The author, TV host and all-around foodie icon dishes on her new Feedback Chicago event and why she loves the Windy City.

This weekend, Rachael Ray takes a break from hosting her eponymous hit cooking show to bring her annual food and music soirée, “Rachael Ray’s Feedback,” to Chicago. The mini-festival, which has been held at SXSW for the past nine years, will feature delicious eats by guest chef Charlie McKenna of Lillie’s Q and Ray herself, along with tunes by Grace Potter, Lee Fields & The Expressions, and more. We caught up with Rachael to get all the details on the summer bash.

SPLASH: You’ve previously only held this event in Austin. What made Chicago your first-choice destination for Feedback’s expansion?

RACHAEL RAY: Chicago is home to some of my favorite restaurants, chefs and dear friends. It’s a city [that] I’m always paying attention to. Like Austinites, Chicagoans dine out a lot, support the thriving local live music scene, and [the city’s] location allows for folks from neighboring states and regions to enjoy its offerings.

S: Where in Chicago do you have to go every time you visit? 

RR: All things Rick Bayless, Lee Wolen, Stephanie Izard’s Duck Duck Goat, Paul Virant, Josh’s Hot Dogs.

S: What gave you the idea to combine music and food in an event like this?

RR: I cook. My husband has a band. We don’t enjoy going to overcrowded shows with limited food options and worse booze offerings. We decided to design the party we wanted to go to.

S: Can you tell us the dish you’re most excited about serving at Feedback Chicago?

RR: All of them including our guest Chefs’ creation. The corn, Pilsen dogs, beef Nachos, wings, and Dan Dan noodles [are] all favorite recipes and I’m always excited for Charlie McKenna’s BBQ and anything by Giuseppe Tentori.

Feedback Chicago will be held at the Lincoln Park Zoo (2001 N. Clark) June 25 from 6-11 p.m. Tickets start at $49.50; Feedbackchicago.com