Chefs Grilling Up For Special Olympics

As Chicagoans, we are predisposed to get excited about nearly any event that occurs “outside” or “on a grill.” In just a few weeks, a group of the city’s top chefs will get together beneath The Bean to help raise money for the Special Olympics-Chicago, and the byproduct means a lot of great grilled food. One of the reasons I wanted to let you all know about it is because I’ll be there as the MC.

 
On Wednesday, June 20, more than a dozen chefs will compete in the fifth annual “Chefs on the Grill” event in the heart of Millennium Park.  Hosted by Park Grill restaurant, each chef will create a grilled dish of their choice and attendees will taste samples and vote for their favorite.  The winning chef will receive a “Chefs on the Grill” trophy and, of course, bragging rights until next year’s event.

 
This year, a mixology element has been added to the competition. Each participating restaurant will also offer a creative cocktail. Guests will be asked to also vote for their favorite summer sipper.

The Walk-ins band will perform live on The Plaza, starting at 6:00 p.m. A raffle and silent auction will be held, with all proceeds benefiting The Special Olympics.

The $75 ticket price ($90 at the door) includes unlimited food and cocktail sampling from 5:30-9:00 p.m.  A full cash bar will also be offered. Tickets are available for purchase at www.parkgrillchicago.com/events or by calling 312-521-7275.

Participating restaurants include:
Park Grill – Chef Michael Wallach
The Gage/Henri – Chef Dirk Flanigan
III Forks (last year’s winner) – Chef Clark Grant
IPO – Chef Trevor Hoyte
Rhapsody – Chef Dean Zanella
Atwood Cafe – Chef Derek Simcik
Cantina Laredo – Chef Angel Blasco
EPIC – Chef Mark Pollard
City Tavern – Chef Kendal Duque
Rosebud Prime – Chef Nahuel Rodriguez
Rosebud Steakhouse – Chef Ben Walanka
Markethouse – Chef Scott Walton
ZED451 – Chef Patrick Justice

The Plaza at Park Grill
11 N. Michigan Ave.
(312) 521-7275
www.ParkGrillChicago.com