Here comes the Taste—better be ready

Taste of Chicago is ready to take off, and with it, of course, comes all the fun, frolic, and maybe even a little aggravation thrown in just for good measure.

Big crowds will soon be descending on Grant Park for the annual food fest, July 8-12. Those who are attending should be prepared.

To help you get ready, here are a few friendly tips from someone (that’s me!) who has been a regular “taste-ee“ for many years. A tough job—but, hey, someone’s got to do it.

Below are some suggested do’s and don’t’s to help you navigate the five-day extravaganza. Let’s hope we have another great Taste of Chicago!

Do:  Go on Wednesday,July 8, or Sunday, July 12, if you want to avoid the biggest crowds. Arriving at the gate opening (11 a.m.) is not a bad way, either.

Don’t:  Wait in the long ticket lines at the entrances. Go inside and find a ticket booth toward the middle for much shorter lines.

Do:  Check out the different food items, especially the really unique ones. An alligator bite, an Esquites (corn topped with spicy mayonnaise), an upside-down caramel cupcake… you get the idea.  Hey, you only live once, so throw caution to the winds and try some of these foods you’ve never tasted before.

Don’t:  Forget to bring a water bottle. One of the quickest ways to eat up your ticket money is buying bottled water or soft drinks. Save those tickets for the good stuff—the food!

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Do:  Find the music venues. Some underrated music groups play at the Taste.  And it is a great way to sit down and get a much-needed rest.

Don’t:  Burn yourself out in the sun. This can happen easily. Scout out shady spots and take a break from the heat. Remember, heat kills appetite. Note:  In this case—not a good thing.

Do:  Check out the food trucks. Some quality foodsare often available in the increasingly popular food truck area—usually down at the south end near the Budweiser Stage.

Don’t:  Complain about the crowds. Even if you don’t go to the Taste, enjoyall the people heading into our area, greet them with smiles, and if nothing else, take in the always entertaining sport of people-watching.

Do:  Keep your wallet or purse close to your body. Big crowds, sometimes draw those hated pickpockets. 

Happy “tasting,” everybody.Enjoy the Taste of Chicago, one of our great Chicago summer traditions.