Chipotle to Host Cultivate Chicago with Mantuano, Sherman, Bands and More

There is no shortage of top food events in Chicago, but tickets often cost a pretty penny and not everyone is able to go. But now Chipotle is launching Cultivate Chicago to give anyone access to great food and a good time. The all-day free-admission event, taking place in Lincoln Park on Oct 1, will feature an array of top local and national chefs cooking while cool indie bands perform on various stages.

Cultivate Chicago will welcome the likes of Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia), Bruce Sherman (North Pond), Paul Virant (Vie, Perennial Virant), Jonathan Waxman (NY's Barbuto), Top Chef All Star winner Richard Blais and Chipotle chef Nate Appleman to cook, present demos and give talks throughout the day.

While the chefs do their thing, indie bands like White Rabbits, Calexico and Mayer Hawthorne & The County, among others, will play live sets. An artisan tent with local vendors and a craft beer and wine tent will also be set up.

According to the press release, Cultivate Chicago is "intended to get people thinking and talking about food and food issues," and will give attendees the chance to talk to the chefs, farmers, local food purveyors and more. Chipotle will also serve food from a specially created menu based on its traditional menu and proceeds from sales (up to $50,000) will go to benefit Family Farmed, to help the organization continue to help support local food-based businesses.
· Cultivate Chicago [website]