On Wednesday, Dave and I ran over to the Taste of Chicago for lunch. (I link to the Sun-Times site because its much much better than the city’s web page for the Taste. So goofy.) We’ve been doing it every year we’ve been working nearby, so we didn’t want to break a 4 year thing. That and the taste can be yummy.
Anyway, I had some thoughts related to the taste, but I’ve been too busy the past few days to follow up with them. Luckily, Nick went there as well and had many of the same thoughts.
To add to Nick’s thoughts:
I noticed some of the same things he did. It seems to be getting a little worse in the non-sensicle taste portions each year.
And while I love going on the 3rd, I have to say this past wednesday 6/29, was perfect for lunch. Fairly low attendence so we were able to get in, get tickets immediately, and never had to wait for food.
My find of the taste was the taste portion at Robinson’s ribs. It was a full link of italian sausage slathered in BBQ sauce and in a bun. On a normal day, that’s pretty close to a full lunch for me.
Damn. Robinson’s. I miss the Taste.
Used to have Robinson’s for LUNCH when I was in HIGH SCHOOL! How awesome is that? They had a special lunch menu so I could have a delicious cheeseburger … man … I miss that.
This year due to scheduling conflicts (and The Wife not in the mood to be around crowds or smelling a lot of food on our only available weekend) I had to unfortunately pass on the Taste. I had gone every year since 1993.
However being only about 5 miles away, I made it to Naperville’s Ribfest on the 4th. But, really only good if you like BBQ (more than just ribs). Not as diverse a selection as the Taste.
Since I only had about 90 minutes I made quick work of four half-slabs of ribs, a bowl of gumbo, a riblet sandwich, an elephant ear, and a Coke. I had a grand experience with the fare.
I went after 6PM on the 4th when admission was free (otherwise $7 this year) and the infrequent rain drops thinned the crowd out of the lines and in to the tents, as Naper-villians must melt in the rain.
So, if you enjoy ribs or just BBQ, pay no attention to the locals, and want some carnival rides for the kids, I’d recommend it. They also have the requisite singers/entertainment in a few tents around the place, and you can bring your lawn chairs/blankets if you so desire. -m