The Taste of Chicago 2017 is scheduled for July 5th-9th, and you should be there. On my first trip to the festival, I fell in love with Chicago. I also learned how much of a food city it really is. Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks of the trade that truly help make the most of the Taste of Chicago. As you plan on Traveling While Hungry to Chicago, here are a few things to know for the Taste of Chicago 2017.
1. Plan to travel with a friend who likes to share their food (even if it’s only sometimes)
The Taste of Chicago works by ticket system. You purchase by cash or credit card, the amount of tickets you’d like and redeem them with vendors for either a taste or a heavier plate, considered somewhat of a full meal. The taste cost less and makes a ton of more sense to be shared with a friend because you’ll likely have more than one item on your plate. This way you truly get a Taste of Chicago and don’t run out of your tickets as fast. You can always order more if you think you should have shared less.
2. Get there early
One of the amazing parts about the Taste of Chicago is that they host pop up restaurants. They’re there for a limited time and then you may not see them again for the remainder of the festival so it’s a good idea to go early and catch them. The more popular ones are likely to run out of food by the time you’ve recovered from day drinking and seeing the sights. So if you’ve gotten a chance to see the line up early, be sure to arrive early for the vendors you don’t want to miss.
3. Bring a Blanket
The Taste of Chicago is always packed and they’ve been doing a great job as securing more and more seating every year. However, at the peak hours it may be pretty difficult to find a seat or two, especially if you’re with a group. Being able to pull a blanket out of bag is going to be the best idea you’ve had in a while when the sun is shining and the burgers are calling. Totally, BYOB appropriate (B for Blanket guys).
4. Leave your diet at home
You knew this already but the Taste of Chicago 2017 will not be the place for anyone who recently decided to go on a diet. Everything you’ve ever wanted to eat, and things you didn’t even know you wanted, will be at the festival. Be sure to detox AFTER the Taste if you feel strongly about it, but certainly not before.
5. Pack a bottle of water
There’s a misconception that you can’t bring any outside food or beverages to the Taste but you actually can. No alcoholic beverages are allowed considering you can buy them once you’re inside. A bottle of water however, is what you’ll have a thirst for after walking under the sun for hours. You’ll be upset you wasted your food tickets on something you could have brung on your own so pack it!
6. Try something new
Who knows when the next time will be that you’ll have a poutine, chocolate covered bananas, and foie gras on a burger at your disposal? Live a little and try something you’ve never had before. You’re interested in going to the Taste of Chicago because you want to experience it all. You’ll get to drink, be at the concert, make new friends, get free stuff and eat. Make the most of it by doing it all, being present in the moment and going back home with something to talk about.
With these tips in mind, what are you looking forward to the most about the Taste of Chicago 2017?
