Graham Elliot Second Anniversary Dinner

I was somehow lucky enough to score an invite to the Graham Elliot second anniversary dinner last night. If you don't remember, Graham Elliot is my favest Chicago restaurant. I'm kind of sort of obsessed and take all my visitors there. Apparently Chef Bowles and Co. recognize my super fandom and consider me a regular worthy of an invite to this special event. Mr. EWP and I were SO excited!

The invite said to dress summery, so this is what I came up with to wear [Darn Mr. EWP always taking pictures from a seated position. So unflattering!]

Anthropologie dress (I'm totally in love with the Parisian-esque city print!), Forever 21 bangles and headband, Guess shoes (you can see my runner-up shoes in the back)

There was a cocktail hour with all the booze you could drink. Or, in my case, all the fun and creative non-alcoholic beverages you could drink. Mr. EWP was supposed to get my cute drink in the pic, but apparently didn't get the memo, so here is me and part of a straw.

Mmmmm..... Graham Elliot

The Menu: White tuna, pea bisque (may have been my favorite course), salmon confit, jidori chicken, and strawberry shortcake (my fave GE dessert).

Mr. EWP and I both remarked how the folks at Graham Elliot really brought their A game. While the restaurant is usually scrumptious, last night everything was just elevated and decadently delicious. Even the popcorn was better than normal!

And did I mention this was all on the house? We spent not a dime and ate and drank like kings (and princesses!)

Me and the hubs taking a break from shoving food in our mouths to smile for the camera.

Our new friends. Mindy and I follow each other on Twitter and found out we were both headed to the dinner and got a kick out of meeting each other in real life. Mr. EWP and I had a total blast with her and her boyfriend.

And, once again, I got a tour of the kitchen. The folks at Graham Elliot are seriously way too nice to me.

And then, the big finale: after dining at his restaurant at least 7 times, I finally got to meet Chef Bowles!!! I've forgotten the name of the cute bow-tied guy on the left, but he's the front of the house guy and super cute and nice. I almost asked if he was single so I could try to set him up with someone. I found him that adorable. But I restrained myself. I was already embarassing Mr. EWP enough with asking for a picture with the Chef.

We had the most wonderful time and were so honored to be invited to be a part of the second anniversary celebration. Thank you to everyone at Graham Elliot for a wonderful night!! Wishing you many more anniversaries.

xoxo,

EWP

I'm a Graham Elliot Superfan

While I often do giveaways, I myself never ever win anything.

So when my friend Foodiebia emailed me that Graham Elliot (my fave restaurant in Chicago) was doing a contest for a special invite-only dinner for their 2d anniversary, I wasn't really too optimistic about winning. I did enter, though. No matter how many times I don't win contests, I always enter.

And, OMG, my EWP luck is turning because I won. I have my very own golden ticket (i.e. an email) saying I was selected for the special dinner.

If you recall, I am obsessed with this restaurant, eat there often, and scored a kitchen tour with Foodiebia when she was in town. So this is kind of on par with Christian Louboutin sending me an email and saying I can pick out a pair of shoes of my choice - which is to say it's very very exciting.

Now there's only one thing left to worry about: whatever shall I wear?