Rarely do you come across that one food and wine event that just knocks your socks off.  A large part of the problem is that there are often too many "food and wine events" to choose from.  But, let me tell you that after searching (somewhat) far and wide... I found a great one! CHILL Wine and Culinary Event - so fun!

Come on - serve me fabulous wines offered by Wine Spectator and some of the best cuisine that Chicago Restaurants have to offer - all in the comfort of state-of-the-art home boutiques - and you can bet I will feel perfectly at home.  I must tell you, as I devoured  insanely delicious eats and incredible wine on a cold November night, I realized that the Merchandise Mart had far more to offer than I ever expected.  Seriously, the CHILL Wine and Culinary Event was out of control.  Meaning, Blackbird, Hot Chocolate, McCormick and Schmick's, Raphsody, Sixteen at Trump, Carnivale and so many other restaurants served me up generous and decadent portions of their culinary creations.  Mmm...I just loved the white bean soup from Sixteen, the oyster from Blackbird and the ahi from Raphsody!

Much to my enjoyment, fabulous wine was flowing, which seemed to perfectly complement each dish.  I loved sipping my Chateau St Jean 2006 Robert Young Chardonnay, while perusing the many kitchen cabinet options at the various home decorating stores.  And, although this may have only been the second annual CHILL Wine Event, I know it won't be my last - clearly I had fun.

Not only did I walk away with excellent memories of Carnivale's short-ribs, but I can hardly forget the wonderful Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut NV Champagne I enjoyed.  And, much to my husband's disdain, I left this event not only full in my stomach, but full of new ideas for how we must decorate my future dream home!  Dark or light wood for the kitchen cabinets?

This is all part of the great charm of this unique event - combining appetite, fine wines and incredible design all in one night.  I just loved it.

And, the best part - it was not done ALL in vain.  While the main event cost was $85 and $175 for the VIP, a large portion went to benefit the Respitory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.  And, that is something I can cheer too! 

I will certainly return to CHILL Wine and Culinary Event next year - as long as my dream home doesn't break my bank!