The Pilsen culinary scene will be on full display with the return of Pilsen Gourmet (pilsenfestchicago.com), Friday, November 10th at the historic Apollo’s 2000 venue (2875 W. Cermak Road). From the producers of Pilsen Fest, the celebration of Latino cuisine and culture gives guests a diverse sampling of gourmet and specialty foods while showcasing the talents of some of the leading Latino chefs making an impact in the industry. Over 25 restaurants are convening under one roof from 7 pm to 10 pm to feature the abilities of everyone from young chefs on the cutting edge of the Latino culinary world to tenured chefs who serve iconic dishes passed down by generations of home cooks.
Tickets to the event, which are now on sale through Eventbrite.com, include unlimited samples of gourmet and specialty foods as well as an selection of mezcal, tequila, craft beer and other Mexican beverages, and music from local DJs. This year’s event also offers the ultimate Pilsen Gourmet experience – a VIP kick-off hour from 6 pm to 7 pm, which includes all the same admission items as above plus designated check-in, first dibs on all the dishes and cocktails, exclusive chef meet and greets, and other special VIP access.
“Pilsen Gourmet is much more than a food festival; it’s a reflection of our eclectic and tightly bound community – one that has become the center of Latino immigration in the Midwest,” said Pilsen Gourmet and Pilsen Fest Director Esmirna Garcia. “This night symbolizes the type of diversity, solidarity, and unity that can be found throughout the whole Pilsen neighborhood.” To that end, Esmirna added that Pilsen Gourmet will offer donation opportunities to support the people devastated by Hurricane Otis and Acapulco, Guerrero.
One of the highlights of Pilsen Gourmet 2023 will be an awards ceremony for an esteemed group of three celebrity chefs who will be honored and asked to speak about the evolution of the Latino culinary scene around the world. Receiving the Trajectory Award will be Chef Atzimba Pérez from Atzimba Catering and Events, one of the leading Latino catering companies; the Entrepreneurial Award will be received by Executive Chef Roberto Dávila of Altiro’s Restaurants, a tapa-style restaurant company named #1 in the suburbs; and the Social Recognition Award will be received by Evelyn Figueroa, MD from The Figueroa Wu Family Foundation, for her efforts in the coordination of service-learning programs in food justice, advocacy, and more.
Beyond recognizing the historic pioneers and new upcoming wave of Latino culinary prowess in Chicago, the underlining focus of the evening is the importance of the Latino labor force. For decades Pilsen has been feeding not just Chicago but all the Midwest with fruits, produce, and food products, with key Latino brands leading the way. Pilsen Gourmet emphasizes the area’s strong position in the food access terrain by featuring locally made products and businesses.
Pilsen Gourmet 2023 participants include:
Notable Chefs:
-Chef Dudley Nieto, Culinary Director of Scott Harris Hospitality
-Chef Rodolfo Cuadros, Executive Chef and Owner of critically acclaimed restaurants Amaru and Bloom Plant Based Kitchen and Don Bucio’s Taqueria in Logan Square.
-Chef Inocencio Carbajal aka “El Guero,” Executive Chef and Owner of Carnitas Uruapan and also a Netflix sensation for the Taco Chronicles.
-Chef Stephen Sandoval, Executive Chef of Diego and the upcoming Entre Sueños.
Notable Restaurants:
Fat Rosie’s
Atzimba, Pre-Hispanic Cuisine
Al Tiro Latin Fusion
Diego’s
Don Bucio’s Taqueria
Carnivale
Herbal Notes
Carnitas Uruapan
Hello Donut
Longitud315
El Jefe Leña y Mar
Hacienda Real
Santo Chorizo
Órale, Wey
Amerikas
Logan Oyster Socials
Cinco Rabanitos
Chile Toreado
Señorita’s Cantina Dearborn
Mago Grill & Cantina
Órale Wey
And more….
Pilsen Gourmet 2023 is organized by the team behind Pilsen Fest and Pilsen Community Market, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation.
