Celebrate the summer season with hot grills, cool drinks, live music and prizes, all in the name of charity. On Thursday, June 19, sixteen local chefs will compete in the seventh annual “Chefs on the Grill” event at The Plaza at Millennium Park. This fun, alfresco culinary extravaganza will benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ProStart program.
ProStart provides curriculum and scholarships for high school students interested in pursuing the culinary arts and management in the restaurant industry.
Each chef, assisted by two students from IRAEF, will create a grilled dish of their choice and attendees will taste samples and vote for their favorite. The winning chef will receive a Chefs on the Grill trophy, and of course, bragging rights until next year’s event. In addition, participating restaurants will each provide a creative cocktail pairing and guests will be asked to vote for their favorite summer sipper. A second trophy will be awarded to the restaurant that produces the libation with the most votes. New to this year’s event, guests will also enjoy a variety of local craft brews provided by Local Option, Ale Syndicate, Virtue Cider, Goose Island, Founders and Moody Tongue.
Live music by Chicago-based band “Murley” will begin at 6 p.m. and continue throughout the evening. A raffle will be held for such prizes as restaurant gift cards, hotel stays, spa packages, museum passes, event tickets and more. Raffle proceeds will benefit the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s (IRAEF) ProStart program.
