Chicago Botanic Garden Offers Foodie Delights This Summer

Located in the North Shore suburb of Glencoe, the Chicago Botanic Garden is easily reached by Metra train. And although of course its main focus is providing a sprawlingly beautiful, verdant and peaceful space full of gorgeous plantings, the Botanic Garden is actually a wonderful place for foodies during this time of year.

Every weekend from now until October 3, at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m., demonstrations that are part of the Garden Chef series take place. Noted chefs from all over the Chicago area–city and suburbs–come to show off their skills. No reservation is needed; seating in the125-seat ampitheater is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The lineup for this year includes Joe Bova and Jeff Steinberg of Cookie Bar on 5/30; Alvaro Chavez of Depot Nuevo on 6/6, Michael Kingsley of Garden Cafe on 6/12, Susan Maddox of Le Titi De Paris on 6/19, Suzy Crofton of Crofton on Wells on 6/26, Andy Motto of Quince on 6/27, Christopher Tong of My Private Chef on 7/4, Gale Gand of Tru on 7/17, Carlyn Berghoff of Berghoff, 7/18, Janine MacLachlan of The Rustic Kitchen on 8/15, Randy Zweiban of Province on 8/21, Robert Packer of Karma on 8/29, David DiGregorio of Osteria Via Stato on 9/4, Michael Paulsen of Abigail’s American Bistro on 9/12, Doug D’Avico of Trattoria No. 10 on 10/2 and Christopher Seaton of Soundings Cafe on 10/3.

In addition to that, the Garden hosts its annual Wine Festival on 6/12-6/13 from noon-6 p.m. each day. Over 250 domestic and imported wines are available for tasting and for purchase here; local restaurants will offer food for sale, and music and seminars are featured as well. Wine and beer will also be available by the glass. Wineries, Chicago area chefs and restaurateurs and specialty food shops will be on-site, offering demonstrations and pairing seminars. Tickets cost $25 in advance and $28/$35 at the door.

Barilla Italian Cooking Weekend (part of the Garden Chef series) takes place here on 7/10-7/11 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. During this special event, local chefs will give three daily cooking demonstrations with fresh Italian ingredients. Visitors receive plant and seed-packet giveaways and can participate in family activities as well as olive oil and balsamic vinegar presentations. And naturally, there are tastings.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is free, but there is a parking fee of $20 per car (bigger vehicles cost more). For additional information on the culinary delights available here all season long, visit www.chicagobotanic.org.