Festivals, Fairs & Special Events
The Banchet Awards’ Cluck ‘N Bubble August 23, 2026
THE BANCHET AWARDS TO HOST INAUGURAL CLUCK ‘N BUBBLE,
A FRIED CHICKEN AND CHAMPAGNE EVENT FEATURING TOP CHICAGO CHEFS
What: Cluck ‘N Bubble Fried Chicken and Champagne Event
When: Sunday, August 23, 2026, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: The Alston, 750 N. State Street, Chicago, 3rd Floor
Tickets: $150 per ticket | VIP ticket $250 | Guests must be 21+
Website: thebanchetawards.com
CHICAGO, IL — The Banchet Awards will host the inaugural Cluck ‘N Bubble, a fried chicken and Champagne event celebrating one of the culinary world’s most unexpectedly perfect pairings.
The event will take place Sunday, August 23 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at The Alston in Chicago. Tickets are $150 each for general admission and $250 for VIP admission and can be purchased at thebanchetawards.com.
“Fried chicken and Champagne is one of the culinary world’s great unexpected pairings,” said Michael Muser, Executive Director of The Banchet Awards. “It is humble meets high style, and somehow it works perfectly. Cluck ‘N Bubble will let us have fun with that industry secret while celebrating the chefs who make Chicago one of the world’s great dining cities.”
Cluck ‘N Bubble marks the organization’s first event outside its annual ceremony and launches a milestone season leading into its 25th anniversary in January 2027. Proceeds will help advance its work to honor Chicago’s chefs and restaurants while developing future programs that support the restaurant community and foster the next generation in the culinary arts through mentorship, education and job training.
Nine restaurants featuring some of Chicago’s premier chefs will compete for the inaugural Cluck ‘N Bubble Fried Chicken Champion title, with guests invited to taste each dish and vote for their favorite. Participating chefs will put their own creative spin on fried chicken, prepared with chicken provided by SYSCO and 100% natural beef tallow cooking oil provided by South Chicago Packing, and paired with Champagne and sparkling wine from Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Mariano’s will provide an elevated food spread in The Hen House VIP lounge.
The afternoon will be designed as a playful, high-energy celebration with a farm-inspired theme, including music, games and more throughout The Alston. Together, the event will reflect the range, creativity and diversity of Chicago’s restaurant community, bringing together different neighborhoods, styles and culinary perspectives for a joyful, slightly irreverent celebration of the city’s dining scene.
Participating chefs include:
- Henry Cai of 3 LP / Fat Head Chicken
- Christine Cikowski, Josh Kulp and Cam Waron of Honey Butter Fried Chicken
- Lawrence Letrero of Bayan Ko / Bayan Ko Diner
- Andrew Lim of Sir Chicken / Perilla Fare / Perilla Steakhouse / Noriko Handroll Bar
- Ethan Lim of Hermosa
- Charmaine Rickette of Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken
- Art Smith of Chef Art Smith’s Reunion Navy Pier / Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
- Jenner Tomaska of The Alston / Esmé / Petite Edith
- Lee Wolen of GG’s Chicken Shop / Alla Vita / Boka / Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits will provide a wide-ranging selection of sparkling wines and Champagnes from leading producers around the world. Guests can explore dedicated stations featuring pours from Italy, Spain, France and the United States, including Ferrari Trento, Segura Viudas, G.H. Mumm and Roederer Estate. Still and sparkling water will be provided by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna.
VIP guests will also receive access to The Hen House, an exclusive lounge featuring premium Champagne selections from Perrier-Jouët, Louis Roederer, Pol Roger and Henriot, along with an elevated spread provided by Mariano’s, including sushi, cheese platters, chicken tenders and other bites and caviar and truffles from The Alston.
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ABOUT THE BANCHET AWARDS
The Banchet Awards celebrate the chefs, restaurants and hospitality professionals shaping Chicago’s dining culture. Led by Executive Director Michael Muser, the Awards are named for Chef Jean Banchet, whose work at Le Français helped establish Chicago as a world-class dining destination. The Awards recognize originality, excellence and the breadth of talent across the region’s food and beverage community.
