FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

CHICAGO WELCOMES THE 2026 JAMES BEARD AWARDS®, WITH A LINE-UP OF CELEBRATIONS AND SPECIAL EVENTS AROUND THE CITY

CHICAGO, IL (May 2026) – Chicago proudly celebrates the return of the 2026 James Beard Awards®, kicking off Friday, June 12, and running through Tuesday, June 16. Co-hosted by Choose Chicago and the Illinois Restaurant Association, the city will come alive with a dynamic lineup of events ranging from intimate dinners to large-scale culinary experiences, featuring exclusive menus, high-profile chef and bartender collaborations, educational panels, and more.

Considered the pinnacle of culinary recognition in the US and among the country's most prestigious honors, the Awards celebrate exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to creating a culture where all can thrive.

This celebratory weekend serves as a powerful tribute to Chicago's culinary leadership and creativity.

2026 public events include:

Friday, June 12

 

Hawksmoor hosts London's Three Sheets bar for James Beard Awards weekend

5:00 PM-9:00 PM
The Beef & Liberty Bar at Hawksmoor, 500 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago

RSVP by May 29

Hawksmoor Chicago is delighted to welcome Max & Noel Venning from Three Sheets – one of London's most celebrated, multi-award-winning bars – for a night of exceptionally delicious cocktails at the Beef & Liberty Bar on our second floor.

Join us for this one-night-only opportunity to experience Three Sheets' signature elegant, minimal style right here in Chicago. It's a perfect way to kick off James Beard Awards weekend, with excellent cocktails and bites on Friday night.

Complimentary canapés from the Hawksmoor kitchen for all who attend. Three Sheets cocktails will be $15 each.

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Matilda & Clandestino Present: Aaron Díaz

5:00PM-LATE

Matilda & Clandestino, 535 N Wells St, Chicago

Reservations, Event is first-come, first-served

Join us at Matilda and Clandestino for a special guest night during the James Beard Awards weekend, featuring internationally recognized bartender Aarón Díaz of one of the World's 50 Best Bars.

This one-night activation brings Aarón's creative vision to Chicago through a dynamic cocktail program across both venues. At Matilda, guests can enjoy a selection of cocktail specials designed by Aarón, paired with the restaurant's signature Mexican-Peruvian menu, alongside a special tasting menu inspired by Peru, crafted to highlight bold flavors and thoughtful pairings that complement the cocktails.

Downstairs at Clandestino, the experience continues with a high-energy bar activation, featuring a focused menu of pre-batched cocktails designed for fast execution and an immersive atmosphere.

The evening is designed to bring together industry professionals, media, and guests for a night of cocktails, food, music, and connection during one

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Mirra x Kiko: Tides & Spice

5:30 PM and 8:00 PM seatings

Mirra, 1954 W Armitage Ave, Chicago

Ticket URL, RSVP By: June 1

During James Beard Awards weekend, Mirra—named one of Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America—welcomes fellow honoree Kiko to Chicago for a one-night-only, six-course collaboration. Bringing together two of the most exciting new restaurants in the country, the dinner reflects a shared approach to globally influenced, boundary-crossing cooking rooted in flavor, technique, and storytelling.

The menu unfolds as a progression of coastal and spice-driven dishes, including Kombu Scallop Pani Puri with passionfruit dashi, Dungeness Crab Roll, and Maine Lobster Crispy Rice with Chettinad masala, with additional savory and dessert courses to follow. Optional beverage pairings will be available.

Limited to just 16 guests per seating, this intimate experience captures the energy of Beard weekend through a collaborative, one-night-only format. Two seatings are available at 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM. $150++ per guest.

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Reverse Happy Hour @ Port Union

8:00 PM-11:00 PM

Port Union, 1559 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

No RSVP Required

Port Union hosts a Reverse Happy Hour for JBA weekend. A late-night scene worth showing up for.

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Saturday, June 13

DAY SHIFT: A Collaboration Brunch Party with 2026 James Beard Semifinalist®, James Galbraith of PostBoy: New Buffalo, Michigan and Dove's Luncheonette

11:00 AM-2:00 PM

Dove's Luncheonette, 1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago

Event is first-come, first-served

12-time James Beard Award–winning One Off Hospitality's Dove's Luncheonette will welcome 2026 James Beard Semifinalist® James Galbraith from New Buffalo, Michigan's PostBoy for a special collaboration brunch party in Chicago. On Saturday, June 13 from 12–2 p.m., Galbraith will join Dove's Luncheonette chef Thomas Hollensed to debut a one-day-only, à la carte menu blending PostBoy's fun flavors with Dove's retro-inspired diner classics.

Since opening its doors in late 2024, PostBoy has welcomed more than 100,000 guests and quickly earned national recognition for its vibrant, globally inspired cooking. The menu will feature brunchy twists on standout PostBoy dishes like Biang Biang Shrimp with bok choy, ginger, and fried garlic; Tuna Tostada with charred avocado, salsa roja aioli, and mole seco; and Som Tum with mango, cucumber, tomato, and peanut sauce.

In addition, PostBoy will put their own spin on select Dove's classics with dishes like the Back to the Future Cocktail, prepared with leche de tigre, black garlic salsa macha, prawn, crab, and tuna, alongside a Tlayuda with gaeng khaao, brisket, prik nam pla, and kaffir lime, and a Pimento reimagined with gochujang jam, kimchi, and jeonbyeong crackers.

Guests can also expect Dove's signature mid-day favorites, including Chicken Fried Chicken, Hash, and the Dove's Deluxe. This walk-in-only brunch service offers a one-day opportunity to experience the dynamic intersection of two standout Midwestern kitchens in one place.

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RPM's 10th Annual Beefsteak Invitational

12:00 PM-3:00 PM

RPM Steak, 66 West Kinzie St, Chicago

Ticket URL, RSVP by June 13

Celebrate the James Beard Awards weekend with the 10th Annual Beefsteak: The Invitational on Saturday, June 13.

RPM Executive Chef Partner Bob Broskey joins forces with an elite roster of guest chefs, including Zach Midgett (Casa Bovina), Javier Bardauil (BARDA), Josh Smith (Bourbon Steak), and Anthony DiRienzo (Bazaar Meat), for an unforgettable culinary event. Experience world-class steaks, signature tableside service, and elevated pairings in this modern interpretation of one of the country's most storied dining traditions. Tickets are available for $175, plus tax (gratuity not included), with seatings from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

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INDIGEHOUSE: House of Smoke & Ash Presented by IndigeHub

1:00 PM-10 PM

Venue West, 221 N Paulina St, Chicago      

RSVP by June 6 to hello@indigehouse.com 

IndigeHouse: House of Smoke & Ash is the inaugural installment of an annual immersive activation presented during the 2026 James Beard Awards weekend. Designed to center Indigenous foodways and elevate producers, it transforms space into a living expression of culture through food, storytelling, and community engagement.

I. The Market (12 PM – 10 PM)

Access: Open to the Public | Goal: Market Exposure

A day-long public forum featuring Indigenous chefs, foragers, artisans, and food producers from across Turtle Island. The Market serves as an accessible entry point, offering ingredients and goods that reflect the vibrancy of Indigenous food systems while providing producers direct access to the Chicago consumer market.

II. The Conversation

Access: Registration Required | Goal: Thought Leadership

A curated, interactive dialogue bringing together chefs, farmers, and industry leaders. Moving beyond the traditional panel format, this session explores the intersections of food sovereignty, regenerative infrastructure, and the future of Indigenous culinary economics.

III. The Table

Access: Ticketed (Givebutter) | Goal: Culinary Excellence

The centerpiece of the activation: a multi-course dinner featuring our inaugural cohort of seven Indigenous chefs from across the Americas. This intentional, story-driven dining experience highlights ancestral techniques and regional ingredients through the lens of contemporary Indigenous excellence.

IV. The Gathering

Access: RSVP/Industry | Goal: Economic Bridge-Building

A celebratory networking space featuring small bites, drinks, and music. The Gathering acts as a bridge, intentionally connecting Indigenous producers and chefs directly to institutional partners and new market opportunities in a relaxed, joyful environment.

Registration & Ticketing Logistics

All registration and ticket sales for the IndigeHouse activation will be centralized through a dedicated Givebutter digital hub. This mission-driven platform allows us to manage four distinct access levels with high-speed efficiency:

Tiered Access: We will utilize separate registration flows for public segments (The Market), professional dialogues (The Conversation), and premium ticketed dining (The Table).

Industry RSVPs: The Gathering will be managed via a private RSVP link targeted at industry leaders and partners to ensure high-value networking and capacity control.

Seamless Entry: To maintain Chicago's high-traffic event standards, all segments will utilize mobile QR-code scanning for rapid, contact-free check-ins.

 

Impact Tracking: As a 501(c)(3) organization, this centralized system allows us to capture vital demographic data and donor analytics, turning event attendance into a measurable pipeline for our "producer-to-market" mission.

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TACOS WITH FRIENDS: A Late Night Charity Taco Omakase at Cariño With James Beard Award Finalists, Chef Norman Fenton & Chef Sarah Thompson

10:00 PM
Cariño, 4662 N Broadway, Chicago

Ticket URL, RSVP by May 27

Two of the country's most defining voices in contemporary Mexican cuisine join together for a special James Beard Awards weekend edition of Cariño's late-night taco omakase charity series, Tacos with Friends in Chicago.

On Saturday, June 13th at 10 pm, Cariño's Chef Norman Fenton (2026 James Beard Award Nominee® for Best Chef: Great Lakes,) will welcome in Chef Sarah Thompson of Las Vegas's Casa Playa (2026 James Beard Award Nominee® for Best Chef: Southwest ) for a special multi-course taco collaboration benefiting Latinos Progresando, a Chicago nonprofit providing immigration legal services and programs to support immigrant communities.

Cariño & Fenton are highly regarded for showcasing the complexity and depth of Mexican cuisine on the fine dining stage and have been recognized with some of the industry's highest honors, including a MICHELIN star, and named one of America's Top 50 Restaurants by The New York Times in 2025. He is also featured in Apple TV+'s Knife's Edge: Chasing MICHELIN Stars (October 2025).

Thompson, who has worked her way some of the most revered kitchens including Cosme, Marea, Alder and more and was recently named StarChefs 2026 Rising Star Chef, is known for vibrant coastal Mexican food, an in-house nixtamalized masa program, and her work with the Women's Hospitality Initiative in Las Vegas. Seats are extremely limited for this engagement and will go on sale at 10 am sharp on Wednesday, May 27th on TOCK.

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A Taste of the Pope's Table

8:00 PM-12:00 AM
Blue Door Kitchen and Garden Pavilion, 52 W Elm, Chicago
RSVP by June 3rd to chefartsmith@gmail.com             

Come to a culinary celebration honoring the opening of Borgo Laudato Si! A Taste of the Pope's Table will be a culinary gathering uniting faith, tradition, and community from Chicago to Castel Gandolfo with dishes from James Beard Award-winning and nominated chefs!

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Sunday, June 14

 

UP SOUTH Pop-Up

Event Time: 11:00AM-6:00PM
Event Location: Justice of the Pies, 8655 S Blackstone, Chicago

RSVP By: June 12 to AC@justiceofthepies.com                      

Event Description: Justice of the Pies chef and owner Maya-Camille Broussard (2022 James Beard Award Nominee® for Outstanding Baker) hosts Chef Dominique Leach of Lexington Betty Smokehouse for this year's UP SOUTH Pop Up featuring smoked meats and smoked desserts rooted in the Chicago tradition.

Nestled on the South Side of Chicago in the Avalon Park neighborhood, the UP SOUTH Pop-Up is part of an ongoing series designed to demonstrate that excellent culinary programming can exist inside of neighborhoods historically affected by food insecurity.

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JBF Greens Chicago x The Publican: 2026 Awards Weekend Brunch

11:30 AM-12:00 PM CT Reception; 12:00 PM-2:00 PM CT Brunch

The Publican, 837 West Fulton Market, Chicago
Ticket URL, RSVP by June 10

Join JBF Greens at The Publican for a celebratory brunch to kick off the James Beard Awards® weekend!

Led by chef/partner and James Beard Award Winner® Paul Kahan and head butcher/chef Rob Levitt, The Publican is rooted in farm-to-table cooking that highlights responsibly sourced meats, seafood, and exceptional produce. As the longtime head butcher/chef at Publican Quality Meats, Levitt also assumed the role at The Publican in 2025, bringing a refreshed vision for the menu where his whole animal ethos now extends to vegetables and seafood.

For the occasion, chef Levitt will be joined by One Off Hospitality partners Donnie Madia, Eduard Seitan, and Terry Alexander to create a three-course brunch menu to launch the weekend's festivities.

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SANDERS x MAHARI: Sunday Brunch Smokeout

11:30 AM-4:00 PM

Mahari, 1504 E 55th St, Chicago

Ticket URL, RSVP by June 14

Ahead of their official public debut, Sanders BBQ Prime is partnering with Mahari to host a special ticketed brunch in celebration of the James Beard Awards weekend. Featuring unique recipes by James Sanders and Chef Rahim Muhammad, this one-day-only event brings together the culinary teams from both Hyde Park concepts for a dynamic, open-air dining experience at Mahari.

Guests will enjoy a curated brunch menu highlighting signature dishes from each chef, showcasing their distinct styles and flavors in a shared setting. Designed as both a culinary collaboration and a social gathering, the event offers a unique opportunity to experience two standout South Side concepts together in one location.

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Sunday Rooftop Brunch Soirée

11:30 AM-2:00 PM
Nobu Chicago, 854 W Randolph St, Chicago

Reservations, RSVP by June 12

Join us on Sunday, June 14th for our James Beard Awards weekend ancillary event. Our Sunday Brunch Soirée will be hosted on our rooftop, beginning at 11:30 AM. Enjoy bites of our exclusive brunch offerings while taking in one of the best views of Chicago's skyline. Guests will be served reception-style Nobu brunch bites and unlimited crafted cocktails.

Price is $95 per person

Passed items: French Toast, Black Cod Butterlettuce, Chicken Karaage & Waffles, Breakfast Sandwich, Wagyu Beef Kushiyaki

Sushi rolls: Yellowtail Jalapeno Roll, Salmon Avocado, Spicy Tuna

Pastry: Assorted Dessert Display

Passed cocktails: Lychee Martini, Lilikoi Margarita, Umeshu Spritz, Nobu Old Fashioned

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High Street Hospitality Group's The Bread Room at Bad Butter

1:00 PM-3:00 PM

Bad Butter, 1655 W Cortland, Chicago

RSVP by June 10 to Highstreet@foxglovecommunications.com   

Dan Koester of acclaimed Chicago bakery, Bad Butter, will welcome Philadelphia's The Bread Room, from James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Ellen Yin and the team at High Street Hospitality Group, for a pop-up on Sunday, June 14 from 1-3pm. The Bread Room is an innovative new bakery and workshop, opened in Center City Philadelphia in October 2025, known for its handmade viennoiseries and baked goods blending classic and modern techniques.

Ellen Yin and her team will bring a taste of Philly to Chicago with roast pork sandwiches on focaccia and soft pretzels paired with Dan's beloved and sought-after pastries. The event will take place in Bad Butter's new brick-and-mortar, which just opened its doors on Sunday, May 3.

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After the Applause: Leadership Beyond Awards, A Panel Hosted by The James Beard Foundation®

1:30 PM-2:15 PM
Kendall College at NLU, 18 S Michigan Ave, 12th Floor, Chicago

Ticket URL, RSVP by June 13 

This conversation brings together established and emerging visionaries who have redefined excellence across the culinary and hospitality landscape. These award-recognized leaders carry their craft forward to champion foodways, evolve cuisines, and model what it means to lead with purpose. Together, they'll explore how the principles celebrated on stage translate into everyday leadership that builds workplaces centered on fairness, inclusion, and sustainability.

Moderated by James Beard Award Winner® John Kessler, Journalist and Dining Critic, Chicago Magazine

Panelists include   

James Beard Award Winner® Mashama Bailey, Executive Chef and Partner, The Grey   

James Beard Award Nominee® Jason Hammel, Executive Chef and Owner, James Beard Award Winner® Lula Cafe

2026 James Beard Award Nominees, Meherwan Irani and Molly Irani, Co-Founders, Chai Pani Restaurant Group

2026 James Beard Award Nominee® Tavel Bristol Joseph, Partner and Chief Operating Officer, Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group

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Forty Years of American Food Culture and Storytelling, A Panel Hosted by The James Beard Foundation®

2:30 PM-3:15 PM
Kendall College at NLU, 18 S Michigan Ave, 12th Floor, Chicago

Ticket URL, RSVP by June 13

Over the past four decades, food media, awards, and restaurant culture have helped shape how stories about cooking, place, and identity are shared in the United States. This session will look back at the narratives that have come to the forefront, reflect on which voices and experiences may not have been fully seen, and consider what a more expansive storytelling landscape looks like and could continue to evolve in the years ahead. It will also explore how recognition awards in both media and restaurants contribute to our collective understanding of “American food culture”, and how these forms of recognition can highlight the people, places, and systems that have long sustained it.  

Moderated by James Beard Award Nominee® Chandra Ram, Journalist and Cookbook Author

Panelists include  

James Beard Award Winner® Bill Addison, Dining Critic, Los Angeles Times

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Hamburger History: A Conversation with Chef John Shields and Maggie Hennessy

3:00 PM-4:30 PM

The Loyalist, 177 N Ada St, Chicago

Ticket URL, RSVP by June 7

The Loyalist will host a meet-and-greet cocktail hour and conversation between Chicago's lauded three-MICHELIN-starred Chef John Shields (Smyth and The Loyalist) and celebrated journalist and burger-enthusiast Maggie Hennessy. After her recent debut book release, The Burger Bible, Maggie and John will sit down and discuss the history of the friendly handheld and the rise of The Loyalist's iconic Dirty Burg, turned OG. Passed canapés and burger bites will be provided along with a beer (standard or N/A) of your choice.

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Bar Sótano + Friends Patio Party

3:30 PM-6:30 PM

Bar Sótano, 443 N Clark St (entrance off the alley), Chicago

Ticket URL, RSVP by June 13

James Beard Award Winner® Chef Rick Bayless and team are honored to welcome and celebrate these amazing James Beard-nominated chefs and friends of Bar Sótano!

James Beard Award Nominee® for Outstanding Chef Gilberto Cetina of Holbox (Los Angeles) will offer the bright-and-bold flavors of Mexico's coastal ceviches, tostadas and aguachiles he's so famous for.

James Beard Award Nominee® for Outstanding Restaurateur Chef Hugo Ortega of Hugos (Houston) will bring to life some of the great Mexico City culinary traditions that have brought him acclaim for over 20 years.

James Beard Award Nominee® for Best Chef: Southwest Jeff Chanchaleune of Bar Sen (Oklahoma City) will bring the rice noodles--shot through the flavors of his Laotian childhood—that have put him on the map.

Book your tickets now to soak in the sun, celebrate these James Beard nominated chefs and enjoy the start of summer!

The flavor and fun event will take place Sunday, June 14th, in Bar Sótano's back-alley patio from 3:30 pm-6:30 pm.

All food, food stations, dancing to the band, and a drink ticket are included in the ticket price. Additional beverages from the bar will be available à la carte.

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New Orleans Takeover (ft. Bacchanal x NightBloom)

4:00 PM-12:00 AM

Sportsman's Club, 948 N Western Ave, Chicago

First-come, first-served

New Orleans is taking over the Sportsman's Club! Legendary Bacchanal returns to Sporty's to host the backyard party of the summer. Featuring a huge wine selection, delicious bayou bites, and a late-night cocktail pop-up from sister bar NightBloom (9 pm-12 am). First-come, first-served.

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2nd Annual Barrio BBQ at Manchamanteles

4:00 PM-7:00 PM

Manchamanteles, 2009 N Western Ave, Chicago

Ticket URL, RSVP by June 14

Manchamanteles will host a chef-driven BBQ event on the patio, bringing together an all-star lineup of guest chefs to raise funds for a good cause. Led by Chef Geno, the event will feature a curated live-fire menu co-created by the participating chefs, showcasing the depth, diversity, and regional flavors of Mexican cuisine. Our incredible partners for the event include: Pizza Lobo, Diego, and Santa Masa Tamaleria. Tickets will include a dish from each chef's station, with a portion of proceeds donated to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR).

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Chicago Cocktail Classic

6 PM-10 PM
167 Events, 167 N Green St, Chicago

Ticket URL, RSVP By: June 10

Join us for the second edition of an international cocktail celebration unlike any other. For one unforgettable evening, over three dozen guest bars from around the world will descend upon Chicago to shake, stir, and serve their signature creations overlooking the Chicago skyline on the 17th floor of 167 Green Street.

Each ticket includes:

10 drink tickets, redeemable for expertly crafted sample-size cocktails from a curated lineup of world-class bars as well as access to all indoor and outdoor areas of the venue.

Featuring Bars From:

United States

Merai (Boston) · Little Rituals (Phoenix) · Bar Snack (NYC) · Pacific Cocktail Haven (San Francisco) · Ben Yabrow's Mystery Bar (New York) · Thunderbolt (Los Angeles) · Mirate (Los Angeles) · Lady Jane (Denver) · Pearl Bar (New York) · Father Forgive Me (Detroit) · Middle Child (Philadelphia) · Loma (Rhode Island) · Kato (Los Angelos) · Bisous (Chicago) · Lemon (Chicago) · Meadowlark (Chicago) · Nine Bar (Chicago) · Bar Bambi (Chicago) · Queen Mary (Chicago) · Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club (Chicago) · Three Dots and A Dash (Chicago) · Gus Sip and Dip (Chicago)

International

Handshake Speakeasy (Mexico City) · BKK Social Club (Bangkok, Thailand) · Panda & Sons (Edinburgh, UK) · Superfine (Paris) · Caretakers Cottage (Sydney) · Kaito De Vaille (Mexico City) Otro Bar (Costa Rica) · Bar Mauro (Mexico City) · Bar Glue (Liverpool) · Uh Bar (Toronto) · Tokyo Confidential (Tokyo)

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Heighten Your Senses on Viceroy's 18th Floor 

Event Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM

Event Location: Pandan at Viceroy, 1118 N State St, Chicago
Ticket URL , RSVP By: June 11

Join us at Pandan on the 18th floor rooftop of Viceroy Chicago to celebrate James Beard Awards weekend with a multisensory journey amidst the backdrop of Chicago's iconic skyline. On the evening of June 14, we'll heighten all five of your senses through music, summer cocktails, delectable passed apps and floral scents along the Pandan terrace:

Taste and Touch: Sip your way through a variety of Pandan's refreshing signature Southeast Asian-inspired cocktails and mocktails featuring Don Julio tequila, George Dickel bourbon and Seedlip non-alcoholic spirits, along with wine pours from Minuty Prestige Rose & Minuty Prestige Blanc. Excite your taste buds through passed bites of pork lumpia, tuna kinilaw and sweet corn tempura alongside interactive stations featuring grilled tapa, East and West oysters and crispy pork belly buns.

Smell: Beyond the passed apps, interactive stations and sensory beverages, enjoy a make-your-own perfume experience from local perfumer Veil Perfumes, with take-home bottles available for purchase. 

Sound: DJ Kareem will provide music all evening to set the perfect atmosphere for a memorable summer evening. 

Sight: Throughout the evening, take in unobstructed views of Chicago's skyline as you heighten your other four senses.

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Mile High Takeover: Denver's Yacht Club at Bar Bambi

9:00 PM-12:00 AM

Bar Bambi, 1703 W Chicago Ave, Chicago

No RSVP Required

DENVER'S YACHT CLUB AT BAR BAMBI: ONE NIGHT ONLY! In celebration of James Beard Awards weekend, one of Denver's absolute best bar teams — Yacht Club (2026 JBF Finalist, North America's Best 50 Bars, Esquire's Best Bars in America) — will join Katie Renshaw (2019 U.S. World Class Bartender of the Year) in Chicago at her brand new, buzzy cocktail den, Bar Bambi! This double threat of cocktail royalty will be teaming up in West Town to crank out a crushable collection of killer drinks from some of the best in the biz, while Bar Bambi's Chef Nicklus Byrns (NY's Blue Hill at Stone Barns, DC's Pineapple and Pearls, Chicago's Elske) will go just as hard, rolling out snacks.

The 21+ takeover is open to the public on Sunday, June 14th starting at 9 PM for regular service. Walk-ins will be accepted as capacity allows. Bar Bambi is located at 1703 W Chicago Ave. Follow Bar Bambi on Instagram at @bambi_chicago for more information.

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Monday, June 15

Focus on Health presents The No Proof Run Club

8:30 AM-9:15 AM

Kendall College, 18 S Michigan Ave, Chicago

Ticket URL, RSVP by June 14          

Kickstart your day with an easy (and breezy) morning 5k. Run a route along Lake Michigan led by No Proof podcast host Joshua Gandee and Christina D'Esposito of The James Beard Foundation®. Run starts and ends at Kendall College with conversation, cold brew, and a gift from our pals at Tilit. No Proof is a podcast highlighting conversations on sobriety with chefs, bartenders, and other hospitality folks. It can be found wherever you get your podcasts, on YouTube, or by following @joshuagandee on Instagram.

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Advocacy Meet-Up - Hosted by The James Beard Foundation®

10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Kendall College, 12th Floor, 122 S Michigan Ave, Chicago

RSVP  by June 14    

On behalf of the James Beard Foundation, we invite you to attend the JBF Advocacy Meet-up, hosted by our very own Anne McBride, PhD, VP of Impact, on the morning of Monday, June 15th, at Kendall College in Chicago. 

This event is an opportunity for chefs, restaurateurs, operators, and others who engage in advocacy work to share their success stories and challenges and realize the collective power of chefs, in a perfect combination of networking and action. You'll also hear more about JBF's impact work and ways to get involved, including in our immigration coalition Seat the Table. 

No prior advocacy experience is needed to attend the Chef Advocacy Meet-up, only a desire to work with others on making our industry and the food system more equitable and sustainable for all. Representatives from advocacy groups are encouraged to attend, but priority for experience and opportunity sharing will be given to restaurant industry attendees. 

*Please note that the event will be capped at 200 people.

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ABOUT THE ILLINOIS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

Founded in 1914, the Illinois Restaurant Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, educating, and improving the restaurant industry in Illinois. The IRA owns and produces Chicago Gourmet – the annual food and wine festival uniting hundreds of restaurants, chefs, and beverage experts for a weekend filled with food and drink tastings, entertainment, and more. The Association is also a proud co-host of the James Beard Foundation Awards, which will be held in Chicago through 2028. For more information, visit www.illinoisrestaurants.org and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

ABOUT CHOOSE CHICAGO

Choose Chicago is the official destination marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global tourism and meetings destination—the city that's Never Done and Never Outdone. Choose Chicago leverages the city's unmatched assets to enrich the community by attracting meetings, events, and more than 55 million annual visitors, generating over $20 billion in economic impact. o and tag #NeverOutdoneChi on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X/Twitter. For more information, visit choosechicago.com.

About the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

The Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF) is a 501 (c)(3) dedicated to building the Illinois hospitality workforce through career exploration, workforce development programs, and scholarships. Since its inception, the IRAEF has awarded more than $3.6 million in scholarships to deserving students. ProStart® is a national school-to-careers program that prepares high school students for careers in foodservice and hospitality management. ProStart® in Illinois is administered by the IRAEF to over 5,000 students at 55 schools in the Chicagoland area. Students can earn industry-recognized credentials and articulated credits for college while in high school. The IRAEF provides culinary opportunities and classroom work readiness training and connects students with industry professionals through job shadowing and internships to help hone their skills in the foodservice industry. The ProStart® program is also offered in all 50 states encompassing more than 240,000 high school students in more than 2600 high schools. For more information, visit www.illinoisrestaurants.org/page/IRAEF.

ABOUT THE JAMES BEARD AWARDS®

The James Beard Awards® recognizes exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive. Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards® are among the nation's most prestigious honors recognizing leaders in the culinary and food media industries and those in the broader food systems. The Awards are overseen by the Awards Committee. Each Awards program (Book, Broadcast Media, Journalism, and Restaurant and Chef) has its own subcommittee members who volunteer their time to oversee the policies, procedures, and selection of judges for their respective program. All James Beard Award winners receive a certificate and a medallion engraved with the James Beard Foundation Awards insignia. For more information, sign up for our emails or visit us at jamesbeard.org/awards. For up-to-the-minute news about the Awards, follow @beardfoundation on Instagram, Facebook, and Linkedin and keep an eye out for posts using #JBFA.

ABOUT THE JAMES BEARD FOUNDATION®

The James Beard Foundation® (JBF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to leading chefs and the broader culinary industry toward a new standard of excellence. Our guiding principle, Good Food for Good®, informs our vision of a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable independent restaurant industry that stands as a cornerstone of American culture, community, and economy, and drives toward a better food system. For 40 years, JBF has been instrumental in recognizing, amplifying, educating, and training the individuals who shape American food culture. Today, our mission comes to life through the prestigious James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused programming, advocacy and policy initiatives, and culinary events and partnerships nationwide—including at Platform by JBF® and the James Beard House in New York City. Learn more at jamesbeard.org, sign up for our emails, and follow @beardfoundation on social media.