Chicago Gourmet: New events you should check out

Chicago Gourmet, one of the city's biggest fancy food fests, kicks off its 17th year Sept. 27-29 with chef-studded foodie events around the city.

The big picture: Once known for its grand food and wine tastings and demonstrations on the Millennium Park lawn, the event has morphed into a series of parties and tastings with top local and national chefs.

State of play: While some fan favorites — like Hamburger Hop and Tacos & Tequila — are already sold out, tickets remain for some for intriguing new events including:

• House of Gourmet Italian five-course dinner by chefs including Mario Rizzotti, Tony Priolo and others, paired with wines and a fashion week preview show at the Chicago History Museum Wednesday at 6pm. $225
• Chefs Get Pickled, featuring food and drink from chef Art Smith, Jeff Mauro, Kevin Hickey, Christine Cikowski, Josh Kulp and Djibril Webb, along with music and a chef pickleball tourney at SPF Pickleball in Lincoln Park Sept. 28 at 7pm. $99
• Rise and Shine Gourmet with sweet and savory bites from chefs Art Smith, Lorena Garcia and Jernard Wells, plus cocktails, a DJ and larger than life Aperol spritz on the roof of the Harris Theater Sept. 29 at 10am. $105