Taste of Chicago 2008 Preview
By Chuck Sudo in Food on Jun 27, 2008 4:35PM
There have been a lot of things said on this site about Taste of Chicago over the years. There are over 750,000 people who head downtown every year to sun, frolic and get their fill of giant turkey legs and corn on sticks. 'Course, that isn't all Taste of Chicago has to offer; even with Chicago Gourmet set to launch in September, Taste is still the food event for the everyman.
For those of you who are planning on visiting Taste of Chicago, I asked Laura and Anthony to come up with a few recommendations to help make the best of your time. Booth numbers are listed links to previous Chicagoist reviews of recommended participants are included, where applicable. You may also check out the interactive Taste of Chicago map online.
Stolpman
The Noodle (Booth #18) - Try the sesame beef on a stick but go back for the Pho, beef spring rolls and pearl tea.
Lou Malnati's (Booth # 32) - You can't go wrong with a slice of sausage pizza from Malnati's.
Chicago Chocolate Company (Booth #61) - We were sad to see the Chicago Chocolate Company leave it's Randolph street location and move further south but am happy we can pick some up during Taste. The turtles are good but the milk chocolate fondue at their location is even better.
Anthony
Hit up Tamarind's booth (Booth #63, right across from the Chef's Table tent), which is serving Thai Red Curry with Chicken, Taro French Fries and a few nice vegetarian things, which are hard to find.
Bolat African Cuisine (Booth #1, at Columbus and Monroe) is serving Coconut Rice with sautéed goat and Grilled Plantain with spicy peanut sauce, both of which sound really interesting and tasty!
Chuck
BJ's Market & Bakery (Booth #45): John Meyer's popular soul food restaurant is offering mustard-fried catfish, honey BBQ chicken tenders, sweet potato chips and peach cobbler.
Canaday le Chocolatier (Booth # 15): Michael Canaday and his staff will have homemade fruiti di bosco sorbet, marscapone gelato, tiramisu gelato, and pistachio gelato. I've had all these and you can't lose with any of them.
La Justicia (Booth # 3): One of our favorite haunts in Little Village will be serving up staples: enchiladas, tamales, steak and chicken tacos. But they do it so well.