Chicago Chefs Cookbook Launch Was Food Fan Fest

Dozens of chef-contributors turned out for Chicago Chefs Cook-Mariano's fundraiser

Photo Opps Galore at Fete for 46 Chef Recipes

-Photo by Bob Benenson

The just-published Chicago Chefs Cookbook — a fundraising collaboration of the Chicago Chefs Cook non-profit and Mariano’s supermarkets — is a compilation of delectable recipes from 46 of the Chicago area’s leading chefs. And the launch party held Saturday at the Mariano’s in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood was quite a bash, with most of the contributing chefs attending, joined by family members, friends and fans.

The cookbook goes on sale at all Mariano’s stores tomorrow (Monday, May 13). You can get yours soon for the amazing launch price of just $6.99, after which the price goes up to $9.99.

All proceeds from the sales go to Chi-Care, a Chicago charitable organization that provides individuals enduring homelessness with basic human needs. Representatives from Chi-Care participated in Saturday’s event.

I selected the lead photo above because it includes a dream team of Local Food Forum’s “Better” Dialogues webinar series: from left, Chef Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Cafe, webinar series co-host and Chicago Chefs Cook co-founder; Eda Davidman, Chicago Chefs Cook co-founder and “Better” Dialogues supporter; and Amanda Puck, Mariano’s director of strategic brand development and “Better” Dialogues supporter.

The next webinar, coming right up tomorrow at 7 p.m., is on the important topics of food education and school food. Please click the link below to learn about the topics and our guest experts, and to register for free.

REGISTER FOR MONDAY'S WEBINAR

I’ll have a bunch more photos of the cookbook party, but first, this timely message.

-Mother’s Day flower display at Mariano’s Lakeview. Photo by Bob Benenson.

Best wishes from Local Food Forum to all our readers who are moms, who are celebrating the moms in their lives, and remembering the moms who have passed on.

You and You Alone Bring Out the Fanboy in Me

Photo by Bob Benenson.

OK, I’m going to make a confession. I am not much for celebrity, and I have to go back to my baseball fan youth to remember seeking autographs. But the chefs who participated in the Chicago Chefs Cookbook launch party on Saturday were there in part to sign copies of purchased cookbooks, and yes, I got caught up in it full on.

It reminded me of high school graduation many years ago. Only this time the cool kids actually signed my book.

Here’s are some more photos that highlight the camaraderie in our region’s culinary community.

Chicago Chefs Cook co-founders Eda Davidman (left) and Chef Sarah Stegner (right) flank Chef Tigist Reda of Demera Ethiopian Restaurant and newswoman Sylvia Perez of Fox 32 Chicago.

In the presence of royalty. From left, Darren Gest, a Chicago Chefs Cook co-founder; Sarah Stegner; Ina Pinkney, the legendary Breakfast Queen of Chicago; and Chefs Darnell Reed of Luella’s Southern Kitchen; Lamar Moore of Bronzeville Winery; and Donald Young of Duck Sel.

Chefs D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick of Soul and Smoke with their children.

Darnell Reed with fellow Chefs Ken Polk of Batter & Berries and Nikolaos Kapernaros of Avli.

Bill Varley of Torchio Pasta Bar with Chicago Chefs Cook’s Eda Davidman.

Chef Sebastian White of The Evolved Network non-profit with Casey Doody, director of pastry at the Boka Restaurant Group. Sebastian will discuss his organization’s groundbreaking work on providing food education and skills to underprivileged youths during our webinar on Monday.

Lots of happy people enjoying the cookbook launch party.

Look for a display like this at any Mariano’s store beginning Monday and buy the cookbook. Say “Yes, Chef” to 46 delicious recipes and help people in need.

I will continue to promote the cookbook in the best way I know how — by preparing and showing off recipes from the book. I already have several in mind.

Join co-host Sarah Stegner of Prairie Grass Cafe and me tomorrow (Monday, May 13) at 7 p.m. central for our free Local Food Forum “Better” Dialogues webinar, Food Education and Its Impact: How Schools are Inspiring and Feeding Our Youngest Eaters. Click the button below to meet our amazing guest experts, and register.

Please join us.