2015 Grand Chefs Gala and Jean Banchet Awards

The Grand Chefs Gala raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and has become one of my favorite annual events in Chicago. Over the years, I have become attached to the event as well as its purpose and it has what I believe to be some of the best auction items. That is, if you like to travel, go to restaurants, stay in hotels and need a spa visit or two.

The Grand Chefs Gala Cocktail Reception is truly one of the best food events in Chicago. Where else can you enjoy the best bites from Chicago’s best chefs all in one place?

The following photos are of the Cocktail Reception. Some of the city’s best of the best chefs offer delicious appetizers. Click on the photo collage for the larger sized photo then click on the arrows to view the rest.

Richie Farina of moto at Grand Chefs Gala

Moto at Grand Chefs Gala

Nico Osteria at Grand Chefs Gala

Chris Pandel of Balena and The Bristol at Grand Chefs Gala

Cory Morris of Mercat a la Planxa at Grand Chefs Gala

Mercat a la Panxa at Grand Chefs Gala

Supreme Lobster at Grand Chefs Gala

Sarah Grueneberg of Monteverde at Grand Chefs Gala

VIP Cocktail Reception at Grand Chefs Gala

More food. More chefs.

Tim Graham of Travelle at Grand Chefs Gala

Lee Wolen of BOKA at Grand Chefs Gala

Perennial Virant at Grand Chefs Gala

Untitled Supper Club at Grand Chefs Gala

EL Ideas at Grand Chefs Gala

Leigh Omilinsky of Cafe des Architects at Grand Chefs Gala

Carnitas by Mercadito at Grand Chefs Gala

Diena Tavern at Grand Chefs Gala

A10 at Grand Chefs Gala

Jason Chan of Juno, Curtis Duffy of Grace, Phillip Foss of El Ideas at Grand Chefs Gala

The theme of the gala was Dubai. We walked into a beautifully lit room and the Jean Banchet Awards Ceremony and the live auction took place during dinner.

Cold Mezze Bur Dubai Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Beet Moutabel, Salad Fattoush Pickled Vegetables, Stuffed Vine Leaf Jicama, Green Mango, Warm Pita Bread. This was the best pita bread I’ve ever had!

Cinnamon Braised Beef Short Rib Labem Cardamom, Chickpea, Aubergine Relish Okra, Carrots, Asparagus, Tomato and Yellow Beets Lavender

Samak Harrah of Seared Scallop Olive Oil, Capsicum, Green Chili Pine Nuts. Coriander and Tomato Hearts on Fire

The Jean Banchet Awards Ceremony was hosted by Michael Muser of Grace Restaurant. Here are some of the nominees and winners.

Jean Banchet awards at Grand Chefs Gala

Best Pasty Chef of the Year: Genie Kwon (Boka and GT Fish and Oyster)

Best Mixologist: Alex Bachman (Billy Sunday)

Best New Restaurant: Parachute

Pastry Chef of the Year: Dana Cree (Blackbird)

Restaurant of the Year: Boka

Best Sommelier: Arthur Hon (Sepia)

Best Chef-de-Cuisine: Erling Wu-Bower (Nico Osteri)a

Best Neighborhood Restaurant: La Sirena Clandestina

Best Restaurant Design: Momotaro

Chef of the Year: Lee Wolen (Boka)

After the ceremony, the lights came on and it was time to get down to business for the live auction.

Nightcap which follows the dinner, is a separately ticketed event for those who want to come in just for dessert and drinks. There is live music and dancing, and Chicago’s best pastry chefs and mixologists set up tables all around the perimeter of the room and serve up their finest desserts and beverages during the silent auction portion of the evening.