Chefs on the Grill 2014

There's nothing like a good cookout to celebrate and beckon summer, especially one curated by sixteen stellar chefs. The seventh annual Chefs on the Grill event returns to The Plaza at Millennium Park June 19, bringing together a melee of culinarians cooking for charity. The shindig is the perfect welcome for summer festivities, capturing the essence of al fresco cooking and dining, with the added bonus of altruism. 

(Scene from last year's Chefs on the Grill)

Chefs on the Grill is a friendly competiiton pitting 16 chefs against one another, wherein each chef is tasked with creating a grilled dish of their choice. Attendees can sample and vote on their favorites. Additionally, participating restaurants will provide a paired cocktail, and guests are encouraged to vote on their favorite potable as well. Whichever chef earns the most votes wins a trophy, and ditto the restaurant who earns the most acclaimed cocktail title. Numerous local breweries and beer haunts will also be providing craft brews for the event, including Local Option, Moody Tongue, Goose Island, and Virtue Cider. 

Participating chefs include Alfredo Sandoval of Park Grill, Paul Katz of Old Town Pour House, Vic Newgren of SideDoor, Pete Coenen of The Gage, Andrew Deuel of tesori, and Brian Jupiter of Frontier. Live music is courtesy of Chicago-based Murley, and in case all of that wasn't enough there will also be a raffle stocked with prizes such as hotel stays, spa packages, and museum passes. 

Proceeds from Chefs on the Grill benefit both the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's ProStart program and the Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children's Charities. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and costs $100 per person if purchased online, $120 per person at the door. Purchase yours here. 

- Matt Kirouac