Northbrook Restaurants to be Showcased at Chamber's Auction & Taste

Enjoy an evening of sumptuous food and enticing auctions at the Northbrook Chamber of Commerce's 26th Annual Auction & Taste on October 28, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. The event, which is open to the public, fills the beautiful ballroom of the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel with food stations from 17 of the North Shore's most popular restaurants, each offering samples of their specialties. Allstate Insurance Co. is the presenting sponsor for the event.

Attendees can savor their favorites while they browse a wide-ranging silent auction of items, services, and experiences. The evening will be capped by a live auction of exceptional prize packages, conducted by local legend Ron Bernardi.

The Auction & Taste is a high point of the year for Chamber members, local leaders, and the community at large. The fundraiser supports the Chamber's outreach activities on behalf of area charities and also keeps Chamber participation affordable for small businesses, non-profits, and all other members.

This year's Taste introduces several new restaurants featured alongside longtime stars of the local dining scene. The event is a unique opportunity to sample a wide variety of signature items, from appetizers to small entrees to desserts.

Making their Taste debut this year, City Barbeque will serve up classic comfort food including beef brisket, corn pudding, and banana pudding. New participant Tuscany of Wheeling will offer samples of their popular raviolini pera and cannoli. Other Italian specialties will include delectable artichoke ravioli with a choice of sauces from Francesca's North, penne russo from Trattoria Oliverii, and deep dish pizza from first-time Taste restaurant Lou Malnati's. Ruth's Chris Steak House will draw a crowd with their beef tenderloin carving station and seared ahi tuna samples. DiPescara returns to the Taste with a menu of salmon cakes and Caesar salad. Grill House delivers a Mediterranean option with chicken kabobs, gyros and pita. When you're ready for something sweet, Gail's Brownies will have a variety of truly decadent desserts to try.

For the Auction, guests will have the opportunity to bid on a range of exciting items generously donated by Chamber members, including restaurant gift certificates, golf foursomes, fitness club memberships, and specialty baskets from the North Shore's top retailers. Lasik eye surgery, sports ticket packages, and other high value items will drive the bidding in the live auction. In addition, raffle tickets will be available for an assortment of prizes, including a grand prize of $1000 cash courtesy of Highland Baking.

Registration for the Auction & Taste covers food samples from all the participating restaurants as well as complimentary beer, wine and soda. Advance registration before October 18 is $35; at-the-door registration is $45.

Raffle tickets are available for $5 each, or $20 for a pack of five tickets. Winners do not need to be present at the event.

Participating restaurants at this year's Taste include:

• California Pizza Kitchen

• City Barbeque

• Di Pescara

• Francesca's North

• Gail's Brownies

• Granite City Food & Brewery

• Grill House

• Hilton Chicago/Northbrook

• Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

• Maggiano's

• Marcello's

• Max & Benny's Restaurant, Deli & Catering

• P.F. Chang's China Bistro

• Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel

• Ruth's Chris Steak House

• Trattoria Oliverii

• Tuscany -- Wheeling

To register for the Auction & Taste, visit northbrookchamber.org or call (847) 498-5555.