Jan. 23, 2025
First Bites Bash, the official kick-off event for Chicago Restaurant Week, is one of the city’s most highly anticipated culinary celebrations of the year.
This all-inclusive tasting event showcases Chicago’s award-winning restaurant scene inside the iconic Field Museum. Guests can enjoy gourmet bites from acclaimed Chicago restaurants; sip wine, beer, and spirits from top brands; and explore select museum exhibits after hours.
First Bites Bash 2025 is sold out! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets, we look forward to seeing you at the Field Museum in January.
Participating Restaurants
- 101 Club
- 1308 Chicago
- 14 Parish Chicago and Dawn A.M. Eatery
- Adalina
- Asado Urban Grill
- Au Levain Chicago
- BARDAVID
- Bar Sótano
- Barstool River North
- BISTRONOMIC
- Bronzeville Winery
- Carnivale Chicago
- Cedar Palace
- Celeste
- Chef Art Smith’s Reunion
- CheSa’s Bistro & Bar
- City Cruises Chicago
- Costera Cocina Tulum
- Dell’ Rooster Restaurant & Bar
- eden
- Fora
- Gene & Georgetti
- Gioia Ristorante e Pastificio
- Hawksmoor Chicago
- Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar and Medi Kitchen & Cocktail
- Indian garden Restaurant
- Kindling
- Kitty O’Sheas
- La Josie
- Las tablas Colombian Steak House
- Le Sud
- Lena Brava & Cruz Blanca
- Luella’s Southern Kitchen
- Lure Fishbar
- Marinas Bistro & Rum Bar
- Mercadito
- Mercat a la Planxa
- Miss Ricky’s at Virgin Hotels Chicago
- Nisos Prime
- Nonnina & Petterino’s
- Norman’s Bistro
- Ocean Prime
- PERILLA
- Piccolo Sogno
- Polombia
- Prime & Provisions
- River Roast
- Roberts Pizza and Dough Company
- Roka Akor
- Sifr
- Seville Chicago
- Sociale
- Somerset
- Soul & Smoke
- State and Lake Tavern
- Storyville
- Tabu
- Tacotlan
- Tandoor Char House
- TAO Chicago
- Tapas Valencia
- The Albert
- The Bellevue Chicago
- The Dearborn
- The Hampton Social – Streeterville
- The Palm Chicago
- Torali at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago
- UMMO & TZUCO
- Vela Bar Y Cocina
VIP Lounge Participating Restaurants
- Classic Cobbler Cafe
- Mia Francesca
- STK
- Sunda New Asian
Non-Alcoholic
- S.Pellegrino
- Acqua Panna
- Pepsi Co.
Spirits
- Gran Centenario Tequila
- 400 Conejos Mezcal
- Maestro Dobel
- 1800 Tequila
- Japanese Sake
- Jose Cuervo
- Bushmills Irish Whiskey
- Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey
- TINCUP Whiskey
- Pendleton Whisky
- Three Olives Vodka
Beer
- Goose Island Beer Co.
- Duneyrr Fermenta | Winery and Brewery
- Half Acre Beer Company
- Industry Ales
- Old Irving Brewing Co.
Wine
- Joel Gott Wines
- Napa Cellars
- Quattro Theory Wines
- Ménage à Trois Wines
- Trinchero Heritage Collection
- SEAGLASS Wines
- Iron + Sand
- FRE Alcohol Removed Wine
Host Chef, Soo Ahn
Soo Ahn believes that food, at its best, is a culinary adventure and pushes boundaries in his cooking to offer unique concepts for guests to indulge in. He takes the drive and competitiveness he learned from his first career as a professional golfer and translates that into the kitchen.
He finds inspiration through his grandmother’s traditional recipes, childhood snacks, fast food chains and travel experiences across the U.S., South America and Korea. Working throughout Michelin-rated restaurant kitchens, he retained a Michelin Star as the Executive Chef at Band of Bohemia in Chicago. Now, as the Executive Chef at Adalina, Soo and the team bring Italian favorites to Chicago’s Gold Coast, reimagining them using unique flavors and techniques.
Within a year of being open, Adalina has attained multiple accolades from Eater Chicago for Best Dish and Best Meal, is one of the 38 Essential Restaurants in Chicago, and was nominated as the Best New Restaurant of the Year by the Jean Banchet Awards. Outside of the kitchen, he recently got married and still plays golf as much as possible, one day hoping to play with Thomas Keller, David Chang and Tiger Woods.
Choose Chicago is pleased to continue its longstanding support of impactful organizations by donating a portion of event proceeds from First Bites Bash. This year, a donation will be made to the James Beard Foundation, a long-time partner, furthering its commitment to championing a more sustainable, equitable, and thriving independent restaurant industry. An additional donation will be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Illinois Chapter whose mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
First Bites Bash After Party
Keep the party going and join us for the official First Bites Bash after party at Hubbard Inn! Show your First Bites Bash wristband for expedited entry at the front door. Choose from a selection of refreshing options, including beer, wine, seltzer, or call cocktail. Let the night continue with good company and great spirits!
