The beloved Four Day food festival returns to Chicago this Thursday. Take a look at the impressive lineup below and get ready for a culinary feast. The event is dedicated to exploring Chicago’s culinary scene, and will show off the best of the best Chicago has to offer– from tacos to burgers and beer, and so much more.
Tickets for the festival are on sale now and range from $60–$255. Start planning your weekend now with a sneak peek into the fest’s main lineup.
Tacos and Tequila
First up: a taco-centric event hosted by celebrity chef, Rick Bayless, who is known for his devotion to Mexican food. On September 22nd, from 7-10 PM, partake in a taco tasting at the Harris Theater Rooftop (205 E Randolph St.) for just $99. Visitors can enjoy live performances by traditional bands along with tequila or mezcal tastings.
The Somm Sessions
September 23rd: West Loop Greek restaurant LÝRA is hosting a lunchtime event featuring a showdown between two Chicago sommeliers. The two will offer dueling pairings alongside dishes by chef-partners Athinagoras Kostakos and Joseph Rizzo. Proceeds from the event benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Head to 905 W Fulton Market from 12-2 PM to experience this in person. Get your $250 ticket today.
Hamburger Hop
Burger fanatics, unite! The Girl & the Goat chef Stephanie Izard will be hosting this year’s Top Burger competition where chefs compete for the title of ‘Top Burger’, and the ‘People’s Choice’ award voted by attendees. Competing chefs include Brian Jupiter (Frontier, Ina Mae Tavern), D’Andre Carter (Soul & Smoke), and Rohini Dey (Vermilion), competing alongside LA chef and author of Notes from a Young Black Chef, Kwame Onwuachi. This event takes place at the Harris Theater Rooftop on September 23rd, going from 6 to 9 PM.
Late Night Gourmet
The Hamburger Hop party continues on late into the night with this afterparty! with snacks, specialty cocktails, music, and dancing, TAO Chicago in River North is really the only place to be. Tickets go for $60, but there’s also a Friday night bundled available as well. Tickets for Hamburger Hop at Late Night Gourmet are $175. September 23rd party from 9 PM to midnight at TAO Chicago (632 N Dearborn St.).
Grand Cru
On September 24th, Enjoy a multi-session tasting feast from an all-star lineup of chefs, from Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud to chefs like Thai Dang, Juan Jimenez, Beverly Kim, Justin Gomes, and Jennifer Selvaggi, this can’t-miss event also comes with wine and spirit tastings from expert sommeliers and mixologists. Session 1 takes place from 2-5 PM, while session 2 goes from 7-10 PM.
Prost! In the Park
This Chicago-style take on Oktoberfest is a brand new event hosted by Monteverde chef Sarah Grueneberg. It’s even complete with beer, chef-prepared food, and plenty of drinks from a bevy of different chefs, like Kevin Kickey, Leigh Omilinsky, Bailey Sullivan, and more. Tickets go for $95 with the event taking place on September 24th from 1-4 PM at the Harris Theather Rooftop.
Chicago Gourmet 2022 goes from Thursday September 22 to Sunday September 24.
[Featured photo via: Chicago Gourmet]