Lake Zurich Chamber's food fest offers up local fare

Whether it is a juicy hamburger, pasta or a refreshing glass of beer, Lake Zurich will be the place to try it all this weekend.

Hosted by the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce, the Taste of the Towns will run from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, at Paulus Park.

Dale Perrin, the chamber's executive director, said since the event began three years ago, its focus is to provide a venue that highlights and provides exposure to food and beverage establishments within the six communities the chamber serves.

"We want to make it a family event to enjoy live music where they can stuff themselves with as much food as they can," he said.

This year, more than 20 food and beverage vendors will offer culinary treats. Try a mozzarella caprese salad or bruschetta from Slyce in Wauconda, turkey and short ribs from Smokin T's Bar-b-que in Long Grove and an assortment of microbrews and wines from Binny's Beverage Depot in Lake Zurich. For dessert, try a scandalous chocolate torte with caramel and sea salt from Fat Bottomed Girls/On Occasion Catering and Events in Palatine.

A tasting menus costs $25 if purchased in advance either online at TasteoftheTowns.com or at the chamber office. Tasting menus allow visitors to receive one tasting of food or beverage from each vendor. Many vendors also will offer coupons when visiting their establishment.

"All the food and beverage you will enjoy at the event plus the many coupons offered in the tasting menu make the $25 price a great value," Perrin said.

Tasting menus cost $35 the day of the event at the gate. Tasting menus can be shared by family members but allow one tasting from each vendor.

While eating and drinking, attendees also can listen to live entertainment. The Magic Frank Blues Band will perform from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and Spoken Four will return to the Taste of the Towns to perform classic rock and roll from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

There also will be children's activities, including an inflatable bounce house by Space Walk of Northern Chicago and Lake County, an opportunity to paint a car by Casten Body Shop, and games and crafts provided by local preschools and day-care centers.

Funds raised from the Taste of the Towns support the chamber and its programs, including scholarships and the Young Entrepreneurs Academy.