The 2009 Meals on Wheels Chicago Celebrity Chef Ball will be held this Friday, October 16 at Macy's, 111 N. State Street. As the organization's principal fund-raiser, the annual Celebrity Chef Ball raises more than $200,000 each year, generating almost one-third of the annual revenue for the organization that funds over 40,000 meals for those in need. Meals on Wheels (MOW) Chicago, working in partnership with the Chicago Department on Aging and the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, provides home delivered meals and other critically needed services to Chicago's homebound elderly and disabled residents, enabling them to maintain independent lives.
While all guests have the opportunity to mingle together and enjoy a casino, dancing, an auction, and dessert stations, individuals can enjoy two possible experiences at the gala. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., The Chef's Table, a VIP dining portion of the event, features a seated, interactive dining experience with live cooking by Celebrity Chefs and wine pairings, followed by access to the Chef Tasting Party. Tickets for The Chef's Table are priced at $250 per person (includes Chef Tasting Party).
A lower-priced reception-style experience is also available for guests who prefer a higher energy and less formal dining experience. From 8:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., guests at the Chef Tasting Party can savor dozens of Celebrity Chef Tastings, premium cocktails, wine and beer, casino gaming, interactive photo booth, and both live and DJ entertainment. Tickets for the Chef Tasting Party are priced at $100 per person. To purchase tickets, visit www.mealsonwheelschicago.org or call 312.744.2120.
The 2009 Host Chefs are Jimmy Bannos, Heaven on Seven; Stephanie Izard, Drunken Goat, and Tony Priolo, Piccolo Sogno.. They will join over 60 of Chicago's finest chefs at the event, including:
- Adobo Grill, Executive Chef Freddy Sanchez Ajasteak, Executive Chef Joshua Linton Angel Food Bakery, Chef-Owner Stephanie Samuels B&O Brasserie, Executive Chef Michael Reidt Berrychill, Chief Executive Officer Michael Farrah Bittersweet Bakery, Executive Pastry Chef/Owner Judy Contino Blackbird, Chef de Cuisine Mike Sheerin Bleeding Heart Bakery, Chef/Owner Michelle Garcia Bluestem, Executive Chef/Owners Megan/Colby Garrelts BOKA, Executive Chef Giuseppe Tentori Café des Architectes, Executive Chef Martial Nougier Carnivale, Executive Chef Mark Mendez Chaise Lounge, Executive Chef Cary Taylor C-House, Chef de Cuisine Seth Siegel Gardner Cibo Matto, Executive Chef Todd Stein Coco Pazzo, Executive Chef Chris Macchia David Burke's Primehouse, Executive Chef Rick Gresh Drunken Goat/Top Chef, Stephanie Izard Elate Restaurant, Executive Chef Randal Jacobs Erwin, Chef/Owner Erwin Dreschler Fox & Obel Food Market, Executive Baker Pamela Fitzpatrick Fred's Graham Elliot, Chef/Owner Graham Elliot Bowles Guava, Chef Ricardo DeLeon Heaven on Seven, Chef/Owner Jimmy Bannos Inovasi, Executive Chef John des Rosiers Jack Binion's Steakhouse, Executive Chef Thomas Spoor Joe's Seafood, Prime Steaks and Stone Crab, VP & Executive Chef Gary Baca Lockwood at The Palmer House Hilton, Executive Chef Phillip Foss Lula Café, Executive Chef/Owner Jason Hammel Macy's, Executive Chef Tim Scott Mercat ala Planxa, Executive Chef/Chef de Cuisine Jose Garces/Michael Fiorello Metro Bis, Executive Chef/Owner Chris Prosperi Michael's Genuine Food & Drink, Executive Chef Michael Schwartz/Hedy Goldsmith one sixtyblue, Executive Chef Michael McDonald Osteria Mozza, Chef-Owner Nancy Silverton Osteria Via Stato, Executive Chef/Partner David DiGregorio Perennial, Chef Ryan Poli Piccolo Sogno, Chef/OwnerTony Priolo Province, Executive Chef/Owner Randy Zweiban Red Canary Restaurant Eve, Chef/Owner Eve Aronoff Rockit Bar and Grill, Executive Chef James Gottwald Sage Grille, Executive Chef Adam Grandt Sarah's Pastries and Candies, Chef/Owner Sarah Levy Senior Lifestyles, Executive Chef David Koelling Signature Room at the 95th, Executive Chef Patrick Sheerin Socca, Executive Chef/Owner Roger Herring State & Lake, Executive Chef Bradley Manchester Sugar Toad at the Hotel Arista, Executive Chef Jimmy Sneed Sunda, Executive Chef Rodelio Aglibot Table 8, Executive Chef Govind Armstrong Telepan, Executive Chef/Owner Bill Telepan Terragusto, Executive Chef/Owner Theo Gilbert The American Restaurant, Executive Chef Debbie Gold The Bristol, Executive Chef Chris Pandel The Drawing Room, Executive Chef Nick LaCasse The Gage, Executive Chef Dirk Flanigan Top Chef Valerie Bolon TRU, Executive Chef Tim Graham Union League Club of Chicago, Executive Chef Michael Garbin Vermilion, Executive Chef Maneet Chauhan VIE, Executive Chef/Owner Paul Virant Vinci, Executive Chef Paul LoDuca/Ino Cruz Wave @ W Lakeshore, Executive Chef Kristine Subido