On Saturday, September 30th, seven of Libertyville’s premiere chefs will gather at the historic David Adler Estate in Libertyville to prepare a sumptuous feast for the palate (and the eyes). Savor Libertyville: A Chef Fest is a local celebration supporting Libertyville’s MainStreet organization and the David Adler Music and Arts Center. And this is one event you won’t want to miss — last year’s event was a memorable, sold-out extravaganza.
Savor Libertyville: A Chef Fest brings seven local chefs, each with his or her unique experience and approach to cooking. Guests will enjoy gourmet food samplings, handcrafted cocktails, and a spectacular sweets table along with live music. The event culminates with a spectacular live auction of private chef dinners, with proceeds benefitting MainStreet Libertyville and the David Adler Music and Arts Center.
From seasoned local chefs, to newcomers to area restaurants, Savor Libertyville: A Chef Fest represents the finest in creative culinary talent. Returning chefs to the event this year are: Patrick F. Joyce from 545 North, Lee Kuebler from Milwauky Trace, and Brooke Edwards from Sunset Foods. New chefs this year include John Durning from Pizzeria DeVille, Kirsten Hall from Real Clean Paleo, Eduardo Martinez from Café Pomigliano and Joshua Ramirez from Main Street Social.
Executive Chef Patrick F. Joyce of 545 North Bar and Grill is eager to return to Savor Libertyville: A Chef Fest for a second year and to share his cooking with others, which he describes as a “universal language.” According to Joyce, “having the ability to create memories through food continues to drive me.” As the second oldest of seven children, Patrick’s interest in cooking began out of necessity, but later grew into a full-blown passion.
Chef Lee Kuebler, another returning chef, will bring his unique culinary style which blends French cooking with world influences and highlights local, seasonal food. Kuebler trained at Kendall College in Chicago. He has worked at restaurants such as Chicago’s Union League Club, Michael in Winnetka, and helped open and has cooked at Ada Street in Chicago.
Chef Brooke Edwards of Sunset Foods will also delight guests for a second year with her pastry skills. Edwards has been a staple for 15-years at Sunset Foods, where she currently serves as the Bakery Director. Previously, she completed a one-year stage at Blackbird, a Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant, and she currently volunteers as a speaker and advisor for The Floured Apron in Winnetka, an organization that provides bakery skills training, coaching and mentoring to women.
Although the restaurant is not new to Libertyville, Chef Eduardo Martinez from Café Pomigliano is a new chef to the area. Originally interested in arts and architecture, Martinez switched to a different medium and completed studies at Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts in Chicago. Martinez brings more than 20 years of culinary experience and passion for cooking in Chicago restaurants to Libertyville as an executive chef.
Also new to the Savor Libertyville: A Chef Fest this year is Chef Joshua Ramirez, executive chef at Main Street Social. Ramirez brings his experience from the bustling restaurant row on Randolph Street in Chicago to connoisseurs in the far north suburbs. Ramirez trained at the Illinois Institute of Art and prior to cooking at Main Street Social, served as the executive sous chef at Bar Siena.
Chef John Durning of Pizzeria DeVille, will share his talents honed through “countless hours of observation of pizzerias in the New York metro area and beyond.” Durning has a plethora of experience in many professional kitchens, and has served in corporate food service management positions as well as commercial real estate and banking. Opening Pizzeria DeVille is the culmination of many aspects of Durning’s career, and he is excited to participate in this year’s event to support local organizations.
Chef Kirsten Hall of Real Clean Paleo brings her education in nutrition and creativity to re-formulate classic meal ideas using local, organic and seasonal produce. The resulting nutrient-dense plates are just as tasty (and satisfying) as the original classic versions, and provide the nourishment that contributes to healthy living. Despite “falling into the food industry by unconventional means,” Hall has quickly realized her place and how she can contribute to vibrant, high-quality living.
Limited tickets to Savor Libertyville: A Chef Fest are available for purchase through the Adler Center’s website or by phone at 847-367-0707. Ticket prices are $125 per person; VIP packages are $300 per person. Attendees must be 21 years or older. Free valet parking is available at Adler School.
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Jennifer Johnson is a Libertyville resident who also writes for Little Lake County.