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
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.
Grand Chefs Gala: DubaiDinner at Grand Chefs GalaDinner at Grand Chefs Gala
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.
Live auction at Grand Chefs GalaAuction items at Grand Chefs GalaAuction items at Grand Chefs Gala
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.
Sparrow Coffee at Grand Chefs Gala Nightcap
Pistachio and Orange Bon Bons by Leigh Omilinsky of Cafe des Architectes
Amerena hazelnut biscotti by Jo-Marie Frigo of Nonna Santi’s Biscotti at Grand Chefs Gala Nightcap
Yuzu and Raspberry Bon Bons by Leigh Omilinsky of Cafe des Architectes
Ryan McCaskey of Acadia
Claire Crenshaw of moto at Chefs Grand Gala Nightcap
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