Get Ready For Mole De Mayo

By Chuck Sudo in Food on May 22, 2012 6:27PM

From Rick Bayless' restaurants down to the street carts working Little Village and the Southwest side, Chicago isn't hurting for good mole and, if you claim you can't find a good one, you aren't looking hard enough.

Now in its fourth year, the 18th Street Development Corporation's Mole de Mayo Festival has become one of the early highlights of Chicago's street festival season, drawing thousands to Pilsen on Memorial Day weekend for sights, sounds, entertainment and tons of mole.

Restaurants from Pilsen and outside the neighborhood vie for two days to win the honor of best mole in a judged and peoples' choice competition. The music on two stages reflect the neighborhood's Mexican influence, ranging from mariachi bands and Mexican rock to the multiple styles played by the Sones de Mexico Ensemble. Vendors hawk their wares in an outdoor market while you can enjoy beer and micheladas in a separate beer tent. And the kids and adults are entertained by lucha libre wrestling both days.

The 18th Street Development Corporation's Mole de Mayo Festival runs from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., May 26 and 27, on South Peoria Street, between 16th and 18th Streets. There is a suggested donation between $1 and $5.