APPCA 2010 Pre-Summit Tour, Friday, Feb. 19
Chicago's Gourmet Retail Tour and Lunch at Ina's
Cost: $35, includes transportation and lunch without wine (Limited to 10 participants on a first-come basis)
Arrive early in Chicago for the 2010 APPCA Summit, and join us on a shopping tour of two of Chicago's premier gourmet-retail outlets: Trotter's To Go and Fox & Obel.
We'll embark from the Hotel Allegro at 9:30 a.m. to visit the retail store of famed chef Charlie Trotter, whose eponymous Chicago restaurant is known worldwide. In 2000, Trotter decided to open a store that contained “the food that I like to eat every day.” This store quickly morphed from a gourmet-to-go retail shop to a full-service food emporium offering culinary creations consistent with Trotter's philosophy, as well as retail products, wine, cheese and catering. Trotter's to Go's manager and executive chef will guide us through the Chefs Case, Cold Case, Wine Case and Fromage Case, and will discuss sourcing the most distinctive food and beverage items from around the globe. Additionally, we'll learn how Trotter's To Go delivers unforgettable holiday parties, distinctive weddings and spectacular corporate events. www.charlietrotters.com/togo.
Then it's lunch at Ina's, owned and operated by the APPCA Summit's 2010 keynoter and culinary entrepreneur, Chef Ina Pinkney. Lunch (without wine) and tip are included in the day's fee of $35. Order from a selection of American comfort-food favorites amid a warm, delightful atmosphere. www.breakfastqueen.com.
Finally, it's off to Fox & Obel Market, Café and Catering near Chicago's Navy Pier. Fox & Obel's vision is to share its passion for excellence, delivering the finest food and service Chicago and the world have to offer. Locally grown organic produce, prime beef dry-aged on premise, freshly baked artisan bread and pastries, seafood flown to Chicago the day it is caught, a collection of the finest cheeses, a list of boutique wines and a gourmet-to-go section that rivals the cooking of any fine-dining restaurant are the hallmarks of Fox & Obel. 
Our guide will take us through each department and describe how Fox & Obel Catering successfully executes events for two to 2,000, serving up the same quality and passion found in the café and market. www.fox-obel.com
Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing. And bring your wallet or pocket book for some distinctive shopping! We'll have you back home to the Hotel Allegro in plenty of time to change for the APPCA Summit's Welcome Reception at 6 p.m. Check the box on your registration form for this unforgettable pre-Summit tour.
To register for the 2010 Personal & Private Chef Summit, click here or phone us at (800) 644-8389.