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Tripping Billy & Umamicue

  • Bunker 1515 West Monroe Street Chicago, IL, 60607 United States (map)

On August 31st, Bunker’s Seriously Good Chefs Series brings together two of Chicago’s most exciting culinary creators: Tripping Billy and Umamicue.

Billy Zureikat, aka Tripping Billy, is a homegrown force of flavor and resilience. After being diagnosed with limb girdle muscular dystrophy in 2021, he turned to cooking as both therapy and purpose. His inventive pizzas and sandwiches—like the “Tripping Billy” with shishito cream sauce and pickled jalapeños—have powered over 80 pop-ups and raised more than $70,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Named the 2024 Chicago Tribune Reader’s Choice Pop-Up Series of the Year, Billy’s food is as heartfelt as it is craveable. 

Joining him is Charles Wong of Umamicue, a StarChefs Rising Star and pitmaster redefining barbecue in Chicago. Inspired by a trip to Austin’s Franklin Barbecue, Charles left a finance career to launch Umamicue in 2016. His Viet-Chinese-American fusion—think smoked brisket banh mi, crab rangoon, and crispy pork belly—has earned him residencies at Spilt Milk, Little Victories, and now Sterling Food Hall. 

Expect a night of bold, soulful cooking, where pizza meets pit smoke, and sandwiches meet Southeast Asian spice. This is a one-night-only collaboration between two of Chicago’s most inspiring food voices.

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July 27

Sauce & Bread Kitchen

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September 14

Megan Marcias