Top chefs, sommeliers on hand for Chicago Gourmet culinary festival
CHICAGO (CBS) -- From the best of burgers to wonderful wines, Chicago Gourmet had it all this weekend.
Thousands of gourmets this weekend enjoyed a star-studded cast of top chefs, master wine experts, craft brewers, and of course, food.
The fest started on Thursday and ended on Sunday afternoon.
Most of the events took place at the Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park, but CBS 2 was there for Sunday morning's Rise and Shine Brunch at Art Smith's Reunion at Navy Pier. Art Smith of his namesake restaurant and Lorena Garcia of Chica reunited for a multi-course, family-style brunch composed of southern and Latin cuisine.
Smith and the Venezuelan-born Garcia also talked about their friendship at the event.
The events ended with "Prost! In the Park," on which Chef Sarah Gruenberg of Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio hosted a gourmet Oktoberfest-style beer and spirits festival.
Sessions were also held at the LÝRA on Fulton Market, and the Late Night Gourmet session was held at Tao Chicago in River North.
The theme of this year's event was "All Roads Lead to Gourmet."
Chicago Gourmet benefits the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation – which promotes the health and prosperity of the restaurant industry by investing in the workforce and in youth.