Localicious
When: Friday, March 20th 7 p.m.
Where: UIC Forum, 725 W Roosevelt Rd
Why you may want to attend: Ever seen an episode of Portlandia? One of the most memorable sketches pokes fun at today’s new-age hipster and his relationship with food. Two diners grill a waitress on the background of their soon to be ordered chicken. “Tell us about the chicken. Is it local? I’m going to ask you one more time, is it local? Is that USDA organic or Oregon organic or Portland organic? How big is the area where the chickens were able to roam free?” In the end, they decide to leave the restaurant and drive to the farm for an impromptu inspection. The rest is equally ridiculous.
Listen. There’s no need to be fanatical but we all should probably know something about our food, namely where it comes from – and I’m not talking from which supermarket it was purchased.
This weekend, the Good Food Festival & Conference is going down at UIC Forum. It’s a three-day event (each day has its own theme) connecting farms to the financial resources they so desperately need, working to improve the quality of food served at local schools, educating the public on where our food truly comes from verses where it should be coming from, and plenty of hands-on fancy food demonstrations.
If you can’t attend all three days at least buy a ticket for Localicious, the foodie event of the season. Celebrated Chicago chefs partner with responsible farmers for a night of amazing food, unique beverages (crafted by local distilleries and breweries), and live music. Tickets are $80 online or $95 at the door.
Event Hastag: #GFFChi
More info: Good Food Festival & Conference
Chicago Pinot Days
Chicago Pinot DaysWhen: Saturday, March 21st. VIP tasting: Noon – 5 pm ($125). Public Tasting: 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. ($75)
Where: Navy Pier, Lakeview Terrace
Why you may want to attend: It’s a celebration of my favorite red, Pinot Noir. Over 100 versions of this great grape, flown in from all over the world, will be presented by their respective winemakers. Attendees will have access to pinots previously unavailable in Illinois.
Tickets: Event Brite
More info: Pinot Days
Chicago Beer Festival
When: Saturday, March 21st; 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Union Station
Why you may want to attend: “The Chicago Beer Festival returns to Union Station, featuring dozens of domestic and international breweries, sampling their spring seasonal beers.”
Tickets: Event Brite (Will not be sold at door)
More info: The Chicago Beer Festival