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.
The Menu:
“The D Rose” – Smoked brisket chopped cheese with onions, giardiniera, American cheese, mild sauce aioli, lettuce, tomato, on a seeded hoagie. A true Chicago flex.
Char Siu Pork Collar – Smoked and grilled, served with rice and smashed cucumber salad. Balanced enough to keep you standing.
Smoked Beef Cheek Pizza Puff – Braised beef cheek, Billy’s red sauce, mozzarella, banana peppers. Your guilty pleasure, dressed up.
Pie by Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits – Because it’s Bang Bang. Enough said.
Show up hungry. Leave full. Regret nothing.