Brave Chilly January with Rockit Chilifest
Of all the things to enjoy during the winter months, perhaps no other dish fully encapsulates warmth, comfort and sustenance than a hearty bowl of chili (not to mention the big game). If you’re ready to forgo the New Year’s diet for some down home cooking, Rockit Bar & Grill in River North and Wrigleyville, takes the celebrated dish one step further with the Third Annual Chilifest. Executive Chef James Gottwald and Chef De Cuisine Amanda Downing will offer a special chili each day of as well as a repertoire of four different Chili preparations everyday.
Daily offerings include Gottwald’s signature Turkey Chili (red kidney beans, shredded cheese and cilantro, for $7), Vegan Chili (lentils, soy sausage, edamame, green peppers, cumin, tomato for $10), Chili Cheese Fries (crispy french fries topped with turkey chili and cheddar and jack cheeses, for $9) and Chili Mac (Turkey Chili on top of the signature Four Cheese Mac and Cheese, for $12).
I got a sneak preview and the Bison Chili and Three Wild Hogs (extra cheesy with the biggest beans I’ve ever seen) are not to be missed! From now until January 20, guests can vote for their favorite online via social media (rockitwrigley.com, twitter/rockitwrigley, facebook/rockitwrigley). The winning chili will be announced later that week on rockitbarandgrill.com. Soup’s up!
River North Schedule:
Monday, January 17, Bison Chili- (ground buffalo, buffalo sausage, pinto beans, apples, $10)
Tuesday, January 18, Three Wild Hogs Chili- (braised wild boar, bacon, pork crackling, gigante beans, ancho chilies, pepper jack cheese, $10)
Wednesday, January 19, The Locavore- (ingredients supplied by the Green City Market farmers and vendors, $10)
Thursday, January 20, Ghost Chili- (hotter than the Guatemalan insanity pepper, black angus beef, red kidney beans, horseradish cheddar, chili threads, $10)
Friday, January 21, Chicken Enchilada Chili- (shredded chicken, pinto beans, queso freso, cilantro, enchilada sauce, $10)
Chilifest will take place Thursday-Saturday in Wrigleyville.
Rockit Bar & Grill, at 22 W. Hubbard in River North and 3700 N. Clark in Wrigleyville. rockitbarandgrill.com