Bryan, Caleb Pressley, Jena Sims Koepka, Chaz Bowker, Josh Kelley and JaNa Craig, bringing together golf, entertainment, food and lifestyle culture around the familiar 19th-hole tradition.
Although the Burbank pop-up lasted only two days, the campaign offers another example of restaurant brands looking beyond the dining room to connect food with sports, entertainment and fan culture.
For Chili’s, that meant finding a place where burgers, margaritas, golf stories and questionable scorecards already seemed like a natural fit.
Source
- Chili’s — “Chili’s is Fulfilling Every Golfer’s Dream by Opening on a Golf Course. Yes, Really.” — Original Aug. 26, 2026 press release announcing the Chili’s Golf Club promotion.
Related Links
- Chili’s Golf Club — Official Event Page — Details about the DeBell Golf Club takeover, food, specialty margaritas and Rhoback collaboration.
- DeBell Golf Club — Official Website — Information about the Burbank public golf course that hosted the Chili’s Golf Club.
- DeBell Golf Club — Golf Course Information — Background on the 18-hole, par-71 municipal course in the Verdugo Mountains.
- Rhoback X Chili’s Golf Club Collaboration — Rhoback’s official page covering the limited-edition golf apparel collaboration.
- Rhoback Official Website — More from the active-lifestyle apparel company involved in the Chili’s Golf Club campaign.
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