Taste of Chicago To-Go offers a new experience with neighbor events
Chicago's largest outdoor food festival is back this summer, and re-imagined for a post-COVID-19 world.
The Taste of Chicago To-Go will forgo its usual crowded Grant Park venue downtown. Instead, it will take place across the city in a number of neighborhoods, from Pullman to Humboldt Park.
“It's allowed the Taste of Chicago to stretch its arms a little bit,” said Neal Heitz, director of event production at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
From July 7 to 11, there will be a series of pop-up events with food, music and dance.
Nearly 40 local eateries are participating. Many Taste favorites, including Robinson's No. 1 Ribs and Chicago's Dog House, will return. However, there will be new vendors such as Razpachos, a South Side paleteria; Healthy Substance, a Latin-inspired vegan restaurant; and Whadda Jerk, a Caribbean food truck.
“I think people are genuinely excited about the fact that the Taste of Chicago is coming to their community,” Heitz said.
Among the highlights:
• Pullman City Market at 11100 S. Cottage Grove Ave. will host a pop-up taste on July 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. featuring food vendors, food trucks and Chicago SummerDance, a series inviting those of all ages to take part in introductory dance lessons by professional instructors.
• From 1 to 7 p.m. on July 8, Austin Town Hall City Market at 5610 W. Lake St. will have a pop-up taste with food vendors, food trucks and music.
• On July 9, ¡WEPA! Mercado del Pueblo at 2559 W. Division St. will host Puerto Rican Food, Coffee and Storytelling from 4 to 8 p.m., featuring a conversation with Marisel Vera, author of “The Taste of Sugar.”
• The Goose Island Brewery's Tap Room at 1800 W. Fulton St. will hold a “Taste-ing” of Goose Island's brews from 5 to 8 p.m. on July 9, along with food trucks and DJs. A portion of the evening's proceeds will go to benefit My Block, My Hood, My City.
• On July 10, The Hatchery at 135 N. Kedzie Ave. will showcase the flavors of the West Side from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Eli's Cheesecake Company at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Drive is also having a pop-up from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 10 with longtime “booth neighbor” Robinson's No. 1 Ribs. The Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences' mobile farm stand will sell Chicago-grown produce, honey and crafts.
• Join the West Englewood Neighborhood from 1 to 8 p.m. at 1744 W. 63rd St. to check out local vendors and a lineup of DJs, musicians and dancers. Activities for kids and families will provide fun for all.
• The Let's Talk Womxn Picnic in White will take place from noon to 3 p.m. July 11 at Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St. This closing event for the 2021 Taste of Chicago To-Go will feature women-power music, women performers and interviews with Chicago's leading women restaurateurs. Attendees are encouraged to pre-order a $45 picnic box lunch, which can be picked up on arrival.
The Taste will also have more than 25 “Community Eats” — community meals serving nonprofit organizations. Artists from the Chicago Band Roster will have performances around the city as well.
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Taste of Chicago To-Go
When: Wednesday, July 7, through Sunday, July 11
Where: Various neighborhoods throughout Chicago
Admission: Free. Instead of the fest's usual food and beverage tickets, events are cash-and-carry.
Information: www.chicago.gov