Taste Agent and Sips + Clicks Event

Sips + Clicks at Kindling Chicago: A Night of Taste, Trends, and Inspiration with Taste Agent

On Monday, May 19, the Chicago foodie scene gathered at Kindling Chicago for Sips + Clicks, a lively panel and mixer hosted by Taste Agent—a platform and community that connects creators with restaurants and brands through curated culinary experiences. From 6:30 to 8:30 PM, creators, restaurant professionals, and digital storytellers came together to share insight, sip cocktails, and spark new collaborations.

The event was held at the stunning Kindling Chicago, located at the base of Willis Tower. With its open kitchen, wood-fired menu, and contemporary vibe, the venue was the perfect backdrop for a conversation about the ever-evolving world of food, hospitality, and digital influence.

The Panel: Powerhouse Perspectives

The evening's highlight was the panel discussion featuring some of Chicago’s most exciting culinary and creator voices:

• Corrine McClintock [@corrine_eats] – A content creator known for her mouthwatering restaurant reels and TikToks, Corrine shared how storytelling, consistency, and authenticity have helped her build an engaged foodie following.

• Chef Jonathon Sawyer – The James Beard Award-winning chef behind Kindling Chicago, Chef Sawyer provided a behind-the-scenes look into crafting a hospitality experience that shines online and off. His passion for fire-cooked food and creative plating matched his enthusiasm for working with creators to bring that story to life.

• Josean Irizarry – The entrepreneurial force behind Smash Jibarito, Josean discussed how his Puerto Rican-inspired smashburger concept became a viral hit thanks to strategic content partnerships and an understanding of Chicago’s street food culture.

• Sabrina Crawford [@planes_and_plates] – A travel and food influencer, Sabrina offered advice on creating high-impact content while traveling, building partnerships with restaurants, and standing out with cinematic content.

• Thomas Oh – Director of Operations at Perilla, one of Chicago’s top Korean restaurants, Thomas brought a restaurant operator’s perspective, emphasizing the importance of building real relationships with content creators and aligning on shared brand values.

The Vibe: Community, Creativity, and Connection

Attendees sipped on curated cocktails, sampled small bites from Kindling’s seasonal menu, and mingled with fellow content creators, restaurateurs, and marketers. The vibe was collaborative and inspiring—exactly the kind of setting that Taste Agent has become known for curating.

Whether you came to ask questions, make connections, or capture great photos and reels, Sips + Clicks delivered a perfect blend of education and energy. Taste Agent continues to empower both creators and restaurants by providing opportunities to collaborate, grow, and thrive in a highly visual, social-first world.