Two food icons lead 2024 Taste of Chicago: Lou Malnati's & Eli's Cheesecake

These two stand tall above the rest.

Think Ali and Frazier or maybe Sonny and Cher, The Lone Ranger and Tonto, Simon and Garfunkel, Felix and Oscar, Abbot and Costello, Thelma and Louise, or even Batman and Robin.

These are all great twosomes that have worked together hand in hand for many years and have gained almost iconic status in the world upon which they played.

Now, as another award-winning edition of one of Chicago’s great summer events, Taste of Chicago prepares to begin on Friday. Maybe we can add these two long-time “taste” stalwarts to that “rare air” from the list above.

Enter the names Lou Malnati's Pizza and Eli’s Cheesecake.

True Chicago classics. Long-time, Taste of Chicago favorites, both of whom will happily join the varied and unique list of food offerings at this year’s event.

Let’s take a closer look at these two, starting with Lou Malnati's and their famous delicious deep dish pizza offerings. 

So…how does one rise above the rest and claim the number one status in such a powerful and crowded field of competitors?  How do you reach that “upper crust” status?

Not sure I can answer that, but somehow Lou Malnati's deep dish pizza has done just that. They have stood tall amid the many great pizza competitors.  Is it the crust? The cheese? The ingredients? Or is it that perfect combo of spice and sweetness in their tomato sauce? Who knows, but it does seem that Lou Malnati's has reached number one status in the city, again, despite clearly many other worthy contenders.

We should mention that deep dish pizzas are sent Malnati's-style to many other counties, cities, states—even other countries, via their award-winning 1-800-LOU-TO-GO delivery service. 

But, not to worry. Chicago fans can get their fill right here in the heart of the city, Grant Park to be exact, all weekend at the Lou Malnati's pizza booth.

As for Eli’s Cheesecake? A long-time Taste of Chicago staple, what more can possibly be said?  Mouth-watering good, sinfully delicious, and subtly rich are just some of the many wonderful descriptions of Chicago’s most famous dessert.

Consistent long lines are one of the many indications of the popularity of this special brand of cheesecake. You may see some long lines at Eli’s for Taste of Chicago, but the lines move; and however long the wait may be, you will forget all about it when fork hits mouth with this perfectly sweetened and textured creation.

Eli’s is a third-generation company, started first by Eli Schulman and it began as a regular restaurant. In 1978, they decided to make a special recipe cheesecake their signature dessert, and the rest as they say “is history.”

Like Lou Malnati's, Eli’s Cheesecake can be shipped anywhere in the country, just check out their website for more information.

So, while there will be many food vendors this weekend, and some really great ones we might add (J Thai Street Food, Yum Dum Truck, Cumin Club Indian Kitchen, Robinson’s Ribs, The African Food Place, Sapori Trattoria, Seoul Taco, The Original Rainbow Cone, and Billy Goats Tavern, just to name a few), it is these two stalwarts, these two Goliaths that may stand out most.

Important to note: They don’t battle each other, and there is no rivalry whatsoever. In fact, often these two proud food warriors walk hand in hand in (or maybe more accurately in a to-go bag), praising and complimenting each other.

Those two will for sure lead the march into what hopefully will be another wonderful Taste of Chicago.

Side Notes: Taste of Chicago started back in 1980. It has moved over the years from its original destination of Michigan Avenue to Grant Park then to Navy Pier, even Soldier Field, and now back to Grant Park once again.

Admission is free. Food tickets must be purchased and there will be two stages for musical entertainment.

The dates are Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8. View the website for more information.