Preview: Chicago Luxury Ice Cream Festival

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Sep 3, 2009 4:00PM

After over a year of planning the inaugural Chicago Luxury ice Cream Festival is set to open tomorrow. For festival founder Jeff Reid, just having the festival happen is a relief.

"I had the idea for this festival 18 months ago," Reid said. "But the planning for it has taken a little over a year." Reid spent that time lining up artisan ice cream and gelato makers and creameries such as Black Dog, Homer's, Nice Cream, Blue Marble Dairy, and Via Gelato. Reid has also reached out to Our Town's restaurant and localvore communities for support. Ina Pinkney and Jolene Worthington of Eli's Cheesecake will judging a flavor competition where each participating creamery submits an ice cream made specifically for the event. An "audience choice" will also be chosen at the festival.

Reid says that response to the festival has been positive. "We've been doing some good business selling tickets for the festival online. Reaction on the ground from people has been phenomenal. We're expecting a good turnout for this event."

The Chicago Luxury Ice Cream Festival takes place tomorrow from 7-10 p.m. at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (2430 N. Cannon Dr.). Admission to the festival is $25. Advance tickets can be purchased here.