Food Network Star Rachael Ray Brings Festival Flavor to Lincoln Park Zoo

Summertime in Chicago is synonymous with festivals — A fact not lost on celebrity chef Rachael Ray.

That's perhaps why the effervescent Food Network star is bringing her signature foodie bash to Chicago for the first time. Ray will commandeer the Lincoln Park Zoo on Saturday, June 25, with Feedback Chicago, a food and music soiree that has 9-year-old roots at Austin, Texas' South by Southwest festival.

“It’s the first time we’ve taken it on the road, and I thought Chicago would be a good place to dip our toe,” Ray told The Chicago Sun-Times when the event was initially announced.

Feedback's menu is packed with locally inspired eats such as Italian beef nachos and a Pilsen-style Mexican hotdog, according to the story. It will also spotlight musical artists like Grace Potter and Lee Fields & The Expressions.

"Dishes at past Feedback festivals have included fried chicken with jalapeño-popper grits, beer and bourbon pulled pork sliders, upside-down Frito pie and grilled corn with pimiento cheese," reported The Chicago Tribune.

Per-person tickets start at $49.50. Big spenders can fork over $299 in exchange for express entry, unlimited libations and fare, and VIP rooftop access. Check out Ticketweb for additional details.

Accompanying photo courtesy of Flickr.