Guests gathered on Wednesday, Sept. 20 to kick-off Chicago Gourmet’s 10th anniversary with a private dinner at the Frank Lloyd Wright-built Robie House, situated on University of Chicago’s sprawling campus. The heat didn’t stop anyone from coming out, as 40 guests attended the private dinner to enjoy a specially curated menu from Chicago-based chefs, Carrie Nahabedian (NAHA) and Matthias Merges. This year’s Chicago Gourmet is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the theme of architecture and will be hosting various dinners across the city at iconic architectural landmarks. The Robie House truly stunned for one of the first dinners of the food festival, which spans from Sept. 19-24. The dinner, sponsored by ChicagoMOD, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust, Riedel, Neiman Ranch and San Benedetto, welcomed guests to tour the iconic home, a national landmark since 1963, learn about the history of businessman and former owner, Frederick C. Robie, for which the house is named, and enjoy some of the best food from two of the city’s renowned chefs. Dinner started off with a toast and brief explanation of the wines paired with dinner, which included some from the Robert Mondavi label, before guests got to enjoy four main courses. The menu featured delicious bites, including Pickled Michigan Steelhead Trout, Confit Guinea Fowl with a Tarte Tatin of Carmelized Fennel, Tropea Onion and Black Mission Figs, Grilled Salt Creek Shoulder of Lamb and an Almond Milk “Blanc Manger.” The dinner featured words and toasts from representatives of the Illinois Restaurant Association and Constellation Brands, who supplied the Robert Mondavi wine. The epicurean affair was a wild success and saw guests celebrating both the architectural history of the house, as well as appreciating modern culinary creations. ChicagoMOD was proud to be a sponsor of this unforgettable dinner. Stay tuned for more coverage in the October issue of ChicagoMOD! About the Robie House: The Robie House, built between 1908 and 1910, was designed for businessman Frederick C. Robie and has been a historical landmark since 1963. The Prairie-style home was inspired by the plains of the Midwest and is exemplified through strong horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs and long bands of windows. Art glass windows line each side of the house and act as more of an art form than anything. Wright used this concept to blend the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. About Chicago Gourmet: Chicago Gourmet celebrates its 10th anniversary with events spanning Sept. 19-24, with the Main Event at Millennium Park on Sept. 23-24. With Chicago being named the Restaurant City of the Year by Bon Appétit magazine (who is also this year’s national sponsor), the event will feature an all-star lineup of celebrity chefs, including Curtis Stone, Carla Hall, Sarah Grueneberg, Rick Bayless, Jeff Mauro, Art Smith, Stephanie Izard, Tony Mantuano and more. Photography by Aubrey Boonstra/aubreyjanephoto.com