Food & Wine Showcase, Monday 11/17--What we learned

Just learned last night that the Lovely Dining Companion splurged and bought us tickets to tonight's event at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Instead of (entirely) enriching the magazine's coffers, some of the proceeds are going to a campaign called "Grow for Good" to raise awareness for locally and sustainably grown foods. So, we're going to brave the crowds and maybe even get a word with both of Chicago's "top chefs": Stephanie Izard and Dale Levitski will be there. I'm excited about the event and wondered whether anyone else is planning on attending.

...several hours later...

Just got back. Will save most of our comments for later. For now, here's what you need to know:

The new food is quince. (Followed by short ribs and octopus).

Grant Achatz looked good.

GEB was in fine fettle, passing out take-out containers of caramel corn (with pistachio, I think: we haven't opened it yet)!

Dale Levitski says 6-9 months (build-out from scratch) at Madison near Canal (I think he said 525). As a mixologist, by the way, he's a top chef.

We missed Stephanie Izard entirely, sadly.