On Thursday, July 13, Westfield Old Orchard hosted an event called “Uncorked, Bottles & Barrels,” featuring wine and whiskey samples from local distilleries, food from many local restaurants and even a private caterer, some lovely entertainment by musician Keith Semple, and a guest appearance by Rick Bayless, famed chef and owner of Topolobampo , Frontera Grill, and a restaurant in the mall called Frontera Fresca.
The event was also billed as a benefit for the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD). 100% of the silent auction proceeds went to the GCFD as did a portion of the other proceeds, and after the event, the Westfield staff planned to visit the GCFD warehouse and volunteer to make meals.
The ticket for the event included 10 samples of a combination wine and/or whiskey. The food was unlimited, including burgers from the Shake Shack, seafood sandwiches, and fruit cups from Maggiano’s.
Located partly in “The Cube” at the Old Orchard shopping center, the area quickly filled up. People mingled in the warm weather and viewed the raffle items trying to decide where to put their ticket. Others eagerly sampled the varied offerings from the food and liquor providers inside the Cube and outside.
The event had a dual purpose — to showcase some of the foods from restaurants and to raise money and awareness of the Chicago Food Depository. Participating restaurants included Epic Burger, Roka Akor, Maggiano’s, Cinnabon and Shake Shack.
Old Orchard ended up raising $3,600 to the Greater Chicago Food Distillery and later plans to volunteer at the GCFD warehouse to prep meals and present a check to the organization.
A shopping center with a heart.
PamelaKramer.com 