Chicago’s culinary scene has long been a beacon of creativity and diversity, drawing food enthusiasts from around the world. The city’s food culture thrives on innovation, rich cultural expression, and inclusivity, with events like the James Beard Awards celebrating this diversity and excellence.
As we expands our Business Innovation Travel program, Chicago emerges as a key destination for exploring the intersection of food innovation and culinary mastery.
In this first article on Chicago’s vibrant food scene, we spotlight the James Beard Awards, standout nominees and winners from the region, upcoming food events, and the opportunities they present to immerse yourself in both culinary excellence and innovation.
The James Beard Awards: Championing Inclusivity and Excellence
The James Beard Awards, often dubbed the “Oscars of the food world,” represent a gold standard in American culinary excellence. Unlike Michelin or The World’s 50 Best Restaurants lists, which can sometimes be seen as exclusive, the James Beard Foundation prides itself on celebrating diversity and inclusivity within the food industry. The awards honour chefs, restaurants, and food professionals who not only demonstrate exceptional culinary skills but also contribute positively to their communities.
As the official home of the James Beard Awards since 2015, Chicago has gained even greater prominence in the culinary world. Each year, the awards ceremony brings together the best and brightest of the nation’s dining scene. Held at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, this prestigious event attracts culinary icons, rising stars, and food media from across the country.
A Platform for Innovation and Inclusivity
One of the key aspects of the James Beard Awards is its commitment to fostering an inclusive and transparent selection process. This focus on inclusivity aligns with A2D’s vision of promoting innovation through diverse perspectives.
The James Beard Awards celebrate chefs and restaurateurs who push the boundaries of traditional cuisine, blending global influences with local ingredients to create something truly unique. For instance, Diana Dávila Boldin of Mi Tocaya Antojería, reimagines Mexican cuisine by showcasing lesser-known regional dishes, while Anna Posey of Elske earned a nomination for Outstanding Pastry Chef by marrying contemporary techniques with Danish-inspired desserts.
Chicago Nominees & Winners
The 2024 James Beard Awards recognised Chicago’s vibrant food scene, with local chefs and restaurants earning top honours. Highlights include Lula Café, which won the Outstanding Hospitality award for its welcoming atmosphere and market-driven cuisine, and Sujan Sarkar of Indienne, who was named Best Chef (Great Lakes) for his innovative take on Indian fine dining.
Among this year’s standout nominees is Anna Posey of Elske, contending for Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker with her innovative desserts that blend Danish influences and modern techniques. Additionally, the Best Chef: Great Lakes category features strong local representation, including Jenner Tomaska from Esmé, where food and art converge through creative collaborations.
Other notable Chicago-area nominees include Zubair Mohajir of The Coach House by Wazwan, nominated as an Emerging Chef for his unique South Indian-inspired tasting menus. The Duck Inn and Loba Pastry+Coffee highlight Chicago’s culinary diversity, with nominations in Outstanding Restaurant and Outstanding Bakery categories, respectively, showcasing the city’s continued influence on the national food scene.
Chicago’s Culinary Events: Showcasing Innovation and Collaboration
Beyond the James Beard Awards, Chicago hosts a variety of food events that celebrate the city’s culinary prowess and offer insights into the future of food. These events provide a platform for chefs, food innovators, and enthusiasts to collaborate, experiment, and push the boundaries of traditional cuisine.
Chicago Gourmet
One of the most anticipated events is Chicago Gourmet, an annual food and wine festival in September that brings together top chefs, sommeliers, and culinary innovators for a weekend of indulgence and inspiration. The 2024 edition featured a range of stylish events, from Tacos & Tequila, co-hosted by Rick Bayless and Marcos Carbajal, to the Grand Cru, where world-class chefs and sommeliers created a dazzling showcase of gourmet cuisine and fine wines.
Chicago Gourmet highlights the creativity and cultural diversity that define the city’s food scene. Events like the Hamburger Hop, co-hosted by Joe Flamm and Adrienne Cheatham, showcased chef-inspired burgers alongside craft beer and spirits, while the Rise & Shine Gourmet Brunch closed out the festival with sweet and savoury bites from top-tier chefs. These events not only offer a sensory experience but also serve as a source of inspiration for A2D’s food innovation program, where clients can explore the latest trends in cuisine and culinary technology.
Taste of Chicago
For over 40 years, Taste of Chicago has been a staple of the city’s food scene, celebrating Chicago’s diverse culinary landscape with a mix of iconic local vendors and neighbourhood pop-ups. The 2024 edition, held from September 6–8 at Grant Park, featured a wide array of food stalls, live music, and community dance lessons, making it a vibrant and accessible event for food lovers of all ages.
Taste of Chicago reflects the city’s commitment to community and inclusivity, offering attendees the chance to sample everything from deep-dish pizza and Italian beef to international fare like tacos and samosas. The festival’s emphasis on local vendors and affordable cuisine makes it a perfect setting for A2D’s Business Innovation Travel program, where clients can gain insights into the power of community-based food innovation.
Great Food Expo
The Great Food Expo, taking place on October 26-27, 2024, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, is a premier culinary event that showcases gourmet and ethnic foods, beverages, and innovative products. Attendees will have the chance to sample dishes, sip artisan beverages, and shop for specialty items from a wide range of exhibitors. Celebrity chefs will also lead cooking demonstrations, offering expert tips and showcasing unique recipes, while interactive demos provide hands-on learning opportunities for food enthusiasts.
In addition to exploring hundreds of food-related exhibits, guests can enjoy the dual experience of attending the Chicago Women’s Expo, which runs concurrently. This lifestyle-focused event adds even more variety to the weekend, featuring exhibits on beauty, fashion, wellness, and more. The Great Food Expo promises a weekend full of culinary inspiration, interactive learning, and opportunities to discover new gourmet trends.
Explore Chicago's Culinary Legacy
Chicago’s food scene is not only renowned for its culinary excellence but also for its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of food. Our Business Innovation Travel programs can integrate a customised food innovation experience, where clients engage directly with award-winning chefs, visit cutting-edge restaurants, and attend culinary workshops.
Whether it’s learning about the latest trends in sustainable sourcing, exploring the intersection of art and food at restaurants like Esmé, or participating in hands-on cooking experiences with top chefs, Chicago offers endless opportunities for innovation. The James Beard Foundation’s efforts to uplift underrepresented chefs and restaurateurs demonstrate the importance of creating spaces for innovation through equity, and as an A2D client, you can witness firsthand how inclusivity drives creativity in the kitchen and beyond.
In the 2nd article on Chicago, we’ll be sharing with you some of the current best foodie spots the city has to offer, from bakeries and smoothie bars to seafood and falafel.
How Business innovation travel Works
Every Business Innovation Travel program combines the best of our expertise in travel, business and entertainment.
BUSINESS
Site Visits
Meetings
Networking
Brainstorming
TRAVEL
Flights
Hotels
Transfers
Private Charter
ENTERTAINMENT
Restaurants
Activities
Concerts
Events
