Shhhh, 'The Speakeasy Throwback' is Coming!

(Photo: Margaret Bourke-White from LIFE photo archive)


I get envious watching old movies, particularly those showcasing the glammest of the glam girls in Prohibition-era films like "The Great Gatsby," "The Roaring Twenties," and yes, even "Harlem Nights."

The decadence, the drinks, the danger, the dramatic dresses . . . what's not to like?! Too bad we cannot all just jump into a time machine and transport back to those days of speakeasy cool.

But wait! Lockwood exec chef Phillip Foss is masterminding an old-school soiree certain to rival those of the Roaring Twenties.

He's gathered some of his favorite culinary colleagues to showcase their eats alongside the area’s top distilleries for what he's calling The Speakeasy Throwback: A Summit of Local Spirit Producers & Chicago Chefs.

Held at the historic Palmer House—which was known as the largest hotel in the world in the 1920s—the Prohibition-themed event will feature live music, food and cocktails, reminiscent of the Empire Room's golden era.

Participating chefs include Frank Brunacci (Sixteen), Curtis Duffy (Avenues), Dave Carrier (Kith & Kin), Mike Sheerin (Blackbird), Andrew Zimmerman (Sepia), Jerome Landrieu (Callebaut Chocolate Academy), Stephanie Izard (Girl and the Goat), Paul Fehribach (Big Jones), Ryan Poli (Perennial), Koren Grieveson (Avec) and John des Rosiers (Inovasi).

Their bites will be paired with drinks created by mixologists from Koval Distillery, North Shore Distillery, Death’s Door Spirits, Templeton Rye, Hum Botanical Spirits and Rare Tea Cellars.

The Speakeasy Throwback takes place 6-10pm August 5. $85 with proceeds benefiting the Shawn Koch Foundation. Get tickets here.

Now, where's my flapper dress?!