By: Ashmar Mandou

Escape the frigid temperatures with a feast of exotic cuisine from around the city. First Bites Bash returns Thursday, Jan. 24th at the Field Museum for a one-night official kick-off for the 12th annual Chicago Restaurant Week, organized by Choose Chicago. Join other food lovers for savory and sweet food tastings from more than 70 of Chicago’s most celebrated chefs and restaurants. Joe Flamm, executive chef of Chicago’s Michelin-starred Spiaggia and Café Spiaggia and winner of Bravo’s Top Chef Season 15, will serve as Host Chef of this year’s event. This year’s event will benefit Pilot Light, a local non-profit that helps kids make healthier choices through food education. General admission tickets are $125 and if you would like to learn more, visit www.choosechicago.com.

Photo Credit: Choose Chicago