In August, Gaggenau and Abt hosted an Evening in the Black Forest at the BSH Chicago Experience & Design Center. The showroom was transformed into an immersive, multisensory experience created exclusively for a select group of design industry leaders offering a unique opportunity to engage with Gaggenau’s appliances while learning about the brand’s rich heritage. The gathering included a private pop-up dinner crafted by renowned chef and culinary artist Bobby Cortez, whose visionary approach to tasting installations seamlessly merges design, architecture, and culinary innovation into an unforgettable sensorial journey.
Following a welcome and networking opportunity within the Gaggenau space which included hands-on product demonstrations with Mandy Bauer, Gaggenau Sales Manager for the Eastern Region, the evening transitioned into a private caviar and Ruinart champagne tasting, curated by Christopher Klapp of Petrossian. With nearly a century of expertise, Petrossian guides guests through the delicate art of caviar, showcasing the nuances of four exceptional varieties, each complemented by the elegance of Ruinart champagne.
The highlight of the evening was a six-course dinner, artfully curated by Chef Bobby Cortez alongside the CEDC’s own Chef Amy Alcorn and prepared in the Gaggenau kitchen. The dinner menu, inspired by the birthplace of Gaggenau—the German Black Forest, featured seasonal ingredients and beautifully crafted dishes transporting guests to the heart of this storied landscape within the showroom’s vault which was transformed into a Black Forest-inspired setting. Surrounded by the earthy scents and florals of the forest, guests were welcomed to an intimate table, setting the stage for a captivating culinary journey and lively conversation. Each dish was thoughtfully paired with a fine wine selection, presented by Christopher Klapp.
