Racing is part of Chefs' Fest Wednesday at Arlington Park

Chefs' Fest includes a day at the races this year, which gives ticket holders fewer food options but more entertainment.

About 40 vendors will set up Wednesday, May 18, at Arlington Park, most giving food samples, compared with approximately 60 last year. It is the 18th staging of the event, said Dave Parulo, president of the Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau, which is the sponsor.

The organization is trying something new: Holding the event on a race day.

That means less space is available for restaurants, said Parulo. In addition, space constraints mean the center can sell only 1,500 tickets this year, and usually about 2,000 people attend.

“It wasn't a lack of interest by exhibitors,” said Parulo. “We have a really interesting mix of restaurants.”

They include Birch River Grill, Chandler's Chop House & Banquets, Chocolatines, Mago, The Melting Pot, Moretti's Ristorante & Pizzeria, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue, Texas de Brazil, Weber Grill Restaurant, Whole Foods and Wildfire.

The complete list is at chicagonorthwest.com/visitors/ChefsFest.aspx

Bob Chinn's Crab House and The Lucky Monk will give samples of alcoholic beverages, and participants can also purchase drinks at track bars, said Parulo. Pepsi will provide nonalcoholic drinks.

Tickets, priced at $30 for adults and $20 for those age 4-11, are selling well, he said. As of Monday afternoon the tally hit about 1,000. Tickets will be sold at the gate if still available.

Tickets buyers can enter the track at 11:15 a.m. for racing. The food festival is from 5 to 8 p.m.

<b>Chefs' Fest</b>

<b>When: </b>5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 18

<b>Where: </b>Arlington Park, Arlington Heights

<b>Tickets:</b> $30 for adults, $20 for children 4-11

<b>Details: </b>chicagonorthwest.com/visitors/ChefsFest.aspx or (847) 490-1010.

<b>Extra: </b>Racing is included in ticket prices, and entry is allowed at 11:15 a.m.