Mary Slowik
Taste of Chicago
Founded in 1980, Taste of Chicago has grown from a one-day 4th of July celebration into one of the world’s most recognized food festivals and a defining symbol of Chicago’s culinary identity. Created to showcase the city’s remarkable restaurant community and diverse neighborhoods, the Taste has welcomed millions of visitors from around the globe while introducing generations of guests to Chicago’s celebrated chefs, iconic local dishes, and vibrant cultural traditions.
Over more than four decades, the festival has continually evolved, expanding beyond food to include nationally acclaimed musical performances, family programming, culinary demonstrations, and neighborhood events. Mary Slowik will walk us through the history of Taste of Chicago, providing insight into the evolution of its food, music and entertainment areas. She’ll share stories and behind the scenes glimpses of Chicago’s iconic summer event.
Jean Banchet Awards
Established in 1991, the Jean Banchet Awards were created by Chicago’s culinary community to honor the legacy of legendary restaurateur Jean Banchet and to recognize excellence across every facet of the restaurant industry. Often regarded as Chicago’s highest culinary honor, the awards celebrate outstanding chefs, restaurateurs, beverage professionals, hospitality leaders, and emerging talent. Mary will highlight the legacy of Chef Banchet and the expansion of his organization’s mission beyond the annual awards.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2026
7 PM Central Time via Zoom
If you have any questions or wish for a link, please e-mail: Culinary.Historians@gmail.com