2017 marks the 20th anniversary of Chicago’s premier culinary experience: The Grand Chefs Gala presented by The Greater Illinois Chapter of The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. On Friday, February 3rd from 6pm-12am, Chicago’s Navy Pier Grand Ballroom will be luminously transformed to celebrate this sterling occasion while fifty of Chicago’s most elite mixologists and chefs create signature drinks,, delicious dishes and truly one-of-a-kind cocktails for attendees.
The Food Network’s Jeff Mauro will emcee the gala while founder and chairman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Richard Melman, will be honored as this year’s recipient of the “Chicago Classic Award”, presented by Gene & Georgetti. The distinguished award recognizes a Chicago restaurant or restaurateur who has been influential in the city’s culinary scene, year after year. The award doubles as a lifetime achievement award, which represents the tradition, the evolution and the uniqueness of Chicago’s dynamic cuisine along with the recipient’s dedication to the local community. Gene & Georgetti owners the Durpetti Family commented, “It is an honor to be able to introduce this year’s recipient, Richard Melman, for his outstanding contributions to the restaurant community in Chicago and beyond. It is a privilege to present the award to such a cherished friend and colleague.” The fun continues late into the evening with the Grand Chefs Gala’s after party, Nightcap, which runs from 9pm-12am, and will feature late-night bites, mouth-watering desserts by Chicago’s top pastry chefs and custom cocktails created and served by the city’s top trendsetters in mixology. To purchase tickets for the Grand Chefs Gala or Nightcap, visit www.grandchefsgala.com. Beginning on Black Friday, November 25th through Cyber Monday, November 28th, patrons can enjoy 20% off the ticket price for Nightcap ($80 – $45 is tax-deductible).
Money raised at the gala supports the foundation in its mission to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, a genetic disease affecting 30,000 Americans. CF primarily affects the lungs and digestive system of nearly 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization, and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. Based in Bethesda, Md., the Foundation also supports and accredits a national care center network that has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health as a model of care for a chronic disease. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a donor-supported nonprofit organization.
