Dec. 29--How many food-specific fests can one city support? A lot, it seems. Ramenfest, WingFest, Baconfest, Mac Cheese Fest ... the list goes on, and the crowds keep coming. Now, it has taken all of a week for Donut Fest Chicago, returning for a third year Jan. 31, to sell out of general admission tickets.
The good news, if you're clamoring to get in and willing to pay a premium: The event has reintroduced the VIP ticket option (available the first year but not the second), and as of press time, some VIP tickets remain. For $50 a person, get early entry (8 a.m. for the morning session, 1 p.m. for the afternoon session), tasting tickets for all the session participants, three coffee tickets, a Donut Fest mug and a gift bag to take home.
It is easy to see the event's appeal. You can do some good -- profits are donated to Un86'd, a charity that helps restaurant professionals with unexpected medical bills and more -- while sampling doughnuts from Stan's Donuts Coffee, Glazed and Infused, Firecakes, Gurnee Donuts, Longman Eagle, Somethin' Sweet Donuts, Bombobar, Doughnut Vault and more.
The restaurants and bakeries compete to be named best donut. Winners in 2015 were Firecakes (Judges' Choice) and West Town Bakery Diner (Crowd Favorite).
"Doughnuts have a nostalgic connection," says Rebecca Skoch, the food and beverage industry consultant who founded the event.
Skoch says some participants bring their usual wares; others create something special. Given the fun nature of the event, she says, there aren't restrictions put on what can be submitted. But, she notes, a "classic, simple doughnut goes over better with the judges."
Donut Fest Chicago takes place Jan. 31 at 1st Ward Events at Chop Shop, 2033 W. North Ave. VIP tickets available here.
wdaley@tribpub.com
Twitter @billdaley
