The official kickoff to Chicago Restaurant Week, the First Bites Bash, has once again ignited the city’s vibrant food scene. This highly anticipated event took place on January 22, 2026, hosted at the iconic Field Museum, marking a massive success and solidifying its place as a signature winter tradition for Chicago. Tickets for the First Bites Bash were completely sold out, indicating the immense enthusiasm for this celebration of Chicago dining deals.
A Culinary Showcase of Chicago Restaurant Week
The First Bites Bash is an all-inclusive tasting event produced by Choose Chicago, showcasing the city’s many award-winning restaurants and offering a tantalizing preview of Chicago Restaurant Week. Over 70 top chefs participated this year, allowing attendees to sample diverse menus. Kristen Reynolds, CEO of Choose Chicago, praised the event, highlighting the unmatched talent of local chefs and celebrating the incredible range of cuisines and neighborhoods that make Chicago a standout for culinary excellence. This event truly kicks off the excitement around Restaurant Week specials.
Featuring Host Chef Jonathon Sawyer at Chicago Restaurant Week Preview
This year’s bash was proudly hosted by special guest Chef Jonathon Sawyer, Chef Partner of Kindling Downtown Cookout & Cocktails. A James Beard Award winner known for his bold, wood-fired cuisine and numerous Food Network appearances, Chef Sawyer expressed his honor in hosting this prelude to Chicago Restaurant Week. His innovative approach brings global flair to Chicago’s dining scene, and he called it a terrific way for Chicagoans to preview the city’s flavors during this major culinary events Chicago showcase.
Benefiting Important Causes During Chicago Restaurant Week
The First Bites Bash also proudly supports worthy causes, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting No Kid Hungry support, an organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger. Additionally, Choose Chicago contributes to the James Beard Foundation, supporting chefs and the culinary industry’s pursuit of excellence and sustainability. This dual focus on incredible food and impactful giving makes the First Bites Bash and the subsequent Chicago Restaurant Week even more special.
A Tradition of Taste: Leading into Chicago Restaurant Week
This was the 19th annual First Bites Bash, a cornerstone of Chicago’s culinary calendar held at the historic Field Museum. Attendees enjoyed wine, beer, and spirits alongside creations from over 60 top chefs, including participants from Reunion, Demera, Eden, and Tzuco. This event serves as a vital prelude to the full Chicago Restaurant Week, which this year features a record number of participants. Over 550 restaurants joined the celebration, running from January 23 to February 8, 2026, offering diners specially curated Prix fixe menus. Prices are set at $30 for brunch or lunch, with dinner menus available for $45 or $60. This extensive festival highlights the diverse neighborhoods of Chicago and provides a fantastic opportunity to explore the city’s acclaimed food culture during the extended Chicago dining deals period.
Conclusion
The First Bites Bash successfully launched Chicago Restaurant Week, highlighting the city’s dynamic food scene and celebrating its culinary talent while supporting vital charitable initiatives. The sold-out nature of the bash underscores its popularity as a beloved tradition for food lovers and a fantastic preview of the Chicago food festival. Chicago continues to prove itself a global culinary destination, especially during Chicago Restaurant Week.
