June 12
MC, The Chicago Help Initiative‘s Helping Hands Annual Fundraiser
The Montgomery Club, 500 W Superior St, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Featuring food from a number of Chicago restaurants, including Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, Ristorante Quartino and Benny’s Chop House, and a silent auction to benefit the Initiative’s fight against local poverty.
June 7
Macy’s “Sizzle Showdown” Semi-Finals
Macy’s Old Orchard (Skokie), 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
The top three regional semi-finalists of the Macy’s Great American Grilling Guru Contest will compete to advance to the “Sizzle Showdown” finals on June 28th.
October 26
MC, 25th Annual Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef’s Gala
Zhou B Arts Center, 6:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
More than 70 chefs and 13 mixologists will be featured during the event’s two-tier format: The VIP Chef’s Table, an interactive seated dining experience; and the Chef’s Tasting Party, a dine-around experience.
October 23
Judge, WBEZ Chicago Chef Battle: Dessert Edition
Kendall College, 900 N. North Branch St., 6 – 9 p.m.
Five local chefs will face off in the effort to create the best dessert using Kilogram Teas from Intelligentsia as a shared ingredient. Chefs confirmed include: Ben Roche formerly of MOTO, Dinah Grossman from Cheap Tart, Jonathan Ory of Bad Wolf Coffee, Dana Cree from Blackbird and Jessica Oloroso of Black Dog Gelato.
September 25
Morningstar, 22 W. Washington, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Moderating a panel with Chicago Chefs Art Smith of Table Fifty-Two, Ryan Poli of Tavernita, and Amanda Downing of Rockit Bar & Grill. They’ll share their ingredients for success in using social media to market their restaurants, build their personal brands and connect with their customers outside of the kitchen.
September 20
Featuring flavors (and great chefs) from the Midwest Union Station, 500 W. Jackson 6 p.m. cocktails; 7 p.m. dinner; 9 p.m. after party
September 17
Beth Shalom Synagogue
Speaking at lunch program
3433 Walters Ave Northbrook, IL (847) 498-4100