Today marks the start of the 2009 Taste of Chicago festival! It’s the largest food festival in the country featuring food vendors, free music concerts, free chef demonstrations and more. This year a total of 55 food vendors are featuring their specialties from Indian samosas, Gator Sausage on a Stick, Greek Loukaniko, Shark Veracruz, Steak Jibarito Sandwich and everything in between!
I have to admit that I wasn’t always a fan of The Taste of Chicago. In fact, if you ask local Chicagoans, they may even agree that they don’t go to the festival. Why, you may ask? For me, the crowds, the mediocre quality of food and the heat that tend to steer me away. So why did I go this year? I guess it makes a big difference if you live close enough to walk across the street to get to the Taste… and if you go with a large group of friends who have never been!
Friends that joined me included new Chicago residents along with some long time Chicagoans who enjoy the Taste. Together we bounced from booth to booth to try out various foods. Here are some candid pics of us getting a taste of The Taste as well as some well known food vendors featured this year…
Chicago’s Eli’s Cheesecake
Damian & Nicki are ready to tackle crawfish…
(also featured on the Married with Children sitcom!)
SO jealous! 🙂 I miss Chicago!! My dad and I normally take an annual trip up there in November… hopefully, I'll make it this year (and maybe we could meet up!!)!
summer festivals are such a good idea in theory…but i am a wimp when it comes to heat! smart to go out in the evening though!
I haven't been in years. I'm not good with crowds. It is a great festival, though. Maybe next year…
When my sister came last Jily to visit me, she wanted to see Stevie Wonder at the Taste. OK. It was insanely crowded, of course, but she got to sample a few things. She and her friend went back a couple times throughout the week, because there were a few things she still wanted to try, including chicken & waffles. I'd never heard of it before, and it about made me ill. She got to try it, and she said, "it was disgusting, but I ate it!"
I'm staying in Hyde Park for the summer, and on my way home last week drove by a restaurant that is called Chicken & Waffles. I wish I could have taken a photo to send to her!
Ooooh…beignets…
Looks like a great time to me. And tasty! I'd love to go.
You always attend/host such wonderful events!
I nominated you for a blog award, head over to my blog to receive it!
I know I'm missing/missed the Taste of Chicago! I used to love going there! Maybe next year…