CEL's Chefs' Night is a foodies delight

Nearly 700 people will make their way to the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort Monday, May 2, for a tasting event of epic proportions.

Local restaurants, wineries, breweries, bakeries and more will be on hand serving their signature dishes and cocktails benefiting the Center for Enriched Living, a nonprofit organization in Riverwoods that provides social, recreational and enrichment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.

Going strong in its 16th year, Chefs' Night provides attendees with an opportunity to sample some of the North Shore's favorite restaurants. New participants this year include the firefighters from Deerfield-Bannockburn Firehouse, who will be making their famous chili pork verde nachos; Market House on the Square; New England Seafood Company; and O'Toole's of Libertyville will be serving some of their signature dishes in their first Chefs' Night appearance.

For $90, guests enjoy signature tastings from each establishment. The restaurant list is growing, but currently includes: Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano (Deerfield); Big Bowl (Lincolnshire); Blufish (Glenview); Center for Enriched Living (Riverwoods); Claim Company (Northbrook); Cooper's Hawk (Wheeling); Deerfield-Bannockburn Firehouse (Deerfield); Enzo & Lucia Restaurant (Long Grove); Fine's (Libertyville); Froggy's French Café & Catering (Highwood); Half Day Brewing (Lincolnshire); Highland Pop (Highland Park); KOVAL Distillery (Chicago); Longitud315 (Highwood); Market House on the Square (Lake Forest); New England Seafood Company (Chicago); Newport Coffee House (Bannockburn); Nirvana Wine & Grillerie (Vernon Hills); O'Toole's of Libertyville; PF Changs Northbrook; Something Sweet (Antioch); Sunset Foods (Highland Park); Tastebudz Delivery · Pickup · Catering (Highland Park); Three Tarts Bakery and Café (Northfield); and Tighthead Brewing Co. (Mundelein).

"Chefs' Night is easily one of the most enjoyable events we put on each year," says Harriet Levy, CEL's executive director. "This year promises an evening filled with friends, food and fun while making an impact on the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities."

The proceeds from this event go directly to CEL to ensure that CEL's 450-plus members are fully included in the community, achieve goals and enjoy a good quality of life.

Chefs' Night, a benefit for the Center for Enriched Living, will be from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, May 2, in the Grand Marquee Pavilion at Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, 10 Marriott Drive, in Lincolnshire. For details and to purchase your tickets, visit www.CenterForEnrichedLiving.org/events/Chefs-Night or call (847) 948-7001.

The Center for Enriched Living exists to enhance and enrich the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities - from youth through adulthood.

CEL's programs provide social, recreational and educational opportunities for our members in the newly renovated Universally Designed building in Riverwoods.

For details, visit www.CenterForEnrichedLiving.org

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