ChicaGourmets!
is Proud to Partner with
LES DAMES D’ESCOFFIER!
Behind-the-Scenes Bus Tour Visits
with Notable Chicago Dames!
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Co-Chairpersons
Patty Erd, LES DAMES D’ESCOFFIER
and
Laura Richter, ChicaGourmets!
ChicaGourmets! in conjunction with LES DAMES D'ESCOFFIER proudly presents a Behind-the-Scenes Culinary Tour for your enjoyment. This inaugural tour is the first of a series planned to highlight a variety of Les Dames members who are at the forefront of the culinary world here in Chicago. Any profit coming from this venture will help fund Les Dames d'Escoffier's charitable and educational activities.
8:30 A.M. Meet at the Green City Market, held at the south end of the Lincoln Park Zoo. We will gather at the information table on the west end of the market (Clark at Stockton). A pay lot is available for parking, and public transportation is very convenient to this location. The market opens at 7:00 A.M. for those who want to shop before the tour begins. Newly available this year, you can purchase a breakfast treat in the form of a fabulous crępe. The authentic French crêpe machine operation is quite entertaining to watch. Manned by several Les Dames chefs, primarily Rita Gutekanst, owner of Rita's Catering. Other celebrity chef crêpe artists vary, but might include Dames Sarah Stegner of the Ritz-Carlton, En-Ming Hsu, of The Four Seasons, and Abby Mandel, among others. Also you may spot any number of popular Chicago chefs shopping and chatting with the farmers, all of whom believe that the finest locally produced, sustainably raised produce and products achieve results of high quality for your dinning experience.
Dame Abby Mandel, founder of the market, has agreed to give us her own personalized tour of Chicago's Green City Market. Abby is a well-known Chicago culinary icon. She is a syndicated food columnist, consultant, and has authored seven cookbooks, including a James Beard award winner.
Next, a behind-the-scenes tour of Tru, by co-owner and executive pastry Chef Dame Gale Gand. Tru is arguably the best restaurant in Chicago according to both the Chicago Tribune and the Sun-Times. We are very lucky to have Gale Gand, multiple culinary award winner and star of the Food Network's show "Sweet Dreams" as our hostess. She will sign copies of her books Butter Sugar Flour Eggs and Just a Bite. The restaurant accepts cash or credit cards. As our time will be limited, if you think you will want to purchase a book, please check accordingly on the reservation slip below so we can make sure to have enough books on hand.
Wine tasting at The House of Glunz. This Chicago landmark is the city's oldest wine shop, established in 1888. It is really a wine museum with a long and fascinating history. Dame Barbara Glunz-Donovan will be in Paris, but her son Christopher Donovan will host the tasting. If you would like wine with your lunch at CHIC, you will have the opportunity to purchase it here.
Tour and luncheon prepared by the staff and future culinary stars at CHIC, the Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. CHIC is renowned for its culinary programs. Their recent affiliation with Le Cordon Bleu is a testament to their dedication to culinary excellence.
Tour and baking demonstration at Fox and Obel, Chicago's premier gourmet specialty shop. Our hostess, Pamela Fitzpartick, holds the distinction of being one of just three bakers representing America at the 1994 Coupe de Monde at Europain in Paris. She has lectured at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and the Field Museum of Natural History, where she also served as technical consultant for the museum’s permanent exhibition on the history of bread.
Finish with a presentation and tasting at Collins Caviar by Dame Carolyn and daughter Rachel. Collins Caviar has achieved recognition from all parts of the culinary world. The name is synonymous with quality. Collins Caviar has been featured in articles in Bon Appétit, Gourmet and Vogue. Carolyn has enjoyed many television appearances, including CBS's This Morning and NBC's Wine Country Living.
The bus will return to the parking lot in Lincoln Park around 4:30 P.M. This area is surrounded by many high quality establishments for cocktails and dinner. We would be happy to offer suggestions.
Price is $89.00 per person.
Please make checks payable to Les Dames d'Escoffier
and mail to:
Patty Erd, The Spice House, 1941 Central Street, Evanston, IL 60201
NOTE that this is not the usual ChicaGourmets! contact!
Prepaid reservations (check only) must be received by 9/17/03; no refunds after that date.
THE CHIC MENU
Field Greens with Fresh Vegetables and Chef's Choice of Vinaigrette
Choice of Entrée served with accompanying vegetables:
Roast Filet of Beef with Bourbon Sauce
OR
Grilled Salmon with Mustard Sauce
Fabulous Fresh Pastry
(The school offers a wonderful pâtisserie certificate program!)