By Demi Bouzanis
In advance of the awards show on January 28th, 2024, Michael Muser and the team at Ever generously hosted the Jean Banchet Awards Kick Off, sponsored by OpenTable and in partnership with Chicago Chefs Cook.
Exceptional cuisine was crafted by the skilled chefs in homage to the occasion, marking an extraordinary evening dedicated to acknowledging the nominees for the Jean Banachet Awards. Each dish emerged as a testament to the chefs' prowess and dedication, elevating the experience to a sublime level. The flavors, a sophisticated dance on the palate, resonated with a symphony of tastes that transcended the ordinary.
All the different creations by the Chefs were delicious, from Sifir Chicago with Chef Sahil Sethi, Duck Sel with Chef Donald Young, Louella's Southern Kitchen with Chef Darnell Reed, Duck Inn Chicago with Chef Kevin Hickey, Publican Quality Bread with Chef Greg Wade and Hermosa with Chef Ethan Lim.
Kicking off the proceedings, Michael Muser took the stage, extending congratulations to all the sponsors and talked about earlier culinary ventures—Avenues and Grace—both of which garnered two and three Michelin stars, respectively.
Stepping on stage from Chicago Chefs Cooks, co-founder Darren Gest, who also holds a position on the board of directors for Chicago's Green City Market and serves as an Open for Good mentor for the James Beard Foundation, graced the stage.
Chef Erick Williams, drawing upon his 25 years of refined dining expertise, passion for Southern, holds the esteemed titles of chef and owner of Chicago's Virtue Restaurant & Bar, Mustard Seed Kitchen, Daisy's Po-Boy & Tavern, and Top This Mac & Cheese. Addressing the audience, he emphasized the significance of raising awareness and has dedicated himself to fostering a positive influence on the future of Chicago's inner-city youth and the hospitality industry. As a keynote speaker advocating for small businesses. Chef Erick William generously contributes his time to championing these causes, weaving a narrative of commitment to community and culinary excellence.
Gracing the Jean Banchet Awards Kick-Off was none other than the extraordinary Breakfast Queen, Ina Pinkney. Adding a delightful twist to the evening, Ina's long-time best friend, Barbara, whom she fortuitously met through a shared connection—a cake crafted by Pinkney for Barbara and her husband—was also in attendance. The serendipitous tale unfolded as, upon tasting the cake, Barbara declared, "Whoever made this cake and I will be best friends." True to her words, the next morning she called Ina, and from that moment onward, history was written in the ink of a blossoming and enduring friendship.
The evening unfolded with an abundance of joy and social camaraderie, setting the stage for the much-anticipated Jean Banchet Awards on January 28, 2024! Undoubtedly, all nominees deserve commendation, and they should take pride in reflecting on their remarkable culinary journey—acknowledging how far they have come and anticipating the heights they will undoubtedly reach.
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