Chicago Gourmet Returns With a Sports-Centric Events Lineup
This year's Chicago Gourmet theme is 'Step Up to the Plate,' a nod to the food and sports worlds. The weekend's biggest attraction, Grand Cru, will go down across two sessions on Saturday, September 27, and feature dishes from a star-studded cast of chefs — Bailey Sullivan (Monteverde), Jenner Tomaska (Esmé, the Alston), Rob Levitt (the Publican), Gene Kato (Momotaro), and many more — paired with fine wines and spirits. Oenophiles can also attend Somm Sessions on Friday, September 26, at Adalina, where top Chicago sommeliers will pair wines with songs to accompany dishes.
Another returning favorite is Tacos & Tequila on Thursday, September 25. Hosted by Rick Bayless, the event highlights tacos from local chefs like Diana Dávila (Mi Tocaya Antojería) and Carlos Gaytán (Tzuco), agave spirits and cocktails, and traditional music and dancing. The popular Hamburger Hop, a competition between 14 chefs to see who can make the best burger, happens the night of Friday, September 26. Some of the names battling it out will be Joe Fontelera (Boonie's), former Chicago Bears player Israel Idonije and Stephen Gillanders (the Staley), and Jose Sosa (the Greggory). After the Hop, the festivities will continue at the Asian Late Night Market at Tao Chicago. This new event, hosted by Haisous chef Thai Dang, offers Asian bites and specialty cocktails from Henry Cai (3LP), Bo Fowler (BiXi Beer), and more.
Those who love to brunch can check out Rise & Shine Gourmet on Sunday, September 28. The daytime bash brings together a collection of talents who will serve sweet and savory plates to go along with cocktails and live music. Participating chefs include Dominique Leach (Lexington Betty Smokehouse), Devon Quinn (Eden), Paul Fehribach (Big Jones), and Aaron Cuschieri (the Dearborn).
Also new this year is a series of Culinary World Series events throughout the city leading up to Chicago Gourmet. Centered on the 'Step Up to the Plate' theme, these activations feature bites delivered with a side of sports. Cubs and White Sox fans can root for their team at Game Day Gourmet on Friday, July 25. Held in a private suite at Rate Field, the evening will offer the opportunity to watch the Crosstown Classic in style while enjoying ballpark fare, cocktails, wine, beer, and the 'Duck Inn Dog Showdown,' which challenges chefs to put their spins on the classic hot dog.
Other events include a Gourmet Tailgate at Utopian Tailgate on Sunday, September 14, a chef pickleball tournament at SPF Chicago on Saturday, September 20, and a special dinner honoring Jackie Robinson with James Beard Award winners Erick Williams and Damarr Brown at Virtue. The full list of Culinary World Series experiences is available here. Tickets to all Chicago Gourmet events are on sale now via the official website.
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Eater
3 days ago
- Eater
Chicago Gourmet Returns With a Sports-Centric Events Lineup
Chicago Gourmet, the annual food festival in Millennium Park that showcases local chefs and restaurants, returns this fall with a jam-packed lineup of events. The culinary celebration runs from Thursday, September 25, to Sunday, September 28, at the Harris Theater Rooftop, and tickets are on sale now. This year's Chicago Gourmet theme is 'Step Up to the Plate,' a nod to the food and sports worlds. The weekend's biggest attraction, Grand Cru, will go down across two sessions on Saturday, September 27, and feature dishes from a star-studded cast of chefs — Bailey Sullivan (Monteverde), Jenner Tomaska (Esmé, the Alston), Rob Levitt (the Publican), Gene Kato (Momotaro), and many more — paired with fine wines and spirits. Oenophiles can also attend Somm Sessions on Friday, September 26, at Adalina, where top Chicago sommeliers will pair wines with songs to accompany dishes. Another returning favorite is Tacos & Tequila on Thursday, September 25. Hosted by Rick Bayless, the event highlights tacos from local chefs like Diana Dávila (Mi Tocaya Antojería) and Carlos Gaytán (Tzuco), agave spirits and cocktails, and traditional music and dancing. The popular Hamburger Hop, a competition between 14 chefs to see who can make the best burger, happens the night of Friday, September 26. Some of the names battling it out will be Joe Fontelera (Boonie's), former Chicago Bears player Israel Idonije and Stephen Gillanders (the Staley), and Jose Sosa (the Greggory). After the Hop, the festivities will continue at the Asian Late Night Market at Tao Chicago. This new event, hosted by Haisous chef Thai Dang, offers Asian bites and specialty cocktails from Henry Cai (3LP), Bo Fowler (BiXi Beer), and more. Those who love to brunch can check out Rise & Shine Gourmet on Sunday, September 28. The daytime bash brings together a collection of talents who will serve sweet and savory plates to go along with cocktails and live music. Participating chefs include Dominique Leach (Lexington Betty Smokehouse), Devon Quinn (Eden), Paul Fehribach (Big Jones), and Aaron Cuschieri (the Dearborn). Also new this year is a series of Culinary World Series events throughout the city leading up to Chicago Gourmet. Centered on the 'Step Up to the Plate' theme, these activations feature bites delivered with a side of sports. Cubs and White Sox fans can root for their team at Game Day Gourmet on Friday, July 25. Held in a private suite at Rate Field, the evening will offer the opportunity to watch the Crosstown Classic in style while enjoying ballpark fare, cocktails, wine, beer, and the 'Duck Inn Dog Showdown,' which challenges chefs to put their spins on the classic hot dog. Other events include a Gourmet Tailgate at Utopian Tailgate on Sunday, September 14, a chef pickleball tournament at SPF Chicago on Saturday, September 20, and a special dinner honoring Jackie Robinson with James Beard Award winners Erick Williams and Damarr Brown at Virtue. The full list of Culinary World Series experiences is available here. Tickets to all Chicago Gourmet events are on sale now via the official website. Eater Chicago All your essential food and restaurant intel delivered to you Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Forbes
21-07-2025
- Forbes
Meet Pantalones Organic Tequila Plus 3 Recipes Perfect For Summer
Pantalones' Three Tequila Expressions Ugh, not another celebrity-endorsed liquor brand. In all honesty, those were my first thoughts when Pantalones Organic Tequila came on my radar. I even thought, do we actually need a new tequila, period? After all, there are over 2,000 registered tequila brands. But to my surprise, when I landed on Pantalones' website to learn more about their tequila and the company, I was greeted with a rather hilarious message: 'No. The world doesn't need another celebrity Tequila. But goodness gracious, the Tequila industry sure could use a shot of fun. And that's exactly what Pantalones is: Really good, really clean fun.' This humorous twist instantly entertained me. Despite my initial skepticism, I found myself intrigued enough to give it a shot or three. Camila and Matthew, Co-Founders Of Pantalones And I have to agree with Matthew and Camila McConaughey (the power couple behind the brand) - tequila should be fun. Their influence is evident throughout the website, even in the playful image of them posed in an agave field, pantless. How's that for not taking life too seriously? Learn More About The Tequila Brand Pantalones Organic Tequila prides itself on offering a smooth and flavorful agave-forward tequila that is perfect for sipping, shooting, or mixing up in your favorite cocktails. With each sip, you'll experience the indulgent smoothness that only Pantalones Tequila can provide, leaving you satisfied and craving more. One of the things that sets them apart is their unique inspiration. McConaughey paid homage to his fan-favorite rom-com, How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, with ten recipes inspired by the film. These recipes, featuring Pantalones tequila, are not just drinks, but a journey through the film's iconic moments. Some of the film-inspired drinks are the Benny Boo Boo, Yellow Dress, and You're So Vain. Meet The Three Tequila Expressions Like other brands, Pantalones offers three expressions of tequila made from organic blue weber agave grown on volcanic soil by 4th-generation farmers across 7,000 acres: Blanco, Añejo, and Reposado, all produced in a distillery in Amatitán, Jalisco. Pantalones Agave Farmer Blanco, a bright, medium-bodied tequila, showcases the heart of Jalisco, offering aromas of cooked and raw agave, caramel, herbal, and fruity notes, along with hints of light guava, lime, and vanilla. On the palate, it offers notes of cooked agave, sweet caramel, fruit, vanilla, and a silky finish. Pantalones Blanco Tequila Reposado, with its comforting golden hue, is a tequila that invites you to unwind. Aged in American Oak Barrels for 9 months, it develops a smoothness that is truly relaxing. Its aromas of cooked agave, vanilla, caramel, smoke, and toasted oak, along with hints of sweet fruit and fresh oak on the palate, create a comforting and relaxing experience. Pantalones Reposado Añejo, with its bright, golden appearance and medium-bodied texture, is a tequila that promises a rich and indulgent experience. Aged in American Oak Barrels for 15 months, it develops a complex blend of aromas, including American oak, nuts, dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, smoke, and toasted barrel. On the palate, it unfolds with a smooth, light sweetness, complemented by American oak, nutty notes, and finishes with a rich and satisfying combination of wood, vanilla, maple, and dates, indulging your senses with every sip. Pantalones' Anejo Now that you're familiar with the brand, why not pick up a bottle or three and get started on creating your new favorite cocktail? Cheers to fun and delicious mixes! Make A Tea Time Trousers Cocktail With Añejo Tequila As a Southern girl, I have a deep love for tea. But now and then, a good tequila is just what the doctor ordered! The tea time trousers cocktail is just the drink you're looking for! Plus, something about knowing it's an award-winning añejo makes it taste a tad bit better! Tea Time Trousers Cocktail 2 oz Pantalones Organic Añejo Tequila 1 Green Tea Bag 2 oz Organic Lemonade 1 oz Sweet Tea 1 oz Sparkling Water Mint Leaves (Cocktail & Garnish) Now, the magic begins. Place your Pantalones Organic Añejo Tequila into a glass and gently drop in your green tea bag. Let the green tea bag steep in your Añejo for about ten minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the unique taste to develop. Then, remove the tea bag from the mix. In a separate glass, add some mint, muddle it, and then add ice. Pour your tea-quila, organic lemonade, sweet tea, and sparkling water into your muddled mint. Stir the drink with a cocktail spoon, garnish with mint, and enjoy the anticipation of the unique taste you're about to experience. Make A Love Fern Cocktail With Blanco Tequila Love Fern Cocktail This versatile cocktail is a breeze to make, using ingredients you likely already have in your home bar or pantry. It's the perfect drink for any summer occasion, whether you're relaxing by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue. 1 oz Pantalones Organic Blanco Tequila 0.25 oz Cointreau 0.25 oz Lime Juice Top with Club Soda Mint leaves for garnish It's as simple as this: combine Pantalones Organic Blanco Tequila, Cointreau and lime juice in a glass. Give it a gentle stir. Add ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a fern-worthy amount of mint leaves. Make The Grill Master's Apron Cocktail With Reposado Tequila The Grill Master's Apron Cocktail This drink is a unique summer classic, blending a seasonal fruit like peaches with a quintessential summer pastime, such as grilling. 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Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Yahoo
This Easy Mexican Tequila Cocktail Is "Summer in a Cup" (I'm Not Drinking Anything Else!)
Vibrant and refreshing, Cantaritos are a classic Mexican cocktail made from a mix of tequila and fresh citrus juices (usually lime, orange and grapefruit) that's topped with grapefruit soda and sea salt. While they're often compared to a paloma, Cantaritos stand out for their use of multiple citrus juices and their lively, earthy presentation. The drink is traditionally served in cantaritos, or clay cups, that are oftentimes unglazed to allow the clay to infuse into the drink, which adds a mild, mineral earthy note to complement the tequila and the citrus (I personally believe the clay cups add immense flavor to the drink). The unglazed cups also let the clay remain porous and breathable, which helps keep the drink cool while adding rustic charm. My family is from a small town just 30 minutes from Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, so I grew up watching them being made in their native state and also here in America, bringing home all their joy and tradition. Cantaritos are often sold at roadside stands throughout the town of Tequila, and you'll find them in plazas (town squares) all over Mexico, especially during las fiestas patrias (independence day celebrations) where they're served as a festive way to celebrate. It's traditional to see both small, individual-sized cantaritos and very large cantaritos that can hold bottles of tequila at a time (those are meant to be shared with friends and family during large gatherings and celebrations). Cantaritos are easy to make, full of bright flavor, and perfect for warm days, backyard gatherings like carne asadas (more than just grilled meats, this is a social event in Mexican culture where family and friends come together to barbecue, celebrate, and enjoy good food), or anytime you want to sip on something that feels like sunshine in a cup. Why You'll Love It It's incredibly refreshing. Cantaritos combine zesty citrus juices, bubbly grapefruit soda, and smooth tequila, making every sip served over ice vibrant and refreshing. So simple to make. Cantaritos is a stir-and-serve kind of cocktail, making it zero fuss and all reward. Key Ingredients in Cantaritos Squirt:The traditional grapefruit soda seen in Jalisco that gives Cantaritos their signature citrusy fizz. Sea salt: Enhances the bright citrus and tequila flavors in this cocktail as well as balances an almost savory edge that makes every sip vibrant and refreshing. Grapefruit juice: Adds a tangy, slightly bitter flavor to the cocktail that enhances the tequila while balancing the sweetness of Squirt. How to Make Cantaritos Combine citrus juices together. Stir lime juice, grapefruit juice, orange juice, silver tequila, and sea salt together in a liquid measuring cup or cocktail shaker until the salt is mostly dissolved. Fill glasses with ice, top with grapefruit soda, and garnish. Fill cantaritos (or Collins glasses) halfway with ice. Divide the cocktail among the glasses. Top each glass with chilled Squirt soda. Garnish with a sprinkle of salt and lime and orange slices if desired. Helpful Swaps While Squirt is traditionally seen in Jalisco, Jarritos or other grapefruit sodas can be used instead. Storage and Make-Ahead Tips The citrus-tequila mixture can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time; just top with ice and Squirt before serving. What to Serve With Cantaritos Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Mexican Street Corn Pambazos (Mexican Chorizo and Potato Sandwiches) Classic Guacamole Aguachile Cantaritos Recipe Bold tequila, fresh citrus juice, and bubbly grapefruit soda are perfect together in this summery cocktail. Prep time 8 minutes Serves 2 Ingredients 3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice (2 to 3 medium limes) 2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (about 1/2 medium grapefruit) 2 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 medium orange) 2 ounces silver or blanco tequila 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt, plus more for garnish 4 ounces chilled Squirt or Jarritos grapefruit soda, divided Lime and/or orange slices, for garnish (optional) Instructions Stir 3 ounces lime juice, 2 ounces grapefruit juice, 2 ounces orange juice, 2 ounces silver tequila, and 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt together in a liquid measuring cup or cocktail shaker until the salt is mostly dissolved. Fill 2 cantaritos or Collins glasses halfway with ice. Divide the cocktail between the glasses. Top each glass with 2 ounces chilled Squirt soda. Garnish with a sprinkle of salt and lime and orange slices if desired. Recipe Notes For a larger batch (6 servings), stir 9 ounces lime juice, 6 ounces grapefruit juice, 6 ounces orange juice, 6 ounces silver tequila, and 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse sea salt together in a medium pitcher until the salt is mostly dissolved. Fill halfway with ice, then top with 12 ounces Squirt. Garnish with more salt, lime, and orange slices if desired. Pour into ice-filled glasses. Further Reading We Used Our New 'Room Plan' Tool to Give This Living Room 3 Distinct Styles — See How, Then Try It Yourself The Design Changemakers to Know in 2025 Create Your Own 3D Room Plan with Our New Tool
