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Taste Talks Returns to Brooklyn and Chicago

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Last fall, more than 2,000 food enthusiasts attended the first Taste Talks in Chicago, a food festival and symposium meant for locals to participate in panel discussions and tastings and learn from cultural leaders as well as some of the country’s top chefs. Taste Talks returns to Chicago this year on October 2-4 and the Kitchen Sink is your ticket to an all-access pass.

Taste Talks was founded by two brothers, Daniel and Scott Stedman, in Brooklyn and the first ever event took place in their hometown two years ago. The goal, then and now, is to bring together those who create and think about food on a daily basis, and who are regarded as some of the best in their field, with everyday food enthusiasts. Last year it was introduced in Chicago.

The three-day event offers attendees a glimpse into the food world they wouldn’t normally be privy, from learning how to properly photograph food to what makes cider, as an alcoholic beverage, one that is most connected to the world of agriculture.

This year’s theme explores the future of taste and Chicago’s event is being curated by Chicagoan and James Beard Award-winning Chef Paul Kahan and fellow James Beard Award-winner, author and Michelin star-recipient April Bloomfield, chef/owner of some of the country’s top restaurants, including NYC’s The Spotted Pig.

“The event last year was super fun [and we’re] looking forward to bringing more great chefs together for this year's Taste Talks,” says Kahan. “It's an exciting time for Chicago's food scene, opportunities are opening for small independent restaurateurs and unique casual concepts are popping up around the city. The BBQ should be great, but what I'm really looking forward to is the 'Music+​ ​Food' ​panel!"​

Early bird ticket sales just became available and hard-core food enthusiasts might want to consider the Kitchen Sink ticket. The $450 (before July 1) ticket includes the Mother of Pearl dinner on Friday, access to all of the panels and VIP cocktail hour on Saturday and the popular BBQ and after-party on Sunday, according to Kelsey Kreiling and Mallory Ulaszek-Tews, co-founders of Presence Agency and Chicago’s Taste Talks event producers.

Participants in the event currently include: Paul Kahan (One Off Hospitality, Chicago), April Bloomfield (The Spotted Pig, NYC), Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver (St. JOHN, London), Abe Conlon (Fat Rice, Chicago), Tony Quartaro (Formentos, Chicago), Matt Danko (Sink I Swim, Chicago), Matthias Merges (A10, Billy Sunday, Yusho, Chicago), Rob Leavitt (The Butcher & Larder, Chicago), Paul McGee (Land and Sea Dept, Chicago).

Chicago hosts several great food-focused festivals throughout the year. The Good Food Festival and Conference in March does a great job introducing locals to farmers they’d otherwise never have the chance to meet, among other impressive panels and discussions planned throughout the event. Chicago Gourmet, which takes place in late September, brings together more than 150 chefs, sommeliers and restaurants for chef demos and panel discussions.

The second Taste Talks Chicago is yet another addition to an impressive culinary scene built on engagement in a city known for its hospitality. The more ways in which we can connect with one another over food, the better, I say.

Taste Talks Brooklyn festival takes place September 11-13. Taste Talks Chicago festival takes place October 2-4. Tickets for each are now available; all events are ticketed and must be purchased in advance.

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