The Taste of Chicago

The Taste of Chicago, which is the world's largest food festival, is one of the most popular events in Illinois. It usually takes place in late June and early July. Each day at the taste of Chicago Festival features more than 60 local restaurateurs. They offer a delicious combination of ethnic items, family favorites, exotic and Chicago specialties. Over three million people attend the Taste of Chicago, which takes place in Grant Park, in downtown Chicago.

Some of the highlights of the Taste of Chicago festival include a Gourmet Dining Pavilion, a variety of musical entertainment on three stages, cooking demonstrations led by the city and country's top chefs, an amazing Fourth of July fireworks display on the shores of lake Michigan (which actually takes place on July 3rd) and an exiting entertainment area just for kids. Although the entertainment usually features local musicians, past entertainers have included celebrity musicians, such as Carlos Santana and Moby.

Along with some of Chicago's staple dishes, including ribs, cheesecake, Italian beef, Chicago-style hotdogs and Chicago-style pizza, participants at a Taste of Chicago can sample dishes from some of the city's top gourmet restaurants. All of the restaurants at a Taste of Chicago offer a "Taste" portion, which is sold for 2-3 tickets. These tickets offer visitors a real "taste" of Chicago cuisine.

History of the Taste of Chicago Festival

The first Taste of Chicago Festival was held in the summer of 1980. It was the brainchild of Jane Byrne, who was the presiding Mayor of Chicago at that time. At first, the Taste of Chicago was a one-day event held on the Fourth of July. It took place along downtown Chicago's North Michigan Avenue. Due to its popularity, it was moved to Grant Park, and expanded to a ten-day festival.

Hotels Near Taste of Chicago

There are a number of hotels near Taste of Chicago. If you want to work off the good food you will no doubt be eating at the Taste of Chicago Festival, consider booking a room at the Buckingham Athletic Club Hotel. Overlooking Lake Michigan, the Buckingham Athletic Club Hotel is located on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange building. This 21-room boutique hotel is considered downtown Chicago's best kept secret. As the hotel name implies, the Buckingham Athletic Club hotel has a well-equipped, private fitness facility, which is located on the third floor of the building. It features a four-lane lap pool, eucalyptus steam room and sauna, basketball courts, massage therapy, and fitness classes that include yoga and Pilates.

Other hotels near taste of Chicago include Le Meridian, Sutton Place, Ramada Inn and the majestic Hotel. Given their proximity to Grant's Park, these hotels will probably charge the highest rate, especially during the time of the Taste of Chicago Festival. However, keep in mind that Chicago has an excellent public transportation system. If you cannot find a hotel near Taste of Chicago that fits your price range, check out our other page on Chicago hotels.