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In the pantheon of Chicago celebrity chefs, Stephanie Izard ranks among my favorites. Not only was Stephanie the first woman to win on “Top Chef,” my favorite television show, she is also a fellow curly girl and an all-round lovely person. So as soon as I heard that Stephanie Izard, a member of Macy’s Culinary Council, was doing a demo of her favorite holiday recipes at the flagship Macy’s store on State Street in Chicago, I reserved my spot.

But wait, there’s more! Joining Stephanie at the demo on December 4 is Los Angeles-based chef Nancy Silverton, another member of the Macy’s Culinary Council. Nancy Silverton is a James Beard award-winner, restauranteur, cookbook author and all-around culinary guru. Through her work with La Brea Bakery in the 90’s, Nancy Silverton made artisan bread mainstream in America. As it that weren’t enough, Nancy reinvented pizza with the opening of her restaurant Pizzeria Mozza in 2007.

Her cookbooks, Nancy Silverton’s Pastries from the La Brea Bakery and Nancy Silverton’s Breads from the La Brea Bakery, were nominated for awards from Julia Child and the James Beard Foundation, respectively. I own the bread cookbook and it is incredibly informative. Nancy Silverton’s 8th cookbook, “The Mozza Cookbook”, was released in October 2011.

What an amazing opportunity to learn from these master chefs as they show you how to prepare award-winning holiday dishes. Having attended several Macy’s Culinary Council events, I can tell you that there is no better way to get close to your favorite celebrity chef and learn from him or her. The best part? There’ll be plenty of scrumptious samples to enjoy!

So won’t you join me on December 4 at noon to see Chef Stephanie Izard and Chef Nancy Silverton  at the State Street Macy’s 7th floor Culinary Studio?  With any purchase of $35 or more in the Home Department, you will receive a $10 gift card and either a copy of Stephanie’s book Girl in the Kitchen OR a copy of Nancy’s book, The Mozza Cookbook. If you collect signed cookbooks, as I do, you will be happy to know that both chefs will be signing their books after the demo on the Lower Level. Do NOT try to get ahead of me in line!

Seating for the December 4 event is limited and on a first come, first served basis. The event is free, but you will need to RSVP by calling 1-800-329-8667. Do it today because this event will fill up quickly.

See you on December 4 at noon the flagship Macy’s store on State Street in downtown Chicago!