Event Recap: Chicago Gourmet Weekend 2024

October 2, 2024 | Catering, Events, Paramount Events

What an unforgettable Chicago Gourmet 2024!

 

Paramount Events was thrilled to be back, and we couldn’t be prouder of our team for their energy, teamwork, and dedication in making every event flawless. This year was a true celebration of Chicago as a vibrant culinary capital, and we loved being part of it:

 

Night One: House of Gourmet Italian Dinner

Night Two: Tacos & Tequila

Night Three: Hamburger Hop

Day Four: Grand Cru

Day Five: Rise & Shine

Chicago Gourmet Night One

House of Gourmet: Italian Dinner

Venue: Chicago History Museum


 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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We transformed the terrace at the Chicago History Museum into a culinary paradise for the inaugural House of Gourmet Italian Dinner, presented by Eataly, and expertly emceed by Mario Rizzotti. With beautiful weather and stunning views, È stato un grande successo!

 

Chef Devon Quinn and our talented team collaborated with Chicago’s Italian culinary luminaries—Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Casey Doody (GT Prime), José Sosa (The Gregory Hearth & Tavern), Diego Puddu (Eataly), and Fabio Viviani (Siena Tavern, Bar Siena, Bombobar)—to deliver a spectacular five-course seated dinner for 200 guests, complete with exquisite wine pairings.

 

The night also featured a stunning fashion showcase curated by Chicago Fashion Week. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable Italian cuisine and culture celebration!

Chicago Gourmet Night Two

Tacos & Tequila

Venue: Harris Theater Rooftop, Millennium Park


 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Chicago Gourmet Tacos & Tequila was spectacular! Presented by US Foods and the Tourism Board of Guadalajara, Mexico, the iconic Harris Rooftop was transformed into a vibrant fiesta hosted by culinary legends Rick Bayless and Marcos Carbajal!

 

Our Paramount Events team was proud to support an outstanding lineup of local chefs who served authentic Mexican flavors that delighted our guests. The culinary talent included: Marcos Ascencio (Marisco San Pedro), Aldo Ayala (Costera Cocina Tulum), Diana Dávila (Mi Tocoya Antojería), Fabian Delgado (palReal), Danny Espinoza (Santa Masa Tamalería), Jhoana Espinoza (Santa Masa Tamalería), Carlos Gaytán (Tzuco), Angel Guijosa (Taqueria Chingón), Jessica Perjes (Tacotlan), Oliver Poilevey (Taqueria Chingón), Dan Vargo (Fine Coastal Cuisine), and David Wang (Tabú/Recess).

 

Guests savored premium tequilas, mezcals, and agave spirits while enjoying traditional music by Ballet Folklorico de Chicago and Mariachi Estrellas de Chicago—all under the beautiful open sky.

Chicago Gourmet Night Three

Hamburger Hop

Venue: Harris Theater Rooftop, Millennium Park


 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Paramount Events was excited to be the behind-the-scenes team for Chicago Gourmet’s iconic Hamburger Hop once again. This year’s event, hosted by Chefs Joe Flamm and Adrienne Cheatham, brought a fresh streetwear vibe to the stunning Harris Theater Rooftop, presented by Sysco, Blue Moon Light, and DoorDash. Our culinary team ensured a seamless experience as chefs from Cindy’s, Soul Veg City, JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop, TriBecca’s, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion, FoxFire, Bar Sótano, The Board Room Libertyville, Gemini Lincoln Park, 14 Parish, eden, Demera, Beard & Belly, and Fine Coastal Cuisine competed for the coveted Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice awards.

 

Guests indulged in crisp fries, refreshing brews, wine, spirits, and more, creating an unforgettable night filled with great food and lively festivities. A huge thanks to everyone who made this event possible! Congratulations to JT’s Genuine Sandwich Shop for winning the People’s Choice Trophy and eden for taking home the Judges’ Choice Award!

Chicago Gourmet Day Four

Grand Cru

Venue: Harris Theater Rooftop, Millennium Park


 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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The Paramount Events team was thrilled to return to Grand Cru for another unforgettable #ChicagoGourmet! Hosted by the incredible Paul Kahan, the event celebrated bold flavors and expertly crafted dishes. Held at the stunning Harris Theater Rooftop and presented by UnitedHealthcare and BMW USA, guests indulged in two sessions of world-class cuisine, perfectly paired with exceptional wines and spirits.

 

Huge shoutout to the amazing chefs and sommeliers who made the night special!  Session 1 featured talents like Serafin Alvarado, Suchanan Boonkanokwong, Walleska Cianfanelli, Fleetwood Covington, Thai Dang, Joe Flamm, Dominique Leach, and more. Session 2 shined just as bright, with stars like Masayori Adachi, Soo Ahn, Johnny Clark, Beverly Kim, John Manion, Jenner Tomaska, and many others serving unforgettable dishes.

 

Behind the scenes, the Paramount Events team made sure everything ran smoothly! From supplying stations to assisting chefs and exhibitors, we were there every step of the way—helping create an event that truly shined. We’re so proud to have supported such an incredible celebration of culinary excellence!

Chicago Gourmet Day Five

Rise & Shine

Venue: Harris Theater Rooftop, Millennium Park


 

The grand finale was the Rise & Shine Gourmet, presented by Performance Foodservice and Kerrygold, which invited guests to don their Sunday best for a newly reimagined brunch experience. Hosted by renowned chefs Art Smith, Lorena Garcia, and Jernard Wells, attendees arrived fashionably on time to enjoy a sunny afternoon filled with sweet and savory bites, delightful cocktails, and lively beats.

 

We managed chef load-ins and setup, letting the culinary stars shine while we stirred up the excitement behind the scenes. From shaking up delightful cocktails to supporting in the making of scrumptious bites, our hands-on approach ensured everything was served with a side of great service. We transformed the event into a brunch bonanza, creating a warm and welcoming vibe that had guests basking in the culinary magic all afternoon!

Let’s Celebrate Together

 


 

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