Chicago’s Top Chefs Head to Wrigley Field
The Chicago Cubs, Levy and Maker’s Mark introduce a new rotating Chef Series to bring Chicago’s best restaurants to Wrigley Field. World-renowned, award-winning Chicago chefs will serve up dynamic takes on ballpark fare during a rotating pop-up series beginning June 2 in the recently refreshed Sheffield Counter, located near Gate D, on the main concourse.
The Chef Series lineup features:
- Stephanie Izard: Iron Chef and Top Chef winner, and James Beard Award recipient, Izard will appropriately keep with the goat culinary theme found at her renowned Chicago restaurants Girl & the Goat, Little Goat Diner, and Duck Duck Goat in early June.
- Matthias Merges: Acclaimed chef and owner of some of Chicago’s most eclectic neighborhood restaurants, Merges will infuse flavors from his culinary hotspot Yusho and award-winning bar Billy Sunday in late June and early July.
- Jeff Mauro: Host of Food Network’s The Kitchen, and Pork & Mindy’s executive chef and partner, Mauro will bring his creative BBQ chops and sandwich prowess in late July.
- Rick Bayless: 2017 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant recipient and lauded TV host, Bayless will bring his highly acclaimed Mexican flavors to the ballpark in early August.
- Graham Elliot: Award-winning chef, restaurateur, television personality and cookbook author, Elliot’s menu will showcase his take on classic American cuisine in mid- and late-August.
For more information and to view the full Chef Series schedule, please visit www.cubs.com/chefseries.
The Chicago Cubs and hospitality partner Levy are setting a new gold standard for gourmet ballpark food with the launch of the rotating Chef Series presented by Maker’s Mark. World-renowned, award-winning Chicago chefs will dish up dynamic, chef-inspired takes on ballpark fare during a rotating pop-up series in the recently refreshed Sheffield Counter on the main concourse.
“We’ve emphasized cultivating Wrigley Field’s food culture this season, and want fans to leave a game feeling like they’ve truly experienced a taste of Chicago,” said David Burns, executive chef for Levy at Wrigley Field. “The Chef Series brings diverse perspectives on ballpark fare from some of the city’s favorite chefs.”
“When you think of Chicago’s best chefs, the award-winning names participating in our Chef Series rise to the top,” added Alex Sugarman, senior vice president, strategy and ballpark operations, Chicago Cubs. “Since the inception of our restoration project, our food and beverage offerings have improved dramatically, and we’re honored these elite chefs will advance those efforts with their unique culinary approaches. We are excited to partner with them as we focus on continuously improving the fan experience at Wrigley Field.”
Each chef will serve up signature menus inspired by their favorite ballpark eats, reflecting their restaurants and signature culinary flare, on a rotating basis beginning June 2 when the Cubs take on the St. Louis Cardinals. Levy will continue to serve ballpark favorites at Sheffield Counter following the Chef Series dates, and will collaborate with chefs to bring their menus to life.
The powerhouse Chef Series lineup features:
Stephanie Izard
June 2-11
Iron Chef and Top Chef winner, and James Beard Award recipient, Izard will appropriately keep with the goat culinary theme found at her renowned Chicago restaurants Girl & the Goat, Little Goat Diner, and Duck Duck Goat in early June.
Matthias Merges
June 19-21, July 4-6 and July 7-9
Acclaimed chef and owner of some of Chicago’s most eclectic neighborhood restaurants, Merges will infuse flavors from his culinary hotspot Yusho and award-winning bar Billy Sunday in late June and early July.
Jeff Mauro
July 21-25
Host of Food Network’s The Kitchen and Pork & Mindy’s executive chef and partner, Mauro will bring his creative BBQ chops and sandwich prowess in late July.
Rick Bayless
August 1-6
2017 James Beard Outstanding Restaurant recipient and lauded TV host, Bayless will bring his highly acclaimed Mexican flavors to the ballpark in early August.
Graham Elliot
August 14-20 and August 28 – September 3
Award-winning chef, restaurateur, television personality and cookbook author, Elliot’s menu will showcase his take on classic American cuisine in mid- and late-August.
Wrigley Field boasts a worldly menu this season, courtesy of hospitality partner Levy. The Chicago Cubs and Levy enhanced their menus across dining destinations in the grandstand and Budweiser Bleachers in the offseason, adding top local restaurants, classic Chicago tastes in new packages, globally-inspired loaded hot dogs and signature brews.
World-Winning New Menu
- Wrigley Dog
- Bao Wao Dog
- Kimchi Dog
- Pilsen Dog
- Aloha Chicken Sandwich
- Al Pastor Chicken Tacos
- Catalina Burger
- Marquee Melter
- Pork & Mindy’s
- Bao to the Pork
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
- Pig Candy
- Pig Candy BLT
Gluten Free Options
- Fruta Cup
- Red Bridge Beer
Gluten Free Options
- Fruta Cup
- Red Bridge Beer
Vegan Options
- Fruta Cup
- “Chicken” Shawarma
- Spicy Tofu Tacos
Vegetarian Options
- Spicy Black Bean Burger
- Grilled Veggie Ciabatta
- Veggie Dog
- Vegetable Chopped Salad
Cocktails and Beer
- Billy Sunday Craft Cocktails
- Goose Island 1060 Wit
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.
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