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Fish For Your Dinner In The Loop

By Lorna Juett in Food on Sep 5, 2012 3:00PM

When we received an invitation to go fishing at the Chicago Cultural Center and then fry our catch up at South Water Kitchen, we knew we were hooked (pun intended). We couldn’t wait to see what this strange experience had in store.

Running through Sept. 25, the art installation, Jim Zimpel: Angle, is a 500-gallon fish tank and hydroponic herb garden on the fourth floor of the Cultural Center. Every Sunday Zimpel invites five guests to try their hand at catching one of his hand-raised bluegills. The guests then can set their catch free in the Chicago River, or send it to South Water Kitchen, where head chef Roger Waysock will fillet your little guy and serve him to you perfectly cooked. Once at the restaurant, anglers are also treated to tasty trout from Rushing Waters, a fresh green salad that included some of the hydroponically grown herbs, and a discussion with the artist.

Angle is part of an exhibition put on by Industry of The Ordinary, which is worth a look even if you’re not chosen to fish. Not unlike finding a fishing hole in the center of downtown Chicago, much of the exhibit is surprising, yet familiar. There is no admission fee.

Considering that we initially thought this would be an exercise in kitsch, we were surprised at how fun and thought-provoking the experience was. From baiting the hooks and using the hand-made fishing rods, to the option to set free the catch, and finally feasting on some perfectly cooked seafood, we found it hard to pick a highlight from the afternoon. The piece itself is inspired by Zimpel’s own experience in using fishing to bond with his male family members, with a nod to sustainability in our food chain. We found the piece, and the fishing experience, brought out the kid in us, endeared us to our fellow anglers, and also evoked important social and ecological issues.

In order to earn your spot and fish in the loop, you can visit the exhibit and fill out an information card, or you can email jimzimpel@gmail.com and include ANGLE in the subject line, your full name, telephone number and age.

Fishing takes place every Sunday through Sept. 25 at 12:30 p.m. The exhibit is open Monday thru Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.