The Aviary with Chef Grant Achatz
Location: The Aviary
4:30 – 6 p.m.
Exclusive invite only event
Chef Grant Achatz is one of the most awarded and recognized chefs in the world. Known for his innovative, emotional, and modernist style of cuisine, he has been named Best Chef in the US by the James Beard Foundation and honored by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
Achatz first opened Alinea and was named the Best Restaurant in the World by Elite Traveler, the Best Restaurant in America by Gourmet Magazine, and has twice been awarded the Best Restaurant in North America by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. He then opened The Aviary and has won the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in America and the James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program.
In 2008, Achatz lost his own ability to taste. He was diagnosed with stage 4 tongue cancer, which metastasized to both sides of his neck. The recommended treatment was amputation of his tongue followed by radiation and chemotherapy. He sought out an innovative protocol at the University of Chicago, a grueling course of treatment that has left him with no evidence of disease since 2009.
Vintner Showcase Reception
Location: The Oakville Grill & Cellar
6 – 9 p.m.
Inspired by Northern California’s relaxed ambiance, the Oakville Grill and Cellar will transport you to wine country featuring Napa Valley vintners, regional chefs, and entertainment by Zara Zaharieva.
Zara has performed with the band Chicago, Los Hacheros, shared the stage with Jennifer Hudson, and performed numerous times at Carnegie Hall.
EpiCUREan Breakfast Symposium
Location: Nobu Hotel Chicago
7 – 9 a.m. – Breakfast
9 – 11:30 a.m. – Program
Start your Friday with a nutritious breakfast followed by discussions from some of the nation’s leading scientists. V Foundation funded scholars will share more about their groundbreaking research, with a special focus on colorectal cancer. The researchers will discuss their backgrounds within the cancer research community, their current research projects, and the impact for patients and their families. Guests will get insight into the future of cancer research directly from the world-class scientists who are on the frontlines of accelerating Victory Over Cancer®.
The V Foundation fuels the creativity of scientists and the bold ideas they have in pursuit of game-changing breakthroughs and saving lives.
Seville Cooking Demo & Lunch with Chef Fabio Viviani
Location: Seville Chicago
Noon – 2:30 p.m.
Seville is rustically refined Mediterranean eatery by celebrity chef Fabio Viviani. Best known for his participation in Bravo’s Top Chef seasons 5 and 8 – earning the “Fan Favorite” title – his on-screen appearances and off-screen successes have propelled him to become one of the most influential culinary and hospitality names in the country.
Fabio is a recurring guest on national television shows such as Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, and numerous Food Network shows, such as Cutthroat Kitchen: All-Star Tournament, which he won.
100 seat limit
Epic Auction Gala
Location: City Hall
5 – 6 p.m. – Cocktail Hour
6 – 9:30 p.m. – Gala & Auction
9:30 p.m. – Midnight – After-Party
Hosted by Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, Chicago home-grown Hall of Famer
Entertainment by Myles Hayes, Chicago Jazz Musician
The pinnacle event at Chicago Epicurean weekend includes an epic feast and spirited auction. The gala will offer guests gourmet food selections, the Napa Valley region’s best wines and a lively auction to benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research. This year’s auction lots include experiences, packages and one-of-a-kind items that are offered exclusively for this event. Attendees will have the thrill of engaging in friendly competitions among fellow bidders, while also supporting the most cutting-edge research in the nation with every paddle raised. The Epic Auction Gala is the grand finale of a memorable weekend that will provide the precious gift of hope to so many patients and families.
Executive Chef: Giuseppe Tentori
Giuseppe Tentori is the Chef and Owner of GT Prime Steakhouse and Boka Catering Group. As the Executive Chef of Boka Catering Group, Tentori brings an innovative, chef-driven perspective to a vast array of events, setting a new bar for event cuisine in Chicago.
At Boka, Tentori garnered noteworthy praise, receiving a Michelin star four years in a row and making the restaurant a staple in the bustling Chicago dining scene. Tentori was named “Best New Chef” by Food & Wine magazine in 2008 and earned three nominations for “Best Chef: Great Lakes” by the James Beard Foundation over the course of his tenure as Executive Chef.
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