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Bar Biscay
The time has come! The James Beard Awards are back in Chicago again, and we are more than a little bit excited for all the delicious events, special menu items, and celebrations ahead. Though the grand gala isn’t until May 7th, you can start celebrating this weekend! James Beard Eats Week starts on Friday, kicking off lots of not-to-miss events and eats that will take Chicago by storm. In order to make sure you don’t miss a bite, here are our favorite spots to hit as we gear up for the gala awards…
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Prime & Provisions
James Beard Eats Week {April 27 – May 7}
James Beard Eats Week is a foodie’s dream, featuring 11 days of dining devoted to the celebration and recognition of the legendary James Beard. Come out to any number of your favorite spots in the city for special menus and dishes inspired by the culinary icon himself. You can get ideas and inspiration on social media with the hashtag #JBEatsWeek.
Our Top 10 Spots to Check Out are:
- Arami
- Artango Bar & Steakhouse
- Bistronomic
- BLVD
- Café Robey
- Formento’s
- La Storia Ristorante
- Prime & Provisions
- Rhyme or Reason
- The Signature Room at the 95th
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Photo via Somerset Restaurant
Between Bites {April 30 at 6:30 PM} at Somerset {1112 North State Street}
Always one of our favorite James Beard events, Between Bites supports charitable causes through food-inspired storytelling. It’s an ongoing philanthropic event series, featuring personal narratives from local culinary personalities, including writers, chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, and restaurateurs. At this year’s evening event, guests can savor chef-prepared bites, a signature cocktail, and wine while hearing stories from James Beard nominees and winners.
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Photo via Aya Fukai
The Iconoclast Dinner Experience – All-Star Culinary Bash {May 5 at 8 PM} at 113 North Green Street
Come out for a night to celebrate the James Beard Foundation Recognized Chefs Of Color. This bash will have free-flowing wine, spirits, and culinary offerings by some of the country’s most trailblazing chefs, including representation from the JBF Awards nominees slate. That includes your host for the evening, Edouardo Jordan of Salare + JuneBaby, Seattle, who is the 2018 James Beard Foundation Best Chef Nominee: Northwest and Best New Restaurant Nominee. Participating talent also includes other nationwide chefs, including Chicago’s own Aya Fukai from Aya Pastry.
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Photo via BOKA
BOKA x Shake Shack x Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits Backyard BBQ {May 6 at 3 PM} at BOKA {1729 North Halsted Street}
BOKA, Shake Shack, and Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits are all experts in their own culinary way. So, combine them all, and you have an excellent night ahead! Celebrate with Shake Shack and 2018 James Beard Nominated Chef Lee Wolen as he collaborates to make a one-time-only Shake Shack burger inspired by BOKA’s menu. There will also be sweets provided by 2018 Outstanding Pastry Chef Nominee Meg Galus of BOKA, and Chicago’s very own Bang Bang Pie. It’s a win-win!
Image may be NSFW.
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Dos Urban Cantina Lone Wolf Tamale Pop Up {May 7 at 4 PM} at Lone Wolf {806 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.600.9391}
Free tamales, anyone? That should be motivation enough to entice you to this event, but that’s just where the deliciousness begins. Chef and Owner of Dos Urban Cantina, Brian Enyart, is hosting a tamale pop-up at Lone Wolf Bar, where he will pass out handmade tamales to anyone who stops by until supplies last. So come quickly! His wife, semi-finalist for Outstanding Pastry Chef, Jennifer Jones Enyart, will also be there serving rhubarb empanadas and chocolate chip chicharron cookies.
James Beard Awards Gala {Monday, May 7 at 6 PM} at the Lyric Opera {20 North Upper Wacker Drive}
And then, of course, there is the main event! The theme of this year’s James Beard Awards is RISE, and it is meant to celebrate the collective spirit of our community and the power of food. This theme is perfect for the city of Chicago, and we are honored to once again be hosting this fantastic evening of food. Whether or not you can make it to the gala, be sure to add all the nominated and winning restaurants to your must-eat list for 2018.
Kaleigh Glaza
The post James Beard Awards 2018: Events, Eats, and More appeared first on DiningOut Chicago.