Chicago is undoubtedly the culinary capital of the United States. With neighborhood gems throughout its vibrant 77 communities, celebrity chefs, iconic restaurants, master sommeliers, international cuisine, food trucks, craft breweries, and everything in between, Chicago’s dining scene is beyond compare.
The city is home to the annual National Restaurant Association Show, which boasted 65,000+ attendees in 2018, Chicago Gourmet, the world-class food and wine festival held every September in Millennium Park, the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards, and a multitude of Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand-rated restaurants. With more than 55 million visitors each year and no signs of slowing down, Chicago is a gastronomic hub that attracts foodies from across the country and throughout the world.
Owned and produced by the Illinois Restaurant Association, Chicago Gourmet is a premier experience that celebrates Chicago’s world-class culinary community. The three-day event offers attendees the chance to sample hundreds of gourmet creations along with wine, spirits and beer tastings; attend seminars and demonstrations from internationally-renowned chefs, master sommeliers and wine makers; and learn firsthand about epicurean trends from the experts.
Known as the Academy Awards of the restaurant world, the James Beard Foundation Awards recognize and honor excellence among chefs, cookbook authors, food journalists, restaurant designers, and others working in the food and beverage industry throughout the United States. The Illinois Restaurant Association and Choose Chicago are proud hosts to the Awards in Chicago through 2021.
Taste of Chicago is the nation's most iconic – and the world’s largest – outdoor food festival, showcasing the diversity of Chicago's dining community. The delicious array of food served at Taste of Chicago is complemented by music and exciting activities for the entire family. Every summer since 1980, Chicago's beautiful Grant Park on the city's magnificent lakefront has been home to the festival.
After years of hard work and wonderful responses from our international members, Délice plans to strengthen the network by extending its global presence.
Délice is seeking cities with a new and innovative approach to food & gastronomy and strong food culture. New members of this exclusive network will have the opportunity to share experiences and best practices worldwide, compare their different approaches, get inspired from each other, create partnerships and stay up to date on the moving trends regarding food & gastronomy.
