Chefs' Fest 2012 expands focus, limits ticket sales

Organizers of the annual Chefs' Fest say they're excited by the new opportunities a change of venue for the popular suburban restaurant showcase brings.

Besides the 40-some suburban restaurants that will be passing out samples of favorite menu items, the event will allow attendees to learn about other entertainment opportunities in the Northwest suburbs when the fest opens at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center.

For the past few years, Arlington Park had hosted the fest. But after last year's event, organizers were unable to pin down a date for 2012. Past venues include Medieval Times in Schaumburg and Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca.

Convention board president David Parulo said the group is taking advantage of the new setting to refocus the event, which has been a successful fundraiser for many years.

“We took the opportunity to tweak the show, to build it into a trade show,” Parulo said. “It's given us the opportunity to expand to other hospitality partners.”

Area hotels and attractions will have a presence at the show as will The Pampered Chef and Goose Island beers and Midwest wines.

“The Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center sets the perfect stage for our premier local restaurant scene along with other food-related organizations to truly exhibit to their audience,” said Jeanette Ulepic, director of sales and marketing at the Renaissance Schaumburg. “Since we are a state-of-the-art venue, access to gas, water and drainage is key for these chefs to really showcase their talent without limitations. They can do the cooking on-site if they wish to do so instead of packing and shipping food that may have been cooked in their restaurants.”

Three demonstrations offered during the event revolve around beverages with tutorials on bourbon, beer and local wines, and live acoustic music will entertain the crowds. The doors will open one hour earlier for meeting professionals who can talk with restaurant managers and event planners before the hungry throngs arrive.

Ticket sales will be capped at 1,000, Parulo said, ensuring easy movement around the event. Tickets cost $25 in advance; $30 at the door, and tickets have sold out in the past. Parking at the convention center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, is free; donations of nonperishable foods to the Greater Chicago Food Depository are encouraged.

Participants seem excited about the changes.

“I think changing venues will be a good move; Schaumburg is such a hub of business people,” said Claudia Ruiz, event planner at The Lucky Monk in South Barrington. “I think its going to be a good move; it's a great space.”

The Lucky Monk has participated in Chef's Fest for the past several years and will be pouring their Cardinal Sin pilsner and Irish Red Ale at this year's event.

“Chefs' Fest is a great opportunity to bring local restaurants together to share food and beverages and bring more people to our establishments,” she said.

Chefs' Fest 2012

<b>When: </b>5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24

<b>Where: </b>Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center, 1551 N. Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg

<b>Tickets: </b>$25 in advance, $30 at the door; <a href="http://chefsfest.com">chefsfest.com</a> or (847) 490-1010