A Paella Smackdown Next Thursday

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Jun 16, 2011 7:40PM

Paella is one of those dishes that transcends season and, made properly, one of the most satisfying meals around.

Next Thursday at Millennium Park's rooftop terrace, chefs from eight local restaurants and food establishments including Province, Socca, Carnivale, Emilio's Tapas, Tapas Gitanas and Whole Foods Lincoln Park will be offering up their takes on what Carrie Becker calls "the quintessential Spanish dish" at El Coto de Rioja's Paella Parade.

The competing teams will be cooking up their best interpretations in a friendly competition, vying for prettiest paella, most creative, best use of ingredients and audience choice. The paellas will also be paired with wines from the presenting sponsor, El Coto de Rioja.

El Coto de Rioja's Paella Parade. 6-9 p.m. June 23 at Millennium Park's Rooftop terrace (205 E. Randolph St.). Tickets ($35, $30 for two or more) can be purchased here.