The Trotter Project’s Second Annual Excellence Gala

The Trotter Project, the 501(c)(3) providing education and mentoring opportunities to aspiring culinary professionals through its Pillars of Excellence Program, hosts their marquee event of the year, presented by The Trotter Project’s founding corporate sponsor United Airlines – the Second Annual Excellence Gala. The evening celebrating the achievements of culinary scholarship recipients and legacy of Chefs Charlie Trotter and Homaro Cantu takes place Saturday, October 27 with headlining Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz. Chef Andoni makes a rare appearance in the United States to bring the acclaimed gastronomic artistry of his restaurant Mugaritz in Spain, recognized as one of the World’s Best Restaurants by San Pellegrino and the Michelin Guide, to the sumptuous five-course dinner with wine pairings.

Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz

Known for his techno-emotional Spanish cuisine, Chef Andoni’s visit is supported by a team of alumni from both Charlie Trotter’s restaurant and Chef Homaro Cantu’s Moto, as well as The Trotter Project culinary supporters. This all-star team is led by host of Cooking Channel’s Carnival Kings and Top Chef’s Richie Farina. To complement the multi-course dinner, in addition to wine pairings by Charlie Trotter Sommelier Robert Houde of Robert Houde Wines, gin and whiskey cocktails are provided by Treaty Oak Distilling, and the event also features the debut of a specially crafted beer by Old Irving Brewing.

“The importance and rarity of such a special evening cannot be understated. Each guest will feel as though they have been transported to the countryside of San Sebastian, Spain,” said Derrek Hull, executive director of The Trotter Project. “The culinary world is full of passionate and generous torchbearers dedicated to continuing Chef Charlie Trotter’s vision & legacy. This spirit and focus all culminate on this night — around unforgettable food and wine — in support of The Trotter Project’s Pillars of Excellence Program.”

The Second Annual Excellence Gala, presented by United Airlines, begins at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 27 at Revel Fulton Market, 1215 W. Fulton Market, Chicago. Tickets for the event are $500 per person and can be purchased at the link. 

For more information on The Trotter Project’s Pillars of Excellence program,  visit www.thetrotterproject.org. Keep up to date and informed of upcoming events on Instagram @thetrotterproject and Facebook @thetrotterproject.