Izard To Host Chicago Restaurant Week's "First Bites" Bash

By Chuck Sudo in Food on Jan 9, 2012 8:40PM

The fifth annual Chicago Restaurant Week is set for Feb. 17-26. What started out as a way to drum up business for local restaurants during one of the traditionally slower times of the year has turned into appointment dining.

To kick off this year's edition, the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau has enlisted Stephanie Izard to host the inaugural "First Bites" bash, Feb. 2 from 6-9 p.m. Izard will headline a roster of over 50 chefs offering samples of their cooking in Great Hall of Union Station. 100 percent of the net proceeds will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Guests can create their own food pairings with Moet Hennessy wines, Belvedere cocktails and Blue Moon beers. Groupon is sponsoring a dessert lounge for those with a sweet tooth.

At $125 for general admission tickets, this event is pricier than any of the fixed price lunches or dinners that will be featured during Chicago Restaurant week. But the cause is certainly worth it. Buy your tickets here.