Introduction to the Banchet Awards
The nominees for this year’s Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence were officially announced, giving a glimpse at the Chicago chefs and restaurants who could be honored at the January culinary award ceremony.
The award ceremony will take place on January 25 at Venue SIX10, located at 610 South Michigan Avenue.
Nominees and Categories
Restaurants on the nominees list hail from around the Chicago area, including spots in Chicago like Logan Square’s Bungalow by Middle Brow, Chinatown’s Nine Garden and Lincoln Square’s Del Sur Bakery in Chicago, and suburban eateries like Torizen in Schaumburg.
A full list of nominees can be found here.
There are 12 categories of nominations, including the following:
- Bar of the Year or Beverage Program of the Year
- Best Design
- Sommelier of the Year
- Best Neighborhood Restaurant
- Rising Chef
- Best Heritage Restaurant
- Best New Restaurant
- Pastry Chef of the Year
- Best Counter Service
- Chef of the Year
- Best Hospitality
- Restaurant of the Year
Special Categories and Tributes
There are two additional categories with only one nominee in each category, including Gene & Georgetti for Iconic Restaurant (25+ years) and Grant Achantz for Culinary Excellence (Lifetime Achievement).
The January ceremony will pay a tribute to both.
Ceremony and Tickets
Nominees were surprised Wednesday with hand-delivered invitations.
“The Banchet Awards are a night to honor the people and places that define Chicago’s dining scene,” said executive director Michael Muser. “It’s a celebration of the creativity, dedication and hospitality that make our city one of the world’s great food destinations.”
Tickets for the awards ceremony are available to the public for $250 each and include entry, a champagne reception and a post-party with food and drinks from some of Chicago’s best chefs.
More information on the event and how to purchase tickets is available here.
Charity and Proceeds
Some of the event’s proceeds will benefit the work in Illinois by Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit providing emergency financial assistance and resources to food service workers in crisis.
Conclusion
The Banchet Awards are a celebration of the best in Chicago’s culinary scene, and this year’s nominees showcase the city’s diverse and vibrant food culture. With categories ranging from Best Design to Chef of the Year, there’s something for every foodie to appreciate. The ceremony promises to be an exciting event, and with proceeds benefiting a good cause, it’s an opportunity to support the local food community while enjoying a night out.
FAQs
Q: When and where will the Banchet Awards ceremony take place?
A: The ceremony will take place on January 25 at Venue SIX10, located at 610 South Michigan Avenue.
Q: How many categories are there for the Banchet Awards?
A: There are 12 categories, plus two special categories for Iconic Restaurant and Culinary Excellence.
Q: How can I purchase tickets for the awards ceremony?
A: Tickets are available to the public for $250 each and can be purchased online, with more information available here.
Q: What charity will benefit from the event’s proceeds?
A: The event’s proceeds will benefit Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit providing emergency financial assistance and resources to food service workers in crisis.
