Sinterklaas in Chicago: A Celebration of Fine Dining and Holiday Tradition
The holiday season is a time for connection, warmth, and unforgettable meals shared with the people who matter most. This year, Chef David de Quay invites Chicago guests to celebrate the season through a culinary experience that blends Dutch heritage, Indonesian influences, and modern European technique, creating a holiday dinner unlike anything else in the city.
For two evenings only, guests will gather around a communal table in Andersonville for a multi-course menu that showcases winter comfort, bold global flavors, and thoughtful wine pairings curated to enhance every bite.
A Celebration Rooted in Heritage and Global Influence
Chef David’s approach to holiday dining begins with his Dutch roots and expands into the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine, a cultural connection shared through centuries of culinary history. Rather than recreating tradition, Chef David reimagines it, using contemporary technique and refined ingredients to craft dishes that feel both nostalgic and new.
This seasonal dinner is designed to bring people together, encouraging conversation, curiosity, and the sense of connection that defines the holidays. Each dish is plated with intention. Every flavor has a purpose. And each course builds a narrative that celebrates culture, craft, and winter comfort.
A Menu Designed for Depth, Warmth, and Seasonal Luxury in Chicago
The evening opens with an innovative take on Spanish–Dutch Paella, layered with smoked Dutch rookworst, garlic shrimp, saffron rice, fennel, chicken cracklins, pumpkinseed pesto, and an indulgent sambal–shrimp beurre blanc.
This dish reflects the event’s essence, globally influenced, boldly flavored, and rooted in tradition.
The next course highlights a beautifully executed Panko and Curry-Crusted Tuna, paired with candied kumquats, cucumber, micro cilantro, and a red ginger–kaffir vinaigrette. The balance of bright acidity and delicate spice offers a refreshing contrast to winter’s richness.
One of the evening’s most comforting elements, Dutch Braised Endive, arrives with aged gouda velouté, a caraway potato crisp, pastrami, and cranberry balsamic compote, each component adding a layer of earthiness, warmth, and holiday depth.
To complement the menu, guests will enjoy sommelier-selected wine pairings, thoughtfully chosen to enhance the bold global flavors woven throughout the evening.
A World-Class Chicago Dining Experience by A Personal Private Chef
The dinner takes place Andersonville, Chicago offering cozy ambiance, candlelit warmth, and limited communal seating for an enjoyable dining experience.
This format encourages conversation, shared discovery, and an elevated holiday experience that feels both luxurious and inviting. Guests are encouraged to arrive with curiosity, an appetite for global cuisine, and a desire to enjoy the season in a meaningful way.
Event Details
Dates: Friday & Saturday, December 12 & 13
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Andersonville, Chicago (address provided upon reserving date)
Price: $225 per guest + tax
Includes: Multi-course dinner + curated wine pairings
Seating: Limited communal seating
Reservations can be made at www.chefdaviddequay.com
Simply click Inquiry and mention “Sinterklaas” in the Tell Me More Section
This dinner is more than a menu, it's a modern celebration of Dutch tradition, Indonesian influence, and Chef David’s signature style. Every course is designed to surprise, comfort, and spark conversation. Every glass is poured with intention. And every moment encourages guests to slow down and savor the season.
Seats are extremely limited for this two-night event, reserve now.