During the past five days, Chicagoans and tourists consumed a total of 975 gallons of Franco’s Ristorante’s Lemon Italian Ice, 10,400 pounds of BJ’s Market’s Mustard Catfish, and 26,336 portions of Dominick’s Watermelon. That’s right, Taste was in town and it seems like it was quite the success. An estimated 1.5 million people attended Chicago’s 33rd annual festival of food and music, all welcomed with sunny skies and excited vendors.
Big names and big food bought some recognizable public figures to Chicago’s booming event. Mayor Emanuel stopped by multiple times and commented, “Anyone who visited this year’s Taste of Chicago enjoyed a family friendly, welcoming event, and also saw first-hand why our culinary reputation is renowned”. The Robin Thicke/Estelle show bought actors Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher to the side stage of the Petrillo Music Shell, a surprise for concertgoers. And actor Charlie Barnett and fireman Peter Mills participated in the festival’s opening ceremonies.
But is this really all that surprising? With an impressive lineup of performers (fun., Robin Thicke/Estelle, Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, Jill Scott, and Neon Trees), Taste was nearly filled to capacity each day. “We were so pleased to book such a talented musical lineup up” said Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Michelle T. Boone, “The Taste attendees really responded to the music as we experienced four sold out shows for the seating pavilion and near or at capacity on the lawn.” I attended Taste on Saturday and I can vouch for that. It seems like this grand event is growing year by year.
This year’s festival featured a whopping 29 first-time vendors. Taste also debuted their new Food Trucks, which seemed to successfully lour in hungry attendees. Although it’s a time to revel in the wonderful culinary experience Chicago has to offer, the festival also made an effort to boost the nutritional value of the options, since 20 restaurants served items designated with the Humana Green Apple symbol. That’s the largest number of participants there’s ever been in the five-year history of the program.
At the end of the day, there are a lot of people to thank for making Taste a free festival. The hardworking employees of the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events work endlessly to prepare and execute the five days of ongoing food, music, and fun. And a long list of corporations and organizations work to sponsor and promote Taste before and during its time, including 93.1 XRT!
