Eater Talks | The Future of Chicago’s Culinary Scene

Eater Talks: How has international cuisine evolved in Chicago? Thursday, April 18 — 6:30 p.m.

Eater Chicago and the Ace Hotel will continue its ongoing restaurant industry discussion series in April, with a new moderator and topic: How has Chicago’s international cuisine evolved in Chicago?

Panelists from across Chicago’s restaurant industry will join moderator Ashok Selvam for a conversation on the emergence of first- and second-generation chefs, perceptions of the city, and how Chicago has learned to embrace different flavors. In short:

A new wave of restaurants, many spearheaded by American-born children of immigrants, is changing the landscape of Chicago dining. Korean, Filipino, and Indian food — to name a few — are spreading beyond the city’s traditional immigrant enclaves, challenging Chicago’s long-standing segregation. Chefs like Diana Dávila (Mi Tocaya Antojeria), Jennifer Kim (Passerotto), Ed Kim (Mott St), Louie Alexakis (Avli Taverna), and Jimmy Papadapoulous (Bellemore) are offering the city new flavors — and most are doing so without the benefit and backing of a large restaurant conglomerate. Join us for an honest conversation with some of Chicago’s top culinary names as they talk about the city’s rapidly evolving food scene.

Join these panelists:

• Alpana Singh, the master sommelier and owner of Terra Vine in suburban Evanston. It was her idea to bring the James Beard Awards to Chicago and she’s also the host of PBS Chicago’s Check, Please!
• Lawrence Letrero and Raquel Quadreny, co-owners of Bayan Ko. The couple’s North Side Filipino-Cuban restaurant fuses heritage with creative execution and has earned critical acclaim.
• Louie Alexakis, owner/chef of Avli Taverna, Avli, and an upcoming River North restaurant. Alexakis has restaurants in suburban Winnetka and Lincoln Park. He’s passionate about the history of Greek cuisine and eager to share his insights.

This new Eater Chicago x Ace Hotel discussion goes down on Thursday, April 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets run $25, and include one drink ticket. Panelists will be announced closer to the event date, but know that seating is limited, and it’s best to make reservations now.