1 Taste of Chicago (Grant Park) Billed as “the world’s largest food festival,” the Taste lays out a wide and diverse menu of grub in sample portions, to be eaten in a crowd of thousands, with entertainment by The Decemberists and others. July 6-10
2 Bastille Days (Cathedral Square Park, Milwaukee, Wisconsin) One of the nation’s largest French-themed celebrations with music, wine demos, French and Cajun chow. July 14-17
3 Pierogi Fest (Oil City Stadium, Whiting, Indiana) Pierogi-cooking demonstrations, pierogi toss, pierogi costumes, polka with pierogis, basically just a lot of pierogis. And the Village People. July 29-31
4 Festa Italiana (Taylor Street at Ashland) Meatball-eating contest, grape stomping to “make” wine and usually necro-fabulous entertainment from rat-pack impressionists. August 18-21
5 Chicago Gourmet (Millennium Park) The weather is always excellent, as is the food and wine, presented by some of Chicago’s most accomplished chefs, who also do demos and take the time to chat with those of us who live to eat. September 23-25
Dining and Drinking Editor for Newcity, David also writes a weekly food column for Wednesday Journal in Oak Park and is a frequent contributor of food/drink and travel pieces to the Chicago Tribune, Plate Magazine and other publications. David has also contributed chapters to several books, including Street Food Around the World, Street Food, and The Chicago Food Encyclopedia. Contact: dhammond@newcity.com
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