On Sunday, March 2, I had the pleasure of attending an event run by Let’s Talk Womxn, a national organization that supports women and nonbinary entrepreneurs in the food and drink industry. At the More Than March Shimmer & Shine Bash, business owners and supporters came together to celebrate Women’s History Month (and beyond!) by enjoying the delicious fare, dance music, and atmosphere at Moe’s Cantina in River North.
With more than 30 tasting stations, businesses showed off their takes on classic cuisines. I particularly enjoyed the vegan soul food from Soul Veg City and the birrira grilled cheese from Tacotlan. Dessert fans thrived with an array of tasty options, from Bistronomic‘s PB&J-inspired creme pastry to Whipped Inc.’s strawberry shortcake cup.
And anyone from a liquor connoisseur to a cider lover could enjoy the drink options available. Mmmm….Enjoy Wines offered a light Italian rosé, plus a chic tote bag for an Instagram follow. Catan Pisco had a delicious apple grove paloma, and the adventurous delighted in The Dandy Crown‘s Queen Bee cocktail, featuring 21Seeds’ cucumber Jalapeno tequila.
Founded in 2020 by Rohini Dey, Ph.D., Let’s Talk Womxn describes itself as “an action movement. Not an entity or association” that is “open to all women restaurateurs and entrepreneurs in food and drink.” With no membership dues or unnecessary red tape, Let’s Talk Womxn connects more than 900 entrepreneurs in 15 cities, creating an unmatched opportunity for networking within the restaurant community. In Chicago alone, LTW has more than 120 business owners involved, and their passion for what they do was evident at the Bash. Even in the event’s restroom, I encountered three women on a business call.
The number of influencer-style handheld lights and smartphones was a bit overwhelming, but the event space was more than camera-ready, with candles, balloons, and shimmering outfits adding to the ambiance of sparkle and shine. (And If you’re camera-shy like I am, it was easy enough to avoid event photographers and attendees’ 360 videos.) The VIP hour got the party started, and the drag show provided more opportunities for guests and vendors to bond as they danced and sang along. Throughout the night, house music transitioned to R&B and pop throwbacks, ensuring a good time for all.
The event also provided its own icebreaker with Shimmer & Shine Bingo. Introducing yourself to someone new, complimenting a guest on their outfit, and asking business owners how they got started were just a few of the squares you might check off. There were also plenty of incentives to take selfies with LTW members, follow each other on social media, and connect with folks across different industries. Best of all, you snagged the free space just for showing up and taking it all in!
Keep up with the organization on Instagram at @letstalkwomxn and @letstalkwomxnchi, and follow LTW online at letstalkwomxn.com.
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