CHAIN, the chef-driven pop-up founded by B.J. Novak and Michelin-starred chef Tim Hollingsworth, teamed up with Jameson Black Barrel and beloved Chicago institution Portillo’s to debut their latest immersive concept: Hot Dog High Tea — an elevated, bite-sized reimagining of eight iconic Chicago flavors served in classic high tea fashion.
Guests were welcomed into an intimate space for an exclusive evening of indulgence, where Portillo’s fan-favorites were transformed into refined tasting bites, served on tiered tea towers, and paired with custom Jameson Black Barrel cocktails. Before and after their seated service, attendees sipped their way through a whiskey tasting experience featuring the bold and complex notes of Jameson Black Barrel, while enjoying surprise moments and immersive brand touchpoints throughout the night.
Notable guests in attendance included Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Chief Keef, Katie Maloney, Dayna Kathan, Ryan Cabrera, Lexie Bliss, Kelly Rizzo, Jack Martin, Gray Fagan, Wes Armstrong, Brandi King, Kai Kaster, Natalie Alyn Lind, Grays World, and more.
The Jameson Black Barrel bar featured an expertly curated selection of cocktails crafted to complement each dish. The cocktails included were the Honey Crisp Apple Old Fashioned, the Warm Milk Punch, the Black Barrel Julep, and the Black Barrel Carbonated Tea.
The food menu, curated by CHAIN, offered a sophisticated twist on Portillo’s classics. The menu included The Chicago Pup, which is a Vienna beef pup on a poppy seed bun with Chain’s Haute Dog Relish™, umami celery salt, and a lil’ dill spear. The Italian Beef & Truffle, a marinated ribeye, truffle giardiniera, provolone, shaved truffles, and Jameson Black Barrel. Also on the menu was the BBQ Chicken Tea Sandwich, which is smoked chicken thigh with Jameson Black Barrel BBQ sauce on milk bread. Salt & Pepper Pizzelle, which is inspired by Portillo’s crinkle fries, reimagined with savory tomato jam. Portillo’s Cheese Gougères, light fluffy bites brushed with clarified butter and filled with Portillo’s signature cheese. A Chocolate Croissant, a rich spin on Portillo’s eclair cake with a Jameson Black Barrel-infused filling. Strawberry Shortcake Sandwich, which includes black pepper biscuits with a Jameson Black Barrel Chantilly cream. Lastly, the chocolate cake, finished with a Jameson Black Barrel caramel glaze.
This one-night-only, invite-only event brought together the best of Chicago’s nostalgic flavors with the bold innovation of CHAIN and the premium character of Jameson Black Barrel.
Images courtesy of The Influence
