Last night, Lollapalooza Chow Town Culinary Director Graham Elliot Bowles held an exclusive preview party of what's to expect at this year's music festival. Basically, it's amazing.
Playing host to an intimate crowd at his restaurant (including Lollapalooza founder Perry Farrell and Top Chef Masters' Tony Mantuano), Bowles handpicked a sample of independent vendors from the impressive 30 vendors showcasing at the music festival and we couldn't have been more impressed with the snack selection this year. In addition to Graham Elliot's infamous lobster corndog, Big Star's Paul Kahan cooked up some amazing sopes that even won Bowles's approval. "I could probably eat 50 of the sope de panzas from Big Star. They were so delicious." Bowles says.
Much like eating at the real restaurant, Kuma's sliders took the longest to get ahold of, and while delicious, we're skeptical about how well the messy fried egg will hold up in 90-degree heat. We're banking on The Southern to fill the gap, with food essentially made for bayou conditions. Chef Cary Taylor will be serving hush puppies and sweet potato fries in addition to his chilled Gulf shrimp cocktail, which he'd love to serve to some of the performing acts. "I grew up listening to Green Day and Soundgarden, so I'd love to cook for them," Taylor says.
Having cooked for bands like Kings of Leon, Jane's Addiction, and Band of Horses, Bowles says he would love to cook for Lady Gaga this year — or rather have her cook for him: "I'd love to see Lady Gaga cook something for me. I just think she's so artistic and expressive and creative, like what would she do in a kitchen?" We're not sure what Lady Gaga would cook up (though she has the sensibility to eat at Kuma's Corner), but from we tasted last night, we wouldn't be surprised to see a special order or three heading backstage.
A sample of what's on the menu:
Graham Elliot - Lobster corndog with honey essence, spinach paprika and lemon aioli; Truffle popcorn with grated parmesan, black pepper and fresh herbs
Sunda - Bao buns with pork belly, pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce
The Southern - Chilled Gulf shrimp with heirloom tomatoes, summer peaches and cocktail sauce
Big Star - Sope de Panza with pork belly, tomato-guajillo sauce and black beans
Kuma's Corner - Kuma's slider with fried egg, bacon and cheddar
more cupcakes - Red Velvet; black & white; salted caramel; passionfruit meringue; sweet corn
