As Seen in Chicago during MenuMasters

On Saturday evening, May 21, our sister publication, Nation’s Restaurant News, presented its Nation’s Restaurant News MenuMasters Awards Celebration, sponsored by Ventura Foods, at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. With short plates, appetizers, and terrific libations to start, the evening progressed with awards, including the induction of Chef Thomas Keller into the MenuMasters Hall of Fame. An afterparty showcased delightful desserts and celebrated the event’s 25th anniversary.

Photos courtesy Nation’s Restaurant News

Cheese & charcuterie boards are trending solidly, as seen at the MenuMasters afterparty.

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A red-wine braised short rib omelet from First Watch’s corporate chef, Shane Schaibly hit all of the “breakfast for dinner” style notes.

A stunningly delicious, soft as butter tandoori steak short plate with mung jicama mango mint slaw from Chef Rohini Dey’s Chicago restaurant, Vermilion

Thomas Keller, chef/owner of The French Laundry in California and Per Se in New York City, accepted his MenuMasters Hall of Fame induction

 Winner of “Best New Menu Item” during the event, Noodles & Company presented tortelloni with roasted garlic cream sauce, and paired it with Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc.