Pictures from Last year's Great Chefs Tasting Party and Auction Event.
Want to join us again this year? Use the links below to purchase tickets, become a sponsor and much more.
2026 PARTICIPATING PROPERTIES:
Kozol Brothers
For more than eight decades, Kozol Brothers has been supplying the Southern Chicagoland suburbs with domestic, craft, and import beers and ciders. The Kozol name continues to endure generation after generation by providing great opportunities and even greater beer. Kozol Brothers also maintains a dedication to its communities by supporting local events and nonprofits as one of the largest and great-performing beverage distributors in Illinois.
The Nest Bar & Grill
The Nest at the Bolingbrook Golf Club is the perfect place to perch for a delicious steak and glass of fine wine. The Nest offers tender steak crostinis made from top choice tenderloin with a goat cheese spread, paired with a distinct bottle of red wine for a light meal. Or for a bigger appetite, choose the prime rib in a king or queen cut, served with a baked potato and asparagus. You can dine with a prime view of the beautiful golf course.
Joliet Junior College Culinary Arts Management
The Culinary Arts Management program at JJC offers students a first-class education at one of the most highly respected culinary programs in the nation, and in one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in the world. Many students from the JJC program have gone on to find jobs at local restaurants or even realize their dream of owning a restaurant. Creativity abounds in this program and today’s idea is tomorrow’s renowned cuisine.
Rooted
Located in Downtown Minooka, Rooted is a Midwest American restaurant built around locally sourced ingredients, wine and bourbon. Our team works hard in creating a warm and honest atmosphere, focusing on hospitality and kindness.
Gia Mia
GIA MIA is chef-driven, farm-to-fork food concepts such as Neapolitan style wood-fired pizzas, creative small plates, fresh pasta, antipasto, and hand-made mozzarella to name a few. Our mixology bar concept includes specialty craft beers as well as an exclusive wine list with flavors carefully chosen to complement our delicious food plates.
Dark Horse Catering
Your public smokehouse. You can smell the smoke around the clock: we’ve got three on-site smokers at every City Barbeque joint, and we never turn them off. Our pitmasters use local hickory, years of experience, and all 24 hours of the day to craft the city’s best barbeque. There's more to our food than just meat and heat. So much goes into good barbeque, which is why we put our whole heart into every step. Whether we're sourcing a brisket, selecting the wood, watching the clock, or carving to order, we'll never give you anything less than our best.
Altiro Latin Fusion
A family-owned restaurant with locations throughout Northern Illinois, offering a tapas-style inspired Latin fusion cuisine of classic dishes with infused new flavors from Spain, Mexico, and South America.
The menu is designed to share, our dishes are presented in a tapa-style. Pair your meal with our house sangria, craft cocktails, or our local beers
Tallgrass Restaurant
A boutique fine dining destination in the heart of historic downtown Lockport, IL, blending French technique and traditions with Midwestern soul and local ingredients.
Werk Force Brewing Company
is a community-driven craft brewery in Plainfield, Illinois, known for thoughtfully brewed beer and a welcoming taproom atmosphere. The brewery is especially recognized for its award-winning barrel-aged stouts, alongside a wide range of classic styles. Rooted in bringing people together, Werk Force hosts live music and events that celebrate creativity and connection.
NWB
Handcrafted cocktails lead the way at NWB. Made with ultra-premium spirits, fresh squeezed juices, and chef-crafted syrups showcasing today’s most exciting flavor trends. Pair them with next-level burgers, handhelds, and comfort favorites infused with flavors from home and abroad. Indulgent or health-minded, every bite is built to satisfy.
Elvita's Bakery
The Reserve- Harrah's Casino Joliet
At The Reserve, Harrah’s Joliet’s American Steakhouse, we offer a fine dining experience second to none. Indulge yourself with the highest grade of USDA Prime Allen Brothers steaks that are a cut above the rest, one of our many succulent starters and finish your dining experience with one of our many exceptional desserts! Enjoy an intimate dining experience in our exquisite dining room or join in on the lively ambiance at our wrap around bar for an unforgettable evening at Harrah’s Joliet. It is the perfect place for a special night.
Moe Joe's Cajun and Caribbean Cuisine
There is no place that will show you a better time while eating than Moe Joe's Cajun and Caribbean Cuisine. Walking up to Moe Joe's is like stepping out onto New Orleans' Bourbon Street. Complete with wrought iron, street lanterns and false building fronts with balconies, the exterior of the building looks as authentic as the food inside.
When you enter the building, you're overcome with music, decor and a feeling that puts you in the Mardi Gras mood. There is also a lower level, dubbed "The French Quarter Subterranean Speakeasy," which is everything it claims to be.
City BBQ
Your public smokehouse. You can smell the smoke around the clock: we’ve got three on-site smokers at every City Barbeque joint, and we never turn them off. Our pitmasters use local hickory, years of experience, and all 24 hours of the day to craft the city’s best barbeque. There's more to our food than just meat and heat. So much goes into good barbeque, which is why we put our whole heart into every step. Whether we're sourcing a brisket, selecting the wood, watching the clock, or carving to order, we'll never give you anything less than our best.
Montage
Montage began as a simple idea to share great wines from around the world, craft cocktails, and fresh food in a space that feels easy and welcoming. I wanted a place where people could unwind, connect, and enjoy something made with care. Every pour, every plate, and every visit brings it to life. This isn’t just a wine bar—it’s a place where stories are shared and memories are made with family, friends, and everyone in between
Happy Belly
Creative comfort food within the relaxed atmosphere of Werk Force Brewing in Plainfield. Happy Belly pairs beer-friendly snacks, sandwiches, soups, flatbreads and desserts with some of Werk Force's award-winning beers. Our chef-created menu changes often, is scratch made and inspired by local and seasonal produce. In addition to serving brewery customers, Happy Belly provides custom catering on-site at Werk Force and off-site for parties of 2 to 200 guests. We love being a part of your special occasions and celebrations! Happy Belly is proud to be a Women-Owned, Small Business.
Clifton
At The Clifton, we serve wood-fired pizzas and thoughtfully crafted dishes in a space buzzing with energy and good vibes. Our artisan drinks and carefully curated wine list pair perfectly with warm hospitality, making every visit feel effortless — a place to eat, sip, and savor the moment.
Ten Drops
In addition to being the first specialty roaster in the region, we also became the first independent specialty cafe. We can make just about any kind of drink, and we put our own spin on a lot of classics. Come caffeinate with us!