Chef Jim Shirley Brings A Taste Of SEASIDE® To Chicago Gourmet

Chef Jim Shirley Brings a Taste of SEASIDE® to Chicago Gourmet

SEASIDE® brought a slice of the Gulf Coast to the Windy City at Chicago Gourmet’s annual Chef’s Get Pickled and Rooftop Events Series, and the result was equal parts epicurean showcase and coastal daydream.

Crowded outdoor Chicago Gourmet event with live music and city skyscrapers backdrop.

Our own Chef Jim Shirley of Great Southern Café was honored to be a featured chef alongside an elite group of Chicago culinary superstars.

Chef in an apron presents a truffle and wine at an outdoor cooking station during a culinary event.

Guests stepped onto the South Walton putting green to test their short game while savoring bites that instantly transported them miles away from Michigan Avenue.

Group posing on mini golf display inside event tent with beach backdrop.

Smiling couple holding mini golf flag and ball inside event tent with ocean backdrop.

Chef and his talented team delighted the crowd with his iconic Grits a Ya Ya and West Indies Crab Salad, treating Chicago to the flavors that make the SEASIDE® dining scene unforgettable.

Two hands clink mini dessert parfaits in tiny martini glasses at a lively event. — Chef Jim Shirley’s Grits a Ya ya

Row of mini appetizer salads in martini glasses, garnished with greens and diced vegetables. — Chef Jim Shirley’s she-crab salad.

Chef Art Smith and his team even sported Seaside hats to show their love, while Featured Chefs Jernard Wells and Lorena Garcia jumped right into the fun.

Chefs preparing shrimp and grits at Chef Art Smith’s Reunion food booth.

Chef Art Smith and team posing behind a cooking demo counter at a food festival booth.

In partnership with Visit South Walton, SEASIDE® added the entertainment with mini golf as a playful, interactive escape tucked between the gourmet stations and framed by Chicago’s skyline. It was the perfect moment that makes people stop, engage, and want to learn more about our own slice of paradise.

Man in a Cubs jersey celebrates a successful mini golf putt with a high five as a cheering crowd looks on.

Man takes a golf swing on a mini putting green inside a crowded event tent with onlookers. — Chef Jernard Wells

Person celebrating while putting on mini golf course inside lively event tent. — Chef Lorena Garcia

The SEASIDE® team was on site all weekend, chatting with guests and connecting with media and VIP partners to share the story of the town and its unique culinary offerings. The full slate of annual events served as a natural conversation topic, reminding us just how deeply SEASIDE® resonates even hundreds of miles from the coast. With winter knocking on Chicago’s door, it was the perfect opportunity to spark a little sunshine envy and keep SEASIDE® top of mind for their next warm-weather escape.

Hands raising slider, cocktail, and appetizer in celebratory outdoor food festival toast.

From bites to birdies to beach scenes, SEASIDE®’s presence at Chicago Gourmet offered guests a momentary getaway and a reminder that the sugar-white sand is never too far away.

November 20, 2025