Umami Doughnuts with a side of Philanthropy: Eden & Paramount Events, Chicago

The Lauren Ignited Podcast

Passionate is an understatement for the wife and husband duo Jodi and Devon of Eden Restaurant & Paramount Events in Chicago. For having only been in business since 2011, the company has been able to establish themselves as a force in the Chicago catering scene, open a restaurant, launch a venue, and raise over 2 million dollars to support breast cancer research.

Eden, which opened earlier this year, merges farm fresh ingredients with international flavors. The Umami Donuts are insane. Think of something that’s between an empanada, a hushpuppy, and a filled doughnut. Rotating seasonal fillings like pork confit or miso mushrooms are wrapped in house made dough and fried to golden brown before being coated with a savory dust of spices. Served with a side of Raclette sauce (yeah, that’s the cheese you’ve been seeing flambéed and scrapped off onto everything on Facebook), these things are out of this world.

Chef Devon told us that what makes them even better is that he literally uses “catering scraps” for the fillings, reducing overall waste -- Literally the tastiest bits of scraps, we’ve ever had.

Jodi is a woman on the go! Between overseeing all operations of the business, she also is an insane philanthropist, not just supporting non-profit organizations with funds, but providing them with a venue to host an event, leading the charge on annual fundraisers, and being an active board member. Check out the Paramount website HERE to see what organizations they are all about, and how they are giving back.

With a greenhouse in the parking lot, a beautiful urban facility nestled near the green line, high expectations, big plans, and an incredible drive. Paramount and Eden are going to continue to aim high and make an impact on Chicago with both delicious food and community support.