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Local Event
Cost: $130-150
Choose Chicago, the city’s official destination marketing organization, announced tickets are now on sale for First Bites Bash, the celebratory kick-off event for the 17th annual Chicago Restaurant Week. In keeping with annual tradition, the event will be held Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Chicago’s Field Museum from 6 to 9 p.m.
Beloved, award-winning Chicago Chef Dominique Leach of Lexington Betty Smokehouse – located in Chicago’s historic Pullman neighborhood – steps into the spotlight, serving as the Host Chef for the star-studded party. Guests will have the opportunity to experience exclusive tasting portions from more than 50 restaurants showcasing their respective Chicago Restaurant Week menus, as well as wine, beer, spirits, entertainment and more.
Participating restaurants in First Bites Bash include both longtime Chicago Restaurant Week participants and newcomers alike representing Chicago’s vibrant communities. The complete list of First Bites Bash participants is available here. To date, Chicago Restaurant Week 2024 showcases 366 participating restaurants, including 51 first-time participants representing 32 distinct neighborhoods and 42 suburban locales. Sixty restaurants include minority and/or women-owned businesses. These numbers continue to climb, with new participants coming aboard daily.
Choose Chicago is pleased to continue its longstanding support of local organizations by donating a portion of the proceeds from First Bites Bash. In 2024, a donation will be made to Pilot Light, a Chicago-based nonprofit that partners with teachers to integrate food education into learning. A donation will also be made to the James Beard Foundation scholarship programs.
Tickets are available at firstbitesbash.com.
First Bites Bash 2024 is generously sponsored by 97.1 The Drive, Chicago’s Classic Rock, The New 100.3, SHE Loves the ‘90s & 2000s, 101.9 THE MIX, Today’s Variety, Acqua Panna®, Hubbard Inn, the James Beard Foundation, Pepsi, Ritual Zero Proof, S.Pellegrino®, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and Tock.
Chicago Restaurant Week, taking place January 19 - February 4, 2024, offers visitors and local foodies a meaningful opportunity to experience some of the area’s most sought-after restaurants. For 17 consecutive, dining-packed days, participating dining establishments will showcase specially curated prix fixe menus with prices set at $25 for brunch and lunch and $42 and/or $59 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax, gratuity). Lending an ideal reason to explore Chicago’s nationally lauded culinary scene, diners can experience new, show-stopping restaurants and familiar favorites alike throughout the city’s vibrant communities. Visit eatitupchicago.com on Wednesday, December 13 to view participating restaurants, menus and make reservations online.
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Choose Chicago
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