Haute Wine Society And Simon Family Estate Celebrate Chef Curtis Duffy At The Canvas By Ever

Photo Credit: Emil IvanovskiOn May 28, an elite gathering of food and wine aficionados came together in Chicago’s buzzing Fulton Market District for an extraordinary evening celebrating one of the city’s most decorated chefs, Curtis Duffy. The experience, presented by Haute Wine Society in collaboration with Napa’s acclaimed Simon Family Estate, unfolded inside The Canvas by Ever, the exclusive private dining extension of Chef Duffy’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant Ever.

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Notable attendees for the evening included Vanessa Conlin, Director of Growth and Partnerships of the Simon Family Estate, April Donelson, Managing Director at Haute Media Group, Anna Marie Giuffre, author of The Adventures of Susie Spinach and the Little Gees, Danna Tabachnik of Bear Icebox Communications, Gabriela Silverio, Junior Account Coordinator at Bear Icebox Communications, acclaimed sci-fi author Johnny B. Truant, renowned American sculptor Barbara Cooper, and more.

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Throughout the evening, Simon Family Estate’s distinctive portfolio of limited-production wines was served, complementing Chef Duffy’s forward-thinking cuisine. Established with a commitment to producing elegant, terroir-driven expressions from Napa Valley’s most prized vineyards, Simon Family Estate has swiftly earned a reputation as a coveted label among discerning collectors.

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Members of the Haute Wine Society and invited VIPs were welcomed with a glass of 2024 Simon Family Estate Tigress Rosé of Grenache and Simon Family Estate “Golden One” Sauvignon Blanc 2022 before settling in for an impeccable four-course tasting menu curated personally by Chef Duffy. Renowned for his exacting technique and artfully composed plates, Duffy delivered an experience that was both innovative and deeply flavorful.

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

The evening began with a first course of lobster with coconut, chili, and garlic, perfectly paired with the crisp, aromatic rosé. This was followed by a second course of cauliflower, maitake mushrooms, and umami-rich accents served alongside the 2022 Simon Family Estate Golden Ore Sauvignon Blanc.

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

A bread course and a pour of 2021 Simon Family Estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon provided an elegant interlude before the third course featuring braised Wagyu beef complemented by zucchini, marinated barley, and basil, paired with the bold 2021 Simon Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Napa Valley. The evening concluded with the showstopping “Embers & Ash,” a whimsical and indulgent dessert of chocolate, strawberry, and charred ice cream.

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski

Photo Credit: Emil Ivanovski