As the Taste of Chicago wraps up itoday , I am very happy to see it's return, but it just wasn't the same. 3 days, 21 restaurant, 10 food trucks and 2 stages is not quite the glory that the Taste once was.
If there is any indication that I am not the only one who misses what the Taste used to be, it is the lines to get in. Security checks have been added at entry points to slow things down a bit, but people were clearly excited to get out and try food.
The week long celebration used to be a family tradition for me. Family would come in from out of town just to take part . Columbus was so filled with restaurants, by the time you got from one end to the other you worked off any calories you were eating that day. You also had to double back in fear you might have missed something.
You had to be strategic with your Taste Tickets though. Plotting out your course to get your favorite Taste Samples to make those tickets last. The options seemed so endless. In one day you could try some many different styles of food and be exposed to so many new things.
I was always more focused on the food options but the performances were always high caliber. People would camp out all day to secure their spot to see their favorite artists. Always great background noise while you enjoyed, corn on the cob, watermelon, ribs and so many other hand helds.
My favorite part of the taste was paying it forward. There was always an exchange of tickets for those who bought too many. Making a hand off to a group that is just walking in as you were leaving. A great way to make someone's day.
I don't know what it would take to get us back to this glory but I am here for it. Chicago has so many new restaurants that can show off their amazing food. Would love to see this iconic event work it's way back to original glory.
Added bonus. Here is a Little Marris enjoying the Taste of Chicago riding on my uncle's shoulders. Clearly too full to walk.