The Food Court puts creative, interdisciplinary programming and production on the table — and everyone’s invited to play.

A group of people around a table at a dinner party, raising glasses of red wine in a toast, with food and drinks on the table.
A group of people around a table at a dinner party, raising glasses of red wine in a toast, with food and drinks on the table.
“Erin is the person you want in the room when a hundred details and people need to come together. She takes a vision and turns it into a lasting experience. With an incredible ability to think several steps ahead, she anticipates what’s needed before it’s asked for, bringing a steadiness that puts everyone at ease. If you’re building a food and beverage event or program and want it done well, she’s the one to call.”
— MARIAM PARKER, Chicagoland Food and Beverage Network

RECENT PARTNERS

Logo of Cultivamos featuring a line drawing of a wine glass with a landscape of a sun, hills, and fields inside, and the text "CULTIVAMOS" below with smaller text "wine · olive oil · portugal".
Close-up of black text that reads 'OdpBird' on a white background.
Black and white illustration of a person holding a paper with a light bulb, surrounded by various icons such as stars, a clock, a magnifying glass, and a speech bubble, representing ideas or creativity.
Text reading 'The Zero Proof' in bold black letters.
A wine barrel featuring a treble clef reading 88 Vines Entertainment underneath.
The phrase 'Txa Txa' written in bold, textured black letters with a distressed appearance.
The words 'Spirit Tea' written in black cursive text on a white background.
Close-up of the Esporão logo, featuring black stylized text with accent marks, on a white background.

The Food Court Collaborations

A woman standing and speaking to a group of women seated at a restaurant counter, with wine bottles and glasses on the counter.
“Erin is a brilliant and passionate operator and curator. A first round draft pick for any project! Perhaps more important than anything, Erin operates with integrity—the kind of person you hope to have on your team and represent you in the best-or most challenging-circumstances. ”
— MEGAN MARSHALL, Edible Chicago

photo by Jeff Fierberg

“Major props to Erin Drain, who not only curated the excellent wines on offer but pulled together a killer lineup of sponsors.”
— NATHAN THORNBURGH, Roads & Kingdoms

James Beard Independent Media Brunch

JUNE 2026 | with Roads & Kingdoms and Saveur

A cheese and charcuterie platter with assorted cheeses, cured meats, crackers, and pink labels indicating different food items, set on a table for a gathering or celebration.
“When I’m planning an event, I immediately turn to Erin. She brings a cool head, sage advice, and thoughtful perspectives to all stages of event conceptualization, planning, and production, and I truly could not imagine doing what I do without her on my team. ”
— LAURA SCHERB, Page & Plate
A woman with dark hair is smiling and clapping, surrounded by seated and standing people at an indoor event with natural light and exposed brick walls.

Anti-ICE Supper Club

MAY 2026 | with Roads & Kingdoms

photos by Jeff Fierberg

People socializing and chatting at a busy restaurant or bar with warm lighting, brick wall, and large windows.
Pink event flyer for Roads & Kingdoms at TXA TXA with a wine glass illustration and various event details.

Chicago Great Bakes Challenge

JUNE 2026 | with Les Dames d’Escoffier Chicago

photos by Page & Plate

Various strawberry and raspberry desserts decorated with pink icing, white spheres, and yellow-green drops on individual cupcake liners on a wire cooling rack.
A restaurant table setting with a menu, a plate, silverware, a glass of water, and two empty wine glasses on a wooden table.

Game on.

From intimate dinners to educational brand activations, interdisciplinary cutural programming to community gatherings, The Food Court creates events that feel distinctive, generous, and well-run.

The Food Court on Instagram

The Food Court 💚❤️ Portugal (and you CAN, too!)
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