Since 1988, Taste of the Nation has brought together the most creative culinary minds across the nation. Each spring and summer, pioneers of modern American cuisine, national celebrity chefs and mixologists including David Burke, Stephan Pyles, mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim, Bravo’s Top Chef Tom Collichio, Food Network stars Tyler Florence and Emeril Lagasse and thousands more like them donate their time, talent and passion at nearly 40 events across the United States and Canada with one goal in mind: to raise critical funds needed to help end childhood hunger. 100% of supports Share Our Strength’s efforts to end childhood hunger.
Taste of the Nation’s success is due to the thousands of dedicated volunteers in cities across the United States. These volunteers—chefs, corporate sponsors, marketing and public relations professionals, event planners, financiers and individuals who believe that no child should know hunger– have helped raised more than $73 million for anti-hunger organizations that run or advocate for programs that connect at-risk families with the food they need to thrive. This year, funds raised through Taste of the Nation will support No Kid Hungry™, Share Our Strength’s campaign to end childhood hunger in America by 2015, as well as selected international efforts.
Various cities all around the country are hosting this culinary event and for Chicago, our hottest chefs, restaurants, and mixologists will gather together at the Aragon Ballroom on Thursday, August 12th. It’s the city’s most trend-forward culinary experience! This year’s event will feature 50 of Chicago’s best chefs and restaurants in a celebration of street food. Savor delicious craft beers from Stella Artois and Chicago’s own Goose Island, along with many other brews and wines, and specialty cocktails created by 25 of Chicago’s best mixologists. There’s even a decadent Dessert Lounge planned for folks to indulge in! Attendees will be able to enjoy all the sweets, savories and drinks provided as well as enjoy street-themed entertainment from a variety of Chicago’s most cutting edge artists and performers. And if you like you dance, you can also dance the night away to the hottest beats from Chicago’s best local DJs. It’s quite the event that you won’t want to miss!
August 12, 2010
7:00pm – 10:00pm
The Aragon Ballroom
1106 W Lawrence Ave.
Chicago, Illinois 60640
General Admission includes access to Main Floor, Dessert Lounge, Mixology, Wine and Beer Areas plus a General Admission Goody Bag. The price of the ticket is $120 at the door but I’m giving away 2 of these general admission tickets for FREE, compliments of FoodBuzz! So if you’re in the area and are able to attend this amazing culinary experience, leave a comment answering the question posed on our site and/or join us on Facebook and comment on our Facebook page. Two winners will be chosen – one from our website and one from our Facebook page. Feel free to comment on both to increase your chances!
Some guidelines:
– Giveaway is only for those who live in the Chicagoland area since the winner must be able to pick up the tickets and attend the event.
– For comments left on our website, you must have a valid email address (within your comment or blog link) so that you can be contacted if you win.
– For comments left on our Facebook page, you must be a fan or ‘like’ our page.
TWO WINNERS will be randomly chosen by Random. Org’s Interger Generator based on the number of your comment on our site and our Facebook page and will be announced on Friday, July 30, 2010. Good luck!
This is a tough one, Chicago has so many amazing restaurants!
My current favorite is Avec. I love the communal eating style, small portions, modern atmosphere, and great wine!
Xoco is pretty high on my list right now!
Don't force me to choose! My favorite based on the frequency with which I eat there? Ba Le. Love it love it love it love it. Great combo of flavors on fresh crusty (but light) bread.
The Drawing Room is hands down my favorite Chicago restaurant.
That sounds like a neat event! And less than a mile from my house.
I'm not a big meat eater, and it seems like a lot of Chicago restaurants are big on red meat or whole chicken. I really like The Walnut Room, because it's not exorbitantly expensive and it's a lovely space. When I'm hungry for Mexican – which is fairly often – I like Cosina Grill, especially because it's only a couple blocks away.
I think the best meal I've had in Chicago is L2O. Delicious food and quite the experience! For the price it's really a special treat but well worth it.
I don't know… Chicago's still a new town to me, so no fave yet. But if I win the tickets, I'll dutifully report back which one is my new fave! ^_^
I would love to attend. There are so many restaurants that I would love to try.
I am forever in love with Kuma's Corner. Anytime my bf and I go out for a place of my chosing, we go there. I love it!
Oh, my favorite restaurant differs by cuisine, but if I had to choose one right this minute, I'd go with Tango Sur up in Lakeview. This Argentinean steakhouse is BYOB, and it serves up some of the best steak I've ever had.
Please let me win! =)
DMK Burger right now!!!
I loovvvvve bin36.
Kyu Sushi!
It makes sushi FUN for me again. It's art on the plate that transforms into yummy-ness in my mouth, thus redefining contemporary! They take mostly classic ingredients and transform it into Maki that has you searching for words it's so good. Sushi had become a bit boring to me…and then Kyu came along and made it an event for me once more!
We haven't been here long, but our favorite so far is Royal Thai. I love pad thai!
One vote for onesixtyblue! And one more for Joelen, who is giving away these tickets! Good luck everyone!
One of my favorites is one I've been to recently is Sabor Saveur. It's a French-Mexican fusion and the food is delicious! The chef, who is from Mexico and studied in Paris, is truly an artist and a visionary. It's a BYOB, which is something I love because we get to have the wines we want to drink, not to mention a great money saver. It's located on Division in Wicker Park. I highly suggest it!
A recent favorite is Belly Shack. They have really inventive cuisine, a laid back atmosphere, and affordable prices. The menu is gluten-free/veggie friendly and the BYOB policy tops it all off.
One of the best:
Charilie Trotters because he has built a real local institution while treating his diners and his workers with respect – not just an audience. And by creating a true vision that works for him and Chicago instead of copying ideas from others.
Authentic food starts with authentic people.
One of my favorite restaurants in Chicago has to be Urban Belly, Bill Kim and Yvonne Cadiz-Kim's fast casual place in Logan Square. The first time I sat down to a steaming bowl of udon noodles and bay scallops swimming in a Thai basil broth, and dove into a plate of succulent chicken and mushroom dumplings, I was in absolute heaven. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. A meal here will cure whatever ails you!
We are big fans of Devon Seafood Grill. Its the whole experience that we love – Their chef's courses are to die for, the seafood is fresh and tasty and the service is always exceptional. They go out of their way to make sure their customers have a top notch experience, and they don't disappoint!
I would have to say Green Zebra.
I take my kid and partner there to celebrate our most special occasions because…
I love the concept behind it and the food is always creative and delicious.
I also love that the service is never rushed…that you can relax and enjoy your dining experience.
email: rock-it(at)curvatude.com
Hearty from the Hearty Boys is one of my top favorites right now.
How does one choose one fish from an entire ocean … Chicago has too many great restaurants. My one fav is Le Colonial. The food and service are consistently high quality. Great wine selection and perfect atmosphere for either date night or group of friends.
I love Arun's! It is fantastic! Excellent food, excellent service and great experience! It is my favorite right now. Going to Alinea in the next couple weeks, and that may very well top Arun's so we will see! Would absolutely love to attend this event! Happy Eating!
I found Angelina’s on Broadway quite by accident and what a find. Chef Fred is so creative yet unassuming. The service they provide is wonderful and very attentive.
Hi–My favorite current restaurant is the Grill Inn up in Rogers Park. I am always on the look out for a good hamburger, and this place never disappoints.
There are many wonderful restaurants in Chicago. Amira's Trio, a Puerto Rican/ Cuban restaurant on Cicero, is a place I always take friends and family. Their jibaritos (a sandwich made with fried green plantains instead of bread) are just yummy. And the prices are quite reasonable.
Forgot my email, which is vcubergirl at gmail.com =)
I love Ben Pao. They have delicious reasonably priced Chinese food, a lovely decor and solid service.
I love love love sushi and for a night out/brunch with the girls, I love to go to sushisamba. It's fun, casual and always tasty!
I have never had a bad meal at The Chicago Chophouse. Best steaks in the city!
Chicago is the most amazing city! Whatever your tastes in ambiance, cuisine, company, vibe, you'll find it. My latest obsession is Big Star, and while the old Pontiac Cafe patrons seem to be hovering about, the tasty tacos (especially al pastor and pork belly), schlitz on tap, creative drinks, awesome playlists, and a fun location to people watch are bringing in new fans from all over the city. BIG YUM!
There are so many great restaurants in Chicago. One of my favorites is Feast Restaurant on Delaware. I've often taken family and friends there for brunch, lunch and dinner and we are always happy with the food and service. I love sitting at their sidewalk cafe in the summer and eating their steak tortilla salad!
My mom and I always loved going to Lawry's together so it's one of my favorite restaurants.
Mana Food Bar – because of the eclectic mix of cuisines represented, harmonizing spices and flavors where you feel you're journeying across oceans from the comfort of your dining table