Taste of Chicago moves ahead with Chef Du Jour | Chef lineup

Taste of Chicago draws one million visitors each year.

A few months ago, the mayor's office announced its plans to hold Chef Du Jour—a $40 three-course meal, prepared by one of five big-name local chefs, at Taste of Chicago. But, like all—well, most—things City of Chicago, it would first have to be run through the City Council in the form of an ordinance.

Today, the City Council passed the ordinance, which seeks to create new ticketed experiences at Taste of Chicago. The mayor's office confirmed that the meals will proceed as planned. In the last three years, the city has been running Taste of Chicago at a deficit and hopes that the meals (as well as $25 ticked Petrillo Bandshell seats) are part of an expected $375,000 profit.

You can find the meals at a special dining tent near the Buckingham Fountain July 11–13. Those who can't afford the gourmet feast (let's face it, this could break the bank for many Taste-loving Chicago families) are in luck: Each chef will also sell one dish at the standard Taste of Chicago item price, less than $8, which buys a strip of 12 tickets.

The lineup is as follows:

• Wednesday dinner, Carlos Gaytan (Mexique)
• Thursday dinner, Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia, Bar Toma)
• Friday dinner, Graham Elliot (graham elliot)
• Saturday lunch, Stephanie Izard (Girl & the Goat)
• Sunday lunch, Jimmy Bannos Sr. (Heaven on Seven)