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By Accident, Choice, or Grace -
A Live Podcast Experience
by The Evolved Network
Picnic at Just Roots Farm


JUST ROOTS FARM
2936 S. Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

Saturday,
July 25, 2026
2–4:15 PM

Come spend the afternoon on the farm.
Join us at Just Roots Farm for the first live recording of By Accident, Choice, or Grace, where chefs, growers, educators, and community leaders explore food, care, and connection through conversation and shared experience.

Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, your favorite beverages, and the people you love. We'll take care of the food with seasonal chef tastings throughout the afternoon.
Every ticket helps
bridge the funding gap to keep programming available for students at William Ray Elementary and National Teachers Academy.
What to Expect
  • Live Podcast & Conversation
    A live podcast recording with chefs, growers, educators, and community leaders, followed by audience Q&A.
  • BYOB Picnic & Chef Tastings
    Bring a blanket, chairs, and your favorite beverages. We'll take care of the food with seasonal chef tastings.
  • Explore the Farm
    Wander the gardens, connect with fellow guests, and enjoy an afternoon of food, conversation, and community. Families are warmly welcomed.
  • VIP Farm Tour
    1:30-2:00 pm

    A guided champagne tour of Just Roots Farm before the afternoon begins.
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS
Who's in the Conversation
Every episode of By Accident, Choice, or Grace explores the relationships, experiences, and moments that shape the way we care for one another. This live conversation brings together chefs, educators, growers, and community leaders whose work offers different perspectives on food, care, community, and belonging.
  • SELMA SIMS

    Lead Grower, Executive Director, Gardeneers
  • ALEX DESOBRO QUINN

    Executive Director,
    Pilot Light Grill
  • SARAH STEGNER

    Chef, Owner,
    Prairie Grass Cafe,
    Co-Founder - Chicago Chefs Cook, Green City Market, Women’s Chef Exchange
  • NICK DAVIS

    Local Farmer Organizer
  • JESSYCA DUDLEY
    Founder and CEO,
    Bold Ventures
  • ANNA ERICKSON
    Teacher, William Ray Elementary School
  • SEBASTIAN WHITE
    Founder & Executive Director, The Evolved Network
  • XIMENA N. BELTRAN QUON KIU
    Writer and Storyteller
    Panel Moderator
  • ANNA ERICKSON
    Teacher, William Ray Elementary School
  • NICK DAVIS
    Local Farmer Organizer
  • JESSYCA DUDLEY
    Founder and CEO, Bold Ventures
  • SELMA SIMS
    Lead Grower, Executive Director, Gardeneers
  • ALEX DESOBRO QUINN
    Executive Director, Pilot Light Grill
  • SEBASTIAN WHITE
    Founder & Executive Director, The Evolved Network
  • SARAH STEGNER
    Chef, Owner, Prairie Grass Cafe,
    Co-Founder - Chicago Chefs Cook, Green City Market, Women’s Chef Exchange
  • XIMENA N. BELTRAN QUON KIU
    Writer and Storyteller
    Panel Moderator
The Meal
No picnic is complete without something good to eat.

After the live conversation, spend the afternoon exploring chef tasting stations featuring seasonal bites prepared by some of Chicago's most thoughtful chefs. Bring a blanket, your favorite beverages, and your appetite—we'll take care of the food.
  • TIGIST REDA
    Demera
  • ARSHIYA FARHEEN
    Verzanay
  • CHRISTINE CIKOWSKI
    Honey Butter Fried Chicken
  • SANDRA HOLL
    Floriole
  • SARAH STEGNER
    Prairie Grass Cafe
  • MICHAEL CIAPCIAK
    Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
  • SEBASTIAN WHITE
    Evolved Kitchen and Garden
  • TIGIST REDA
    Demera
  • ARSHIYA FARHEEN
    Verzanay
    James Beard Award Semifinalist
  • CHRISTINE CIKOWSKI
    Honey Butter Fried Chicken
  • SANDRA HOLL
    Floriole
  • SARAH STEGNER
    Prairie Grass Cafe
    2 x James Beard Award Winner
  • MICHAEL CIAPCIAK
    Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits
  • SEBASTIAN WHITE
    Evolved Kitchen and Garden
Continue the conversation
Every panelist has previously joined By Accident, Choice, or Grace. Listen to their episodes before gathering with us on the farm.

→ Listen to the BACG Podcast