Arizona foodies blow into the Windy City for wedding weekend

Scottsdale natives Lauren & Derek decided to host their wedding in Chicago because they knew the food, cocktails, and level of service at Gibsons would not disappoint their guests. Lauren admits, “Gibsons is an iconic, old-school Chicago steakhouse that we knew would be a perfect wedding venue!  We have always loved the energy on the corner of Rush and Bellevue and wanted our guests to get to experience this”. The martini and red meat haven is an iconic staple of Chicago’s Near North Side. Founded in 1989, the Zagat-rated restaurant, located on Rush Street in Chicago’s trendy Gold Coast, is known as for its “see-and-be-seen” atmosphere and choice Prime Angus. Gibsons Restaurant Group was the first restaurant group in the country to have its own USDA Certified Angus Beef Program.

What’s the secret sauce when it comes to entertaining out of town guests?

Lauren and Derek’s recipe for success included hosting several pre-wedding events in Chicago. “We would definitely recommend planning one or two pre-wedding events if possible.  We hosted events on the Thursday and Friday leading up to our Saturday wedding, and it was so wonderful to have these opportunities to mingle with our guests before our Big Day.  By the time our actual wedding day rolled around, we did not feel an immense pressure to mingle with each and every one of the guests, as we had already spent a lot of time with them over the past few days,” suggests Lauren.

Did someone say food?

Dinner began with Crabmeat Avocado with a Caper-Tarragon Remoulade along with a Loaded Wedge. Salad was soon followed by the choice of Filet Mignon, Chicago Cut Ribeye, Lake Superior Whitefish, Spicy Niman Ranch Pork Chop or the vegetarian option, Cauliflower Steak with Parmigiano and Lemon Vinaigrette. An array of delicious sides complimented each table and included Double Baked Potato, Sauteed Mushrooms, Spicy Charred Broccolini and Grilled Asparagus.

Lauren’s tastes buds melt when she savors the thought of her wedding cake – HUB 51’s famous Three Layer Carrot Cake! The River North restaurant agreed to bake their famous “Martha’s Special Occasion Carrot Cake” for their wedding which offered a decadent three layer secret recipe coated in a rich, creamy cream cheese frosting and vanilla bean whipped cream.

The couple even gave guests bags of Chicago’s famous Garrett’s popcorn as favors on each table.

I invite you to whet your appetite on these scrumptious highlights then head over to their entire gallery to enjoy the full main course.