Chicago Sights: Chicago Gourmet

I like to eat. It’s no secret. I also love my city. That’s no secret either. When I can combine the two I get very happy. How I didn’t know about Chicago Gourmet is a mystery to me. I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to attend, because I”m now aware of so many more restaurants in this great city of mine that I need to try out. Whether that’s with Mr. Houseful of not, is up in the air, however, they will be tried! 

The start of my day started with a food chat with Cat de Orio of Check, Please!, a favorite in our home. She hosts this weekly roundtable, which showcases restaurants that Chicagoans feel that other Chicagoans need to try. It’s how I’ve found a LOT of my favorite spots to eat, and new spots to try for date nights. The fact that these places have now become favorites in our household is just the cherry on top. 

The chat lasted just a few minutes and then we were off to the tents to try bites of food, and some brew (I passed, I’m not a beer drinker) and just mingle with other event attendees. The tents were put together well, and I loved all of the vendors and their offerings. The Country Financial area was hopping as soon as I walked in, and there were a couple of artists decorating the backdrop with scenes from Chicago. 

COUNTRY Financial’s roots have been firmly planted in agriculture since 1925, when the initial cooperative was formed to help protect those in the farming and agriculture industry. They have long supported local farmers and the farm-to-table restaurant movement, while teaching financial security to those same restaurants. Attendees of the event were also afforded the opportunity to learn about securing their own financial futures. 

 

Some of the bites were SO good, like this brown butter cake with caramel. So. Very. Good. 

Given that I’m a hug proponent of being able to go directly from my urban farm to my family table because of the Community Garden that I’m managing, I’m always intrigued by the way that restaurants handle this same idea. Of course, my food has a shorter distance to travel, unless of course the garden is on a rooftop or in the back of the restaurant, but the fact remains that fresh, local, food is important to many. With the support of Country Financial, restaurants are able to provide that experience, all while making financially sound decisions. I think that’s a win. 

Now, I can’t wait until next year when Chicago hosts Chicago Gourmet again, and I get to do a little bit more exploring. Hopefully next year, it will be with Mr. Houseful. 

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of COUNTRY Financial. The opinions and text are all mine.