Weekend Food Events Around Chicago

Kind of last minute, but there are some events of 'food interest' this weekend.  First and foremost is Chicago Gourmet - a two day food and wine extravaganza.  The event includes celebrity cook demonstrations (Rick Bayless, Ted Allen, Alpana Singh), seminars, book signings, and, of course, food and wine tastings!  It is a somewhat pricey event to attend.  Tickets are $150+.  My attendance will be made possible by a Groupon sponsored coupon from about a week ago that made it possible to attend for almost half of the original price:)  I will take a camera.  Visit www.chicagogourmet.org for more info on tickets.

For those who want to get up-close-and-personal with Rick Bayless and cannot attend Chicago Gourmet, a friend just sent me an article from the "Chicago Reader" on a Frontera Fiesta and Garden Tour.  The event takes place on Saturday, September 26th, from 11:30a-2:30p and includes a guided tour through Rick Bayless' three-lot urban organic garden from which he sources some of the produce used on the menu at his restaurants.  The tour is followed by a private three-course meal at Frontera.  The price tag is $85.

Email aiwf-chicago@sbcglobal.net or call 312-661-1434 for more information on the Frontera Fiesta.

Also, catch Top Chef's Stephanie Izard at Moonshine's Rib-A-Que Smoke-out on Saturday, written about in a previous blog from this week, or check out a Fall favorite at St Alphonsus Church - Oktoberfest!  Oktoberfest is happening all weekend and features a little German music, food and beer, along with a lot of the typical street fest fare.  It's fun all the same.  Hours are as follows:

Sept 25: 5p-10p

Sept 26: 12p - 10p

Sept 27:12p-6:30pSuggested donation is $5.  St Alphonsus is located at 3000 N Lincoln Ave at Lincoln and Southport Avenues.