Everyone’s favorite food gets a day of its own
Photo Credit: Baconfest Chicago
On March 31 and April 1, 2017, head to the UIC Forum for a bacon extravaganza. Yep, you heard it. Baconfest is a one-of-a-kind event in honor of one of the most celebrated food items ever.
There are three sessions that you’re invited to attend, a Friday dinner session from 7pm – 10pm, a Saturday lunch session from 12pm – 3pm, and a Saturday dinner session from 7pm – 10pm. VIP sessions take place an hour before each session. All tickets include access to unlimited bacon dishes plus seven drink tickets redeemable toward wine, beer, and spirits. Here’s the breakdown for ticket prices.
General admission
Early bird: $75 + fees (limited quantity)
Full price: $100 + fees
VIP
Early bird: $175 + fees (limited quantity)
Full price: $200 + fees
Although the official 2017 roster hasn’t been released yet, there are a few festival veterans that are expected to return. Mercat a la Planxa will return as a familiar face, taking the Golden Rasher last year for their Bacon Paella. Chef Paul Fehribach of Big Jones returns, known by many for his James Beard award recognition as Best Chef – Great Lakes. Osteria Langhe‘s Chef Cameron Grant, another crowd favorite, comes back with a Golden Rasher under his belt for last year’s bacon-stuffed ‘plin’ and his team’s creative, bacon-wrapped Willis Tower.
Last year, guests were treated to tasty dishes like Chocolate Covered Jerk Candied Bacon, BBQ Pork Pie, and Roasted Red Pepper & Bacon Gnocchi. We’re sure there will be plenty of new faces this year that’ll take bacon to the next level.
You can feel good about your greasy feast because proceeds from Baconfest will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository, a mission to end hunger in our community.
Rep your love for bacon by decking yourself out in Baconfest merch. Stay tuned for a complete 2017 roster of bacon-cookin’ competitors!