etc.
Day 1: 5-Course Avant-American Tasting Series
Opened this past December near Willis Tower, this Southern-style eatery with some French twists vaulted right onto Eater’s List of “Best New Chicago Restaurants” and Infatuation’s List of “19 Best in the Loop.” Chef/Owner Lamar Moore, a 2025 Semi-Finalist for a James Beard “Best Chef: Great Lakes" Award, was born and raised on the South Side and was most recently the chef at Bronzeville Winery. He’s also appeared on Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, and the Food Network’s Vegas Chef Prizefight. (His emergence as a winner from that last appearance led him to become head chef at Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel and Casino.) Chef Moore’s menu at etc. features classic dishes like fried green tomatoes, Mississippi catfish dip, Hoppin’ John, oxtail & grits, desserts like banana pudding and key lime pie, and much more, all done to a fine turn in an open kitchen that allows diners to witness the magic. We’re excited to visit etc., to sample Chef Moore’s fare, and to hear his food ideas. Join us!
About the Host:
Lamar Moore
Chef/Owner
Born and raised in Chicago, Chef Lamar Moore graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in 2003. After serving as sous chef for the Chicago Bears, he made his mark as a chef and restaurateur, cooking for major events (including the Super Bowl and NBA Finals) as well as for notable figures like Barack and Michelle Obama. Along the way, he appeared on TV shows like Chopped, Beat Bobby Flay, and Vegas Chef Prizefight, where he emerged as the winner and earned the role of Head Chef at Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse in Las Vegas. In 2025, he was named a James Beard Award “Best Chef: Great Lakes” Semi-Finalist.
The Lineup
Courses #1, #4 & #5 will be individually plated; courses #2 & #3 will be served family-style. This menu will be Nut Free. For the list of restrictions Chef is accommodating, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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Chilled Sweet Corn & Buttermilk Soup
spring sweet corn, buttermilk, scallion, blue corn crostini
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Arugula & Strawberry Salad
peppery arugula, fresh strawberry, toasted pecan, crumbled maytag blue cheese poppy seed dressing
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Pan Seared Mississippi Catfish
crispy cornmeal-crusted catfish, black-eyed pea succotash, charred okra, tomato butter sauce
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Bourbon-Glazed Niman Ranch Pork Chop
heirloom purple grits, charred broccolini, apple-bourbon reduction, crispy shallot
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Sweet Tea Panna Cotta
black tea, vanilla garnish, lemon zest, honey drizzle
etc.
404 S Wells St
Chicago, IL 60607
Event FAQs
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- Due to the large-format nature of our events, restaurants are not able to accommodate all dietary restrictions/food allergies or make any menu adjustments based on food preferences (e.g distaste for specific ingredients/flavor profiles). This restaurant will be offering substitutions exclusively for the following restrictions/allergies: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Mushroom, Fish, Shellfish. They are NOT accommodating restrictions related to the following ingredients: Alliums, Dairy, Gluten. If you have any of these restrictions/allergies, please make sure to note this in your profile (in the “Event Preferences” section) either before or right after purchasing your tickets so Chef can prepare accordingly.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
