Eataly Opening Day, In Photos

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Shortly after 1 p.m. yesterday, an assortment of the Chicago food scene gathered on the second floor of the brand-new Eataly Chicago to sip wine, nibble on cured meats, and watch Rahm Emanuel, Joe and Lidia Bastianich, and Mario Batali officially christen the land of magic and pasta. In Emanuel's short speech, he told the Eataly team that "you're in the city of big shoulders and you've done big things" before Batali popped a bottle of champagne amidst wafting opera music.

At 4 p.m., the doors finally opened to the public and the nearly 200 people who were waiting outside excitedly made their way in. Judging by the look on people's faces, Christmas morning came early for many of Chicago's food and drink enthusiasts.

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