—Feel the heat: Stella Artois is partnering with First We Feast’s Hot Ones to bring the largest Hot Ones live event EVER to Chicago, featuring host/Evanston native Sean Evans on Wed., Aug. 28.
In celebration of the event, Al’s #1 Italian Beef and Do-Rite Donuts & Chicken are serving special menu items featuring Hot Ones hot sauce through Aug. 28. Al’s Beef is serving Hot Ones Italian Beef and Combo Sandwiches with the hot sauce incorporated into the giardiniera; and Do-Rite Donuts is offering a fried chicken sandwich served on its original donut as the bun, topped with Honey Nugget Hot Sauce, pickles and pimento cheese.
Through Friday, Aug. 23, fans can enter the in-store exclusive sweepstakes at Al’s and Do-Rite’s downtown locations to win seats to the Hot Ones live event, in which you’ll be able to take on the “Wings of Death” alongside more than 300+ people, with the opportunity to try all 10 flavors and the chance to win special prizes. Those unable to visit Al’s or Di-Rite in person can also enter at www.stellaartois.com/letsdodinner.
—In “Fashion”: Things will get really fashionable on Sept. 26-29 in Chicago.
With the Illinois Restaurant Association as the founding sponsor and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits as the presenting sponsor, this year’s theme for Chicago Gourmet is “Fashion, Plated”—a celebration of the fusion of food and fashion.
“Fashion & Food are deeply intertwined. Both art forms blend colors, textures, emotions, memories, and imagination,” said Illinois Restaurant Association President and CEO Sam Toia in a statement.
All of the usual events (and more) are slated to take place, including Tacos & Tequila, Hamburger Hop, Late Night Gourmet, Grand Cru, and Rise & Shine Gourmet. With more than 100 participating chefs yearly, the 2024 talent roster includes renowned names such as: Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, XOCO, Bar Sotano and more), Art Smith (Blue Door, Reunion, and more), Lorena Garcia (CHICA, Food Cafe), Jeff Mauro (Mauro Provisions), Joe Flamm (Rose Mary, BLVD Steakhouse), Darnell Reed (Luella’s Southern Kitchen), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno) and many others. Check out ChicagoGourmet.org.
—Triple play: At 651 W. Washington Blvd., HIS Hospitality team presents three uniquely distinct dining experiences all connected in the same building but with separate entrances—and each offering something totally different while emphasizing the group’s penchant for Japanese and Korean flavors: Omakase Yume, Bonyeon and Tengoku Aburiya.
Omakase Yume is known for Chef Sangtae’s Korean signature touches like kimchi puree, a subtle nod to his mother’s cooking; and kanpachi with anori—a blend of smoked sea salt, sesame oil and green seaweed powder. Bonyeon “offers an elevated and immersive beef omakase experience that artfully marries traditional Korean heritage with modern luxury,” according to a press release. And Tengoku Aburiya is a more casual Japanese gastropub and izakaya concept that focuses on kushiyaki (skewered meats, in general) and yakitori (skewered chicken), soba and noodle dishes, and small bites and plates that pair with an extensive list of sake, beer and highballs.
—(Political) party favors: As the Democratic National Convention approaches (it will be in Chicago on Aug. 19-22) Hard Rock Cafe is offering some food and beverage options as well as special promotions.
First, the spot will offer complimentary nacho plates with the purchase of two entrees to those who show DNC badges/passes throughout the week; also, Hard Rock will offer a 15% discount on retail items in the Rock Shop to people who also show their badges. Culinarily, offers will include Red, White & Blue Sliders ($16.99), which feature blue cheese, fried onion and classic wing sauce; the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Burger ($19.99); and Political Punch ($14.99), described as the “Ultimate Long Island with a blue curacao twist.”
—Taylor-made: It’ll soon be time for Pepsi Dig In Day, and Taylor’s Tacos will again take part.
The UIC/Little Italy spot will celebrate on Saturday, Aug. 24, with a #DigIntoTheBlock Scavenger Hunt, where you’ll get a chance to enter to win prizes including an all-expense paid trip to the Pepsi Dig in Block Party. Also, order the chicken and/or shrimp tacos for a deal—buy three, get one free (11 a.m.-3 p.m., or while supplies last). For more info about Pepsi Dig In, which supports Black-owned restaurants, visit here; for more about Pepsi Dig In Day, visit here.
—Taste-ful: Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the full food vendor and music lineup for this year’s downtown edition of Taste of Chicago, taking place Sept. 6-8.
Music headliners include Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and rapper CeeLo Green; regional Mexican music trio Yahritza y Su Esencia; ‘90s R&B star Jon B.; DJ Iggy; and Australian alternative rock group Atlas Genius.
However, since this is a food column, just a few of the vendors will include 90 Miles Cuban Cafe, Arun’s (where I had one of my best culinary experiences—ever), Billy Goat Tavern, Seoul Taco, Harold’s Chicken, Cumin Club Indian Kitchen, The Original Rainbow Cone and Donut Dudes. Also, Eli’s Cheesecake will host the annual Eli’s Cheesecake Birthday Celebration on Sept. 7 at 12:30 p.m., carrying on the tradition of cutting a ceremonial 1,000-pound Eli’s Cheesecake; attendees will receive a free slice following the ceremony, while supplies last.
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