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Early Bird Tix Open for Evolved Network's Big 11/3 Fundraising Feast

  • Writer: Bob Benenson
    Bob Benenson
  • 9 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Get In Now for "Eat and Evolve" in a Great New Merchandise Mart Location


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Early bird tickets have gone on sale for Eat and Evolve 2025, the annual chef-driven fundraising feast to support The Evolved Network. The event will be held at a new location — the SBH Showroom Vault at downtown Chicago's historic Merchandise Mart — on Monday, November 3 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.


The Evolved Network was founded in 2020 by Sebastian White, a clinical psychologist turned self-taught chef. The non-profit works in schools to provide underprivileged youths with food education, culinary skills and life skills through farm to table experience.


It is an impactful organization about which I've written often.


Sebastian White has benefited greatly from the support and mentorship of Chef Sarah Stegner, the James Beard Award winner and owner of Prairie Grass Cafe in the Chicago suburb of Northbrook. Sarah helped open doors among Chicago's philanthropic culinary community for Sebastian, who has collaborated on many events with many of the region's top chefs.


Eat and Evolve 2025 will be no exception. The posted chef lineup, along with Sebastian, is:


  • Paul Kahan, One Off Hospitality

  • Paul Virant, Petite Vie/Vistro Prime/Gaijin

  • Diana Davila, Mi Tocaya Antojeria

  • Devon Quinn, Eden

  • Dylan Patel, Avec

  • Norman Fenton, Cariño

  • Arshiya Farheen, Verzênay


The move to Merchandise Mart is the latest evolution of Eat and Evolve, which for its first three years was held at The Paramount Group's Eden restaurant in Chicago's Avondale neighborhood. The Paramount Group is a sponsor of this year's event and, as noted above, Eden's Devon Quinn is one of the participating chefs.


And this is how The Evolved Network describes the event space:


The BSH Showroom Vault, nestled within LuxeHome at the MART in Chicago, is a one-of-a-kind event space housed in a beautifully restored 1930s bank vault. Located in the iconic Merchandise Mart, the Vault retains its original Art Deco charm, from the striking ceiling trim to the imposing vault doors. Shadowbox alcoves, once home to safety deposit boxes, are now lined with rich walnut and display historic memorabilia—creating a unique blend of past and present. This distinctive setting serves as a private venue for events, meetings, and intimate dining experiences.


Wait, food prepared by leading chefs in a Art Deco environment for a great cause? You should seriously consider buying your tickets now — early bird prices run through August 30.


Click the button below to get tickets.



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