Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard (with Season Three contestant Dale Levitski) greets the crowd with her braised pork in coconut milk with Green City Market vegetables. Photograph by Suzy McMillen
 

Chicago's infamous Green City Market recently invited all its closest foodster friends into its home at Lincoln Park for a good old-fashioned BBQ July 17. And, to really draw the crowd, a long list of Chicago’s finest chefs got the invite, too. This summer festival made every BBQ fan’s wildest dream come true by placing all cooking in the hands of the professionals: those behind-the-scenes restaurant rock stars at the heart of all of Chicago’s best dining. 

 

Neatly presented small plates were the main focus of everyone’s attention, with such delights as chipotle grilled pork tenderloin from Hearty Boys, all-natural beef dogs from the Four Seasons hotel, goat’s milk cheesecake with “bumble berries” from Eli’s Cheesecake, and braised pork in coconut milk with Green City Market vegetables from Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard. 

 

With the luck of a hot, sunny day, this high-class picnic was a sold-out whirlwind of people and food. The fine presentations of the small-bite servings, combined with the mayhem of the crowd, forced participants to create their own style of evolved etiquette. Those without reserved tables resorted to a juggling act of drinks, plates and purses to enjoy this fine-dining equivalent to fast food where a stray plate or cup lost from grasp was neither uncommon nor unsightly.  

 

So, was the two-hour, all-you-can eat festival worth the price of the $50-$60 ticket? That all depends on your appetite. Even with the great Chicago skyline, the atmosphere of Lincoln Park and the celebrity guest, this event has not lost sight of its culinary focus. With more than 50 of Chicago’s top chefs serving irresistible food, it's more likely guests walked away belts loosened and buttons undone than with an empty stomach. And, with the limited time and endless servings, maybe this event’s name should change from “BBQ Fest” to “BBQ Feast.” – Suzy McMillen