The Hellenic Museum will be the first Greek cultural museum in America and it will be in Chicago! This is a great chance to not only taste some unique and awesome food but to get to preview the museum as well.

Tonight begins "Kouzina", their tasting-fundraiser that spans 3 days. This evening features their Chef Tasting and includes award winning and celebrated local chefs:

• George Bumbaris – Prairie Grass Café, Prairie Fire
• Louis Alexakis – Avli Estatorio
  Diane Kochilas (Consulting Chef)
• Nia Asimis – Nia’s on Randolph
• Jimmy Bannos – Heaven on Seven
• Jimmy Bannos, Jr. – The Purple Pig
• John Boudouvas – Mia Figlia
• Karyn Calabrese – Karyn’s
• Jesse DeGuzman – Sunda
• John Gatsos – Tavern on Rush
• Frank Georgakopoulos – Meli Restaurant
• Jason Hammel & Amalea Tshlidis - Lula’s Café/Nightwood
• Kevin Hickey – Four Seasons Hotel
• Chan Le – Le Colonial
• Michael Noll – Elate
• Jonathan Sawyer – Green House Tavern, Cleveland
• David Schneider – Taxim
• James Toland – Black Sheep

Tomorrow is the Premium Dinner, David Schneider's 4-course meal with reserve wine pairings.

“I’m trying to take Greek food back to its regional roots and cultural capital. I'm honored to create the menu and prepare the first annual Kouzina Premium Dinner at the National Hellenic Museum, which will preserve and celebrate Greek culture for fellow Greeks and share our rich history and culture with visitors from all backgrounds.” –David Schneider

Friday includes lectures and cooking demonstrations as well as an open marketplace featuring Greek foods.

Tickets are $100 for a one-day admission; $150 per person for Premium Dinner only, and $200 for a three-day pass (includes Premium dinner). Tickets can be purchased in advance at their website or by calling 312-655-1234.