On Monday night, Time Out Chicago hosted its Eat Out Awards at the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago, honoring local eateries, chefs, and doling out honors in atypical categories such as "Best New Pub Grub." Last year, the event took place at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
"Time Out Chicago's approach is to select a venue where we can collaborate and integrate our award platform into the look and feel of the space," said the magazine's marketing director, Julie Hammer. "Every year we look to work with core partners who are excited to collaborate with us and integrate into the event" in ways that go beyond simply lending space.
As such, Hammer said that this year's ceremony focused on "merging art and awards." The ceremony's digital presentation included images of artwork from the museum's collection, and guests were free to explore the first-floor galleries throughout the event.
Tony Mantuano, chef at the Modern Wing's Terzo Piano restaurant, oversaw the evening's menu, and also presented the Reader's Choice awards. Mantuano's participation was "a beautiful tie-in" with the venue, said Hammer.
