A New Year. New Opportunities. Bring It.

I was honored to find out I was chosen to attend a coveted VIP and media preview event for the Chicago Auto Show’s charity event, called First Look For Charity. The black-tie affair is touted as one of Chicago’s largest annual charity events, raising more than $2 million dollars each year (and it is also known as the evening with the highest volume of tuxedo rentals in Chicago…who knew???).

First Look For Charity

The media and members of the local foodie community were invited to a tasting of selected fare to be offered at the gala that will be held on February 7th, 2014. McGrath Acura hosted the rendezvous which included food and drink stations and brief highlights from local area executive chefs.

I was kind of skeptical going into this tasting thinking…”will there be anything vegetarian aside from crudite?” I pictured a bunch of fancy little burger sliders, shrimp ceviche and caviar bites as some of the options. Being the planner that I am, I looked up the First Look For Charity’s website and was super thrilled when I saw there were many vegetarian (and even gluten-free) options on the menu. Whew, the event was not going to be a total waste of my time just drinking martinis and eating a bunch of desserts (not that there is anything wrong with that….well….).

Taste Testing For First Look For Charity Event

These were some of my favorite vegetarian items from the tasting:

Catered By Design: Griddled cheese stick and tomato basil soup with basil chiffonade. My all-time favorite comfort food now provided in the perfect little bite-size portion….yes please:) In addition, they served artichoke hearts au gratin which were filled with a savory mascarpone cheese and finished with parmesan cheese. These were the most wonderful, cheezy, heavenly little bites and I wanted to go back for like 12 more. But alas, I settled on just one.

Bub City: Decadent peanut butter and chocolate mousse cup. I pretty much knew just from the description that I was going to love it (because I honestly believe chocolate and peanut butter together are one of the Universe’s best pairings in life). Yeah, one bite in and I was hooked. I went back and spoke with the chef who told me at the restaurant this is actually served as a pie with an oreo crust. Meaning, the thick chocolate mousse is topped with the light peanut butter cream all nestled on top of crushed oreos. I think I just stood there and stared at him in silence (and disbelief) cause I was trying to figure out if he was yanking my chain. Seriously dude? Did you say oreo crust??? I’ll see you at Bub City as soon as this event is over. I’m coming for that pie. SOLD!

Bub City’s Peanut Butter and Chocolate Mousse

Overall, this event was a lot of fun and it was great to sample some of the awesome vegetarian fare that will be offered at the First Look For Charity. On a personal note, I loved interacting with chefs from great restaurants, meeting and networking with other foodies and more so, to continue to follow and develop my passion through this blog. I’m excited to see what other amazing opportunities come my way and where it will take me…who knows!