The official Restaurant Week kick-off event is held at Chicago’s Great Hall at Union Station and features more than 50 chefs putting out their best bites. Hosted by Stephanie Izard and Mayor Emanuel, all the proceeds went to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
I found a Groupon for a discounted rate which included Stephanie Izard’s signed cookbook, A Girl In The Kitchen. We sampled, drank and moved our way strategically throughout the Great Hall. Imagine our surprise when we turned the corner and discovered there was an entire wing of desserts waiting to be discovered.
In the photo collages, click on a photo then use the arrows to see descriptions where noted and view the photos in a larger format.
First Bites Bash kicks off Restaurant Week and is held at the Great Hall at Chicago Union Station
Ji Yoon of Henri prepping Thyme Panna Cotta
Click on the photos to see descriptions where noted and in a larger size.
Country Pate by Bistronomic
Braised Short Rib, Sunchoke, Apple Cider Gellee by Greg Biggers of Cafe des Architectes
Filet of Beef, Caramelized Onion, Tomato, Green, Horseradish Cream, Pretzel Roll by South Branch
Foie Gras Mouuse by LM Restaurant
Hand-Rolled and Stuffed Mozzerella by Bar Toma
Ji Yoon of Henri prepping Thyme Panna Cotta
Three Cheese Croquette with Maple Fig Jam
Jumbo Lump Crab, Scallions, Red Pepper, Black Truffle, Brioche, Truffle Citronette by Prosecco
Beef Jerky, Hamachi, Pickled Mustard Seeds by David Burke and Rick Gresh of David Burke’s Primehouse
Beef Jerky by David Burke and Rick Gresh of David Burke’s Primehouse
Goat Chili topped with Fried Pizza Dough and Cheese by Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat.Goat Chili by Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat
Spicy Mono and Skirt Steak Robata by Japonais and Mirai SushiBarbacoa Tacos by Zapatista. These were getting snatched up as soon as they landed.
Working fast while people wait for their 3rd helping. Foie Gras Mousse by Dale Levitski of Sprout
One of my favorite bites of the night. Foie Gras Mousse by Dale Levitski of Sprout
Assembly of Foie Gras Mousse by Dale Levitski of Sprout. This bite was spectacular.
One of the advantages of being an older sister is your baby sister will always do things for you when you can’t or don’t want to do them. My dogs are tired so she is gathering dessert samples for us to try.Here she comes!Mini Whiskey Bacon Bars by Black Dog Gelato
Cannoli alla Crema and Mini Gianduia Mousse by Phil Stefani’s 437 Rush
White Chocolate and Hazelnut Mousse in Candied Waffle Cone
Green Tea Tarts, Ricotta Cheesecake, Chocolate Caramel Mousse Tart by ItaliAsia
Chocolate Cake Truffle by Table Fifty-Two
OMG, I am so full I can barely stand up but I’m not a quitter. I had a final ice cream cone and we called it a night.Post over-indulgence belly bump with my sis.
