Foodies to benefit by return of Chefs' Fest
Better start counting calories now so you can save up room for a great foodie evening next Tuesday.
The 15th Annual Chefs' Fest will run from 5 to 8 p.m. at Arlington Park Racecourse, offering the chance to sample dishes from 61 local dining establishments.
Admission costs $30 at the door, or $25 for tickets purchased online through Sunday.
Local restaurants participating include Barn of Barrington, Birch River Grille in Arlington Heights, Bob Chinn's Crabhouse in Wheeling, Fuego Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar in Arlington Heights, Maggiano's Little Italy in Schaumburg, Millrose Restaurant in Barrington, Morton's Steakhouse in Schaumburg, the Signature Room at the 95th in Chicago and Wildfire in Schaumburg.
About 2,200 people are expected to attend the event, which raises money to promote tourism in the Northwest suburbs, said David Parula, director of membership/community outreach for the Woodfield Chicago Northwest Convention Bureau.
Newcomers this year include the restaurant at Cabela's, the sports emporium in Hoffman Estates, Rosebud Old World Italian in Schaumburg and Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue in Elk Grove Village, Parula said.
He declined to say which are the "must have" restaurants to make the event a draw. "I've got to be a little politically correct," he said. The restaurants participate for the opportunity to showcase their wares and market their businesses, he said.
For those waiting for the food to settle before sampling more dishes, the event offers cooking tips from celebrity chef Rick Tramonto, who's opening a Tramonto's Steak & Seafood later this year at the Hyatt Regency Woodfield, and from Joshua Humphrey, chef at Sam & Harry's at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel. And the Lynfred Winery in Roselle will return with "Wine 101."
The Arlingtones Barbershop Chorus will provide live entertainment.
If you go
What: 15th Annual Chefs' Fest, featuring 61 restaurants
When: 5-8 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Arlington Park Racecourse
Cost: $25 through Sunday at chefsfest.com, $30 at the door
Parking: Free, enter Euclid Road Gate east of Route 53
More information: (847) 490-1010 or chicagonorthwest.com
Food drive: Nonperishable food items will be accepted