Taste of Chicago
It’s hard to imagine a “tastier” time to visit the Windy City than during the annual Taste of Chicago.
Set for July 8 through 12, 2015, it takes place all through Grant Park along the waterfront next to Chicago’s Loop. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. (Insiders know that the least crowded times are weekday lunch and early afternoon.)
Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, there’s everything from deep dish pizza to chili dogs to sushi (and a whole lot of other world cuisines as well). But — there’s free admission and lots of music; you just pay for the food you sample — and, yes, the longest lines often signal the best eats. Participating vendors include at least 50 restaurants with hundreds of food choices from ethnic neighborhood favorites to James Beard award-winning eateries.
Food and beverage tickets are sold in strips of 12 tickets for $8.50 (which includes $2.50 charge for Taste amenities); ticket sales end at 8:30 p.m. each day. Smaller “Taste of Portions” are available at each food vendor and are between 1 and 5 tickets.
If you haven’t been, Road Trips Foodies, this is a “must” on your summer festival calendar.
