#United States #Chicago #Invesco QQQ #Chicago Gourmet #Illinois Restaurant Association

Step Up To The Plate: Chicago Gourmet 2025

As one of the most celebrated culinary festivals in the United States, Chicago Gourmet is ready to deliver an unforgettable experience this fall. This year's theme, "Step Up To The Plate", harmoniously blends the thrill of sports with the artistry of cuisine, allowing attendees to indulge in the very best food and drink the city has to offer. The special partnership with Invesco QQQ as the new title sponsor is set to elevate the festival's prestige even further.

Sam Toia, the President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association, emphasizes the event's unique spirit: “Chicago Gourmet is where talent, creativity, and chef's competitive spirit shine. Like sports, great food requires skill, strategy, and passion.” With over 100 chefs showcasing their culinary talents, the festival promises to be a platform where food lovers can witness culinary excellence at its finest.

Event Highlights

This year's event will take place at various iconic venues around Chicago, including the stunning Harris Theater Rooftop. A series of sports-inspired culinary events will lead to an engaging main event weekend scheduled as follows:

• - Tacos & Tequila (September 25): Kick off the festivities with an evening dedicated to mouthwatering tacos crafted by local chefs, coupled with a variety of agave spirits and live music.
• - Hamburger Hop (September 26): A burger showdown where craft burgers compete against one another, backed by cold beer and vibrant DJ beats to enhance the atmosphere.
• - Asian Late Night Market (September 26): As the evening progresses, this after-party takes cues from Asian street markets, featuring late-night bites and specialty cocktails along with captivating music and dance.
• - Grand Cru (September 27): This upscale event will feature elite wines and cuisine crafted by some of the most talented chefs in the industry, promising a world-class culinary experience.
• - Rise & Shine Gourmet (September 28): The festival wraps up with a brunch that pairs bold flavors and award-winning cocktails against breathtaking views of the city.

Notable Chefs

Attendees can expect to see a captivating lineup of esteemed chefs, including culinary giants like Rick Bayless, Stephanie Izard, Jeff Mauro, and Joe Flamm. Each chef will showcase their signature dishes, offering festival-goers a chance to taste their innovative creations.

Supporting the Future of the Restaurant Industry

Chicago Gourmet is dedicated to giving back to the community, with programming that benefits the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. This foundation plays a critical role in nurturing the future of the restaurant industry by providing educational resources and support to aspiring professionals.

For those eager to be a part of this culinary celebration, full event details, including ticket sales, will be released this summer at chicagogourmet.org. Whether you are a food enthusiast, a sports lover, or someone looking to indulge in Chicago's vibrant culinary scene, the forthcoming Chicago Gourmet is not to be missed!

About Invesco QQQ

Invesco QQQ is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that reflects the performance of the Nasdaq-100 Index®. This fund offers a unique opportunity for investors to gain diverse exposure to some of the largest non-financial companies trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

For more updates, be sure to follow Chicago Gourmet on social media platforms like Instagram, X, YouTube, and Facebook to stay in the loop about this remarkable event.