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It’s BAAAACK!
Outside of baseball last year my favorite thing the Cubs did was the Chef’s Series at Wrigley Field. You may remember this series from previous posts such as this one where I basically combined my love of incredible food with my love of baseball.
Well, if you also love incredible food and baseball, it’s time to schedule some trips to Wrigley. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Chef’s Series line up.
The Chefs
The Cubs are bringing back some favorites from last year. Top Chef and Iron Chef Stephanie Izard will open the series again this year. She owns the incredibly popular Girl and the Goat along with two other restaurants in Chicago. I’m really hoping she brings back her pork belly waffle fries.
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Other returning chefs include Rick Bayless of Frontera fame, Matthias Merges, who just opened Mordecai in the Hotel Zachary in addition to Billy Sunday, and Graham Elliot, who is a food genius in addition to being a noted Cubs fan. Two fun notes about Elliot, he was at Wrigley numerous times during the series last year and his lobster corn dogs might be the greatest thing I’ve ever eaten at a ballpark.
Hanging out at Wrigley Field catching the @Cubs @bluejays game! Stop by Sheffield Counter in right field and try some of my yummy food! ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/qo4FRmbvsB
— GRAHAM ELLIOT (@grahamelliot) August 18, 2017
These veteran Wrigley chefs will be joined by newcomers Tony Mantuano of Spiagga, and Honey Butter Chicken’s Christine Cikowski and Josh Kulp. Spiagga and Honey Butter Chicken participated in last year’s food and drink festival Craft and Cuisine. Their offerings were incredible and I can’t wait to see what they bring to the Chef Series.
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The schedule
Just like last year each chef’s menu will run during the Cubs longer home stands throughout the summer. Here is the schedule for 2018 along with the Cubs opponents for those dates.
The Chef Series at Wrigley Schedule
| Dates | Chef | Cubs Oppenents |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | Chef | Cubs Oppenents |
| June 5-10 | Stephanie Izard | Phillies & Pirates |
| June 29-July 8 | Tony Mantuano | Twins, Tigers, & Reds |
| July 19-26 | Rick Bayless | Cardinals & Diamondbacks |
| Aug 2-5 | Matthias Merges | Padres |
| Aug 10-15 | Christine Cikowski and Josh Kulp | Nationals & Brewers |
| Aug 23-29 | Graham Elliot | Reds & Mets |
Where
Last year the Chef Series was based out of the Diner in Right Field. That Diner has been converted to Sheffield Corner, which will be the base for the Chef Series. While there is no longer a sit-down diner for fans, the open patio near Sheffield Avenue is a lovely place to grab a drink while you enjoy your food.
Pro Tips
I’ll leave you with your mouth watering and a couple of final tips. Last year the lines got really long fast, so if you’re heading to Wrigley to check out the food, be sure you get to Sheffield Corner early. Getting there early pays off because Wrigley Field discounts food up to an hour after the gates open. Last year the Chef’s Series was included in that discount, which made these meals a great deal for early arriving fans.