Launch Thy Neighbor

Over the course of her career working in the Chicago restaurant industry, sommelier Ermoni Best (aka The Passionate Pair.iah) has long noticed the challenges women chefs—particularly women of color—face in being taken seriously. In an attempt to lower those hurdles, she's partnered with five up-and-coming chefs from four local restaurant concepts (including Michelin-starred Porto and pop-up Palestinian restaurant Yamma) for a food and wine showcase at The Point in Wicker Park, where you can try delicious samplings from across the city. Each chef will prepare three dishes with wine pairings provided by Best, for a total of 12 small plates and 12 wine pairings—you just might find your new favorite spot among the mix.