Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Fall's Best Ball Showcases Rising Star Chefs

Photobucket
John des Rosiers, executive chef/owner of Inovasi in Lake Bluff, is one of many rising stars set to cook at the annual "Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball." (Photo: Inovasi)


It seems like there's some chef-focused fête going on every week, where the city's anointed culinary kings and queens gather for a good cause while doling out signature bites of sweet and savory stuff.

But the Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball, now in its 21st year, is the one that started them all. In its early days, the event was a modest Sunday brunch in a court yard, but now it's a grand affair, boasting the A-Listers (Stephanie Izard, The Drunken Goat; Jimmy Bannos, Heaven on Seven; Paul Kahan, Blackbird) as well as those on the come up (John des Rosiers, Inovasi; Michael Fiorello, Mercat a la Planxa; Nick Lacasse The Drawing Room).

What we love about this event is that it caters to both the foodie and the fashionista with two parties in one: The high rollers come early for The Chef's Table ($250), a VIP, seated dining experience that's very intimate with the chefs. Immediately following is the Chef Tasting Party ($100), a walk-around cocktail event that's high energy with apps from the star chefs, deejay, open bar, casino gaming, an interactive photo booth and live music.

The Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball occurs Oct. 16 at Macy's (111 N. State St.). The Chef's Table (which includes the Chef Tasting Party) starts at 6pm; Chef Tasting Party goes down 8pm-12:30am.

Check here for tickets and the full celebrity chef lineup.

Now there's a video too!

1 comment:

kat-heel-well said...

Very cool that you're giving away tix via Twitter for this -- fingers crossed! (username: katheel)