Five Basic Tips for Maneuvering Taste of Chicago
When I first moved to Chicago, I thought the Taste of Chicago, held every summer at the end of June and the beginning of July, was such a cool event. After all, one of the best things about living in this town is trying out new restaurants. To have so many vendors (over 70 this year) available all in one place with delicious samples wherever you look--well, my only problem was where to find the wheelbarrow to cart me out when I was done.
But my infatuation with this touristy Grant Park event soon turned into active disillusionment. Finally, after one particular July 3, I decided I would...never...go...ever...again, for fear of my life. I broke this vow, but only because I figured out the most painless ways to go about Taste of Chicago. And here is how I do it.
1. Go during a weekday afternoon, if possible. Otherwise, it's just too crowded. If you go in the evenings or on weekends, you might get frustrated at exactly how long it takes to get from place to place. Once, when I went on a Friday night, it literally took me 45 minutes to walk 300 feet from one stand's long line to another stand's long line. I could not even see where I was going, and ended up just eating at the nearest places (or else I wouldn't have gotten food until I was way too hungry to function). Even when I've gone during workday lunch breaks, I've seen frustrated visitors yelling at the people who sell the tickets. But, if you avoid the crowds, you can try a lot more vendors in a shorter space of time, then get back to your air-conditioned home base before things turn ugly.
2. Keep an eye on the weather. Dress appropriately, as there are really only trees nearby under which to take shelter. Avoid Taste of Chicago altogether during inclement weather. I ruined a pair of shoes walking through Taste one year, when suddenly a torrential thunderstorm started beating down on us and everyone started panicking and running for the exits. They dropped their food containers and other assorted items, creating a river of slimy muck along the ground that was part food trash, part wet paper mulch. Families were separated, children were screaming, people were getting pushed around and stepped on, and this was the day I realized I had had it with the Taste of Chicago. I'd avoid Taste during hot days, too, because who wants to eat hot fried foods in the smoking vicinity of hot frying stoves on a hot, frying 96-degree day? But that's just me.
3. Designate a meeting place if you bring friends. This is because inevitably, you and your pals won't want to eat at the same places. Even if you do, the huge crowds can separate you easily. Pick a place, such as the Art Institute lions, as a rendezvous point if you become separated and be patient while waiting. Don't forget your cell phones, because it can take a pretty long time to get from place to place, especially if it's as packed as it can get.
4. Plan ahead. You don't have to map out your projected route (too many variables!), but at least know who's going to be there and what restaurants/events you'd like to try, although there are sure to be tasty surprises along the way. With at least a few appetizer, entrée and dessert offerings from each of the 70 different restaurants available and special events every day, you can't do half the Taste if you don't figure out beforehand what you want to do. You'll find you've filled up on Chicago-style pizza before you even get to the barbecue. Or you'll discover African cuisine, which you've never tried, only when you've filled up on Eli's Cheesecake. Now that's just wrong. If you're going for the fireworks, go early because people tend to set out their blankets way in advance for a good spot to watch the festivities over the lake. Sometimes picking one of the events, such as the Cheap Trick concert, and organizing your Taste trip around the entertainment can be the way to go because then maybe you're not so focused on (and frustrated by) the food situation. And watch out for those port-a-potties--they can get pretty rank at a food festival.
5. Bring your appetite! This is a food festival, and therefore it's full of tasty offerings that will make your mouth water. There is no point in going if you don't plan on being a little adventurous. Everything from homemade candy and ice cream to Italian and French and sausage sandwiches and famous Chicago places are represented here, and if you're ever going to cheat on your diet this is definitely the time to do it.
The Taste of Chicago has spawned many imitators, but it's still the premier foodie festival of all time. This year's is the 27th annual event and will be held starting this Friday, June 29 through July 8. They close off some downtown streets for this Grant Park event, so take note. There are tons of concerts and events and the fireworks planned for July 4, so it's a worthy event to attend if you can stand it. The musical acts include: the Chicago Country Music Festival, Broadway in Chicago, John Mayer, the Grant Park Orchestra, Cheap Trick (a local favorite) and the Black Crowes. Comedy, talent shows, cartoon-watching, the Race to the Taste on July 1 and July 4th fireworks are among the planned events. For more information on the events, plus a map so you can plan your trip, go to the event website.
