I am a big fan of pop-ups, especially the ones in Chicago. Yes, they’re temporary, but they are one of the best experiences in my opinion. They’re not something you can experience every day and it’s a perfect time for much needed date nights or just a fun night with your friends. We’ve all heard of these T.V show pop-ups right? Well, this one is even better.
Reunion Park pop-up is an underground dinner series where you will enjoy 10 courses of pure perfection. I was lucky enough to get a hold of the chef and organizer himself, Alex Wnorowski. His dedication and enthusiasm for this event is clearly shown in my *brief* Instagram interview with him below.
“Reunion Park Pop Up has been my project for about two years. The idea started when I first visited a friend in Chicago who had recently moved from NC, where we worked together, to Chicago to chase the Michelin life. I had a trip planned for Chicago to stage for a position at a really good restaurant and figured it would be nice to cross paths with my friend and catch up if I had the time. During my layover, we got to talking about this pop up he started while he was there. At that point, I had no idea what a pop up was. The more he explained it to me, the more I was intrigued and wanted to see it for myself. I then proceeded to cancel the interview, and dedicate the three days I was there all to this pop up dinner he had that weekend. I fell in love with the process. I fell in love with Chicago and the energy that everyone has. The second I stepped off the plane at O’Hare, I was hooked. It was around that time that I first watched a documentary that really changed my life. A sous chef of mine jokingly recommended I watch 42 grams, which was on Netflix at the time. I’m not sure why, but he was shocked when I showed up the next day lit up with passion and excitement that I’ve never felt before. Serendipitous events led to me being able to help Jake with a couple pop ups in Chicago, and also here in North Carolina. It was after the dinner here that I decided to start this pop up and the following month, December 2019, was my first dinner.The dinners in Chicago are emotional for me. They bring me back to a mentality of pure inspiration. A lot has changed since I made my first trip there for a covert job interview that never ended up happening, but I love being back. The dinners in Lincoln Park are actually where I helped Jake for the first time. I personally targeted this event space for those sentimental feelings. I can’t wait to come back for my second set of dinners on my own!”
Reunion Park is coming to Chicago this June! Tickets are already selling out fast so be sure to buy yours. The event will run June 4- June 6. The June 4th experience is already sold out so if you’re itching to attend a food pop-up with an amazing line-up of courses, get your tickets now and show Chef Wnorowski some love on Instagram! You can find the link to purchase tickets here.
Featured Image Credit: Reunion Park Pop-Up