The Loopster’s guide to the Taste of Chicago
This Loopster's must-have: the Mustard-fried Catfish from BJ's Market & Bakery. Photo by Janelle Schroeder/ MEDILL
What’s more all-American than eating and drinking outdoors with thousands of strangers in Grant Park? The 26th Taste of Chicago comes to a close Sunday, July 3. Are you still wary of trading paper tickets for food? Can’t figure out which vendors are worth the wait? At the Loopster we’ve done the work for you. Here’s a quick guide to the food-fest from the folks most qualified to do so – professional eaters.
A dozen new vendors join the mix of stalwarts serving up classics like Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizza. The new batch of restaurants highlights the diversity of Chicago’s food scene. From Chinese to Caribbean you can travel the globe without ever leaving Grant Park.
Time Out Chicago tackles the Taste
With more than 50 vendors each serving multiple dishes it is a nearly impossible feat to eat everything on offer. The team at Time Out Chicago sampled 40 tasting portions and has the photos to prove it.
The food professionals from the Chicago Tribune dish out their can’t miss booths at the taste. Sentimental favorites are listed alongside vendors new to the Taste this year. Pressed for time? Here is a short-list of must-have eats.
The Taste in the palm of your hand
Paper maps are so 2010. Download the Taste of Chicago application (available for iPhone and Android) to have the entertainment schedule with live updates, restaurant descriptions and more.
If you decide to skip the Taste of Chicago, there are plenty of other Independence Day weekend dining deals. Fourth of July weekend dining and drinking deals
Memorial Day Weekend: Fun for everyone
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Posted under: Beer, Entertainment, Fitness, Memorial Day, Music, Sports & Entertainment, Summer
What will you do with your three-day weekend?
Chicago has so many events, it may be hard to decide!
Friday, May 27
- Prost! German Beers of Chicago
- What? A trolley pub crawl hosted by the Chicago History Museum
- When? May 27, 6 – 9 p.m.
- Where? The tour will visit several of the best bierstubes in Chicago
- Highlights include:
- History lessons while drinking beer
- Drink specials
- More information: http://www.westmontbbq.com
- Nerds at Heart’s Holidate
- What? A singles bash
- When? May 27, 7 p.m.
- Where? Hidden Shamrock
- Highlights include:
- Board games and trivia
- Ice cream tasting
- Beach-reading giveaways
- More information: http://www.yelp.com
- Red, White & Bar-B-Q
- What? A BBQ competition
- When? May 27, 28 and 29
- Where? Ty Warner Park in Westmont, Ill.
- Highlights include:
- Three days of free live music
- Chili-tasting contest
- Cooking demonstrations
- More information: http://www.chicagohistory.org
- Cubs games
- What? A baseball game against the Pirates (May 27, 28, 29) or the Astros (May 30)
- When? May 27, 28, 29 and 30
- Where? Wrigley Field
- Highlights include:
- Free T-shirts for the first 10,000 fans on Memorial Day
- More information: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com
Saturday, May 28
- Soldier Field 10 mile
- What? A 10-mile race
- When May 28, 7:30 a.m.
- Soldier Field
- Highlights include:
- A race shirt and goody bag
- Finish on the 50-yard line
- The Hut-Hut Hike, a non-competitive walk
- More information: http://www.soldierfield10.com
- Yoga at the Lincoln Park Zoo
- What? Outdoor yoga at the zoo
- When? May 28, 9 – 10 a.m.
- Where? Lincoln Park Zoo
- Highlights include:
- A view of the city skyline
- An opportunity to learn the basics of yoga
- Connection with nature
- More information: http://www.lpzoo.org
- Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
- What? A music festival with entertainment, arts, crafts and food
- When? May 28 and 29
- Where? N. Sheffield between Belmont and School
- Highlights include:
- Ten bands in two days
- More information: http://www.chicagoevents.com
- Memorial Day Parade
- What? A parade to honor those serving and those who have served
- When? May 28, noon
- Where? State St. from Lake St. to Van Buren
- Highlights include:
- A free celebration
- One of the largest Memorial Day parades in the nation
- More information: http://www.cityofchicago.org
- Green City Market
- What? An outdoor food market
- When? May 28
- Where? Lincoln Park between Clark and Stockton Drive
- Highlights include:
- Products from local farmers
- A cooking demonstration by Tim Cottini of Cafe Ba Ba Reeba
- More information: http://www.greencitymarket.org
- Navy Pier Fireworks
- What? Fireworks fun
- When? May 28, 10:15 p.m.
- Where? Navy Pier
- Highlights include:
- Music by B96
- Proximity to restaurants, shopping and Lake Michigan
- More information: http://www.navypier.com
Sunday, May 29
- Bike the Drive
- What? A 30-mile bike ride
- When? May 29, 5:30 – 9:30 a.m.
- Where? Lake Shore Drive
- Highlights include:
- A car-free bike ride
- A festival from 8 a.m. – noon
- Fruit, water and snacks at rest stops
- More information: http://www.bikethedrive.org
- Boozehounds
- What? A chance to enjoy a drink while your dog plays and enjoys treats
- When? May 29, 1 – 4 p.m.
- Where? Uptown Lounge
- Highlights include:
- Drink specials
- Socializing with friends and pooches
- More information: http://www.yelp.com
Monday, May 30
- New Music Monday
- What? A concert in the park
- When? May 30
- Where? Millennium Park
- Highlights include:
- Justin Townes Earle
- Andre Williams and the Goldstars
- A chance to discover new music
- More information: http://explorechicago.org
Summer Movies 2011: More superheroes and sequels
It’s that time of year again. Provided Chicago finally decides to stay warm, there’s a good chance you’ll be seeking refuge from the summer heat at a local movie theater near you. Here’s a list of some of the films you can enjoy while you’re there, including a couple of the requisite comic book movies (X-Men: First Class, Green Lantern), a handful of sequels (Transformers 3, The Hangover 2) and some other movie about a wizard named Harry that you’ve probably never heard of.
Check out the timeline to find out when the movies you’re looking forward to are coming out, including movies playing outdoors as part of Chicago’s Movies in the Parks series.
The Potential Blockbusters
The Hangover 2
The Wolfpack’s back for another adventure, this time in Bangkok, Thailand. Ed Helms, Zach Galifanakis, Bradley Cooper and Community’s Ken Jeong return. May 27
X-Men: First Class
Meet archenemies Professor X and Magneto before they were enemies. Set in the early 60s, X-Men: First Class follows Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Erik Lensherr (Micahel Fassbender, playing young Magneto) as they start a school for humans with special abilities. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, also starring Jennifer Lawrence. June 3
Super 8
Strange incidents and disappearances occur after a train crashes in a small Ohio town during the summer of 1979. Kyle Chandler plays a local Deputy trying to uncover the truth behind the unusual events. Directed by Star Trek and Lost’s J.J. Abrams and produced by Steven Spielberg, Super 8’s likely a must see for sci-fi fans. June 10
Green Lantern
Ryan Reynolds stars as Hal Jordan, a test pilot turned superhero. The film also stars Blake Lively and Peter Sarsgaard. June 17
Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon
The Autobots and Decepticons face off again in a race to find a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the moon that could help both sides win their epic battle. Shia LaBeouf and Tyrese Gibson return, but fans may be sad to see Megan Fox replaced by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as Sam’s new love interest. Other new additions include Patrick Dempsey, Alan Tudyk, John Malkovich and Frances McDormand. July 1
Fun fact: Transformers 3 was filmed mostly in Chicago.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Harry, Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts for the final battle against Lord Voldemort. July 15
Captain America: The First Avenger
Starring Chris Evans, Hugo Weaving and Tommy Lee Jones. July 22
Cowboys and Aliens
Pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde. July 29
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Scientist James Franco experiments on a chimp named Caesar while trying to find a cure for Alzheimer’s. Human vs. ape war ensues. Also stars Andy Serkis and Slumdog Millionaire’s Freida Pinto. August 5
For the Kids
Kung Fu Panda 2
Po’s awesome new life as The Dragon Warrior is threatened by a villain hellbent on destroying kung fu. Starring Jack Black, Angelina Jolie and Jackie Chan. May 27
Cars 2
Owen Wilson and Larry the Cable Guy return racecar Lightning McQueen and truck Mater as they race through Europe and Asia while competing in the World Grand Prix. Also stars Michael Caine and Emily Mortimer as British spies Finn McMissile and Holley Shiftwell. June 18
Winnie the Pooh
Join Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo, Eeyore and Christopher Robin for a bit of childhood nostalgia. Starring John Cleese, Craig Ferguson and Zooey Deschanel. July 15
The Smurfs
Smurfs take Manhattan after being booted out of their village by an evil wizard. Starring Hank Azaria, Katy Perry and Jonathan Winters. July 29
The Comedies
Mr. Popper’s Penquins
Jim Carrey stars as a businessman who’s life completely changes when he inherits six penguins. Also stars Carla Gugino and Angela Lansbury. June 17
Larry Crowne
Tom Hanks directs and stars as a middle-aged man who goes back to college after losing his job. Julie Roberts and Bryan Cranston also star.
Horrible Bosses
Jason Bateman, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’s Charlie Day and SNL’s Jason Sudeikis star as three friends who plan to murder their ‘horrible bosses’ to improve their lives. Colin Farrell, Jennifer Aniston and Kevin Spacey star as the three bosses. July 8
Friends With Benefits
Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake star in a movie that seems suspiciously similar to the recent Natalie Portman/Ashton Kusher movie, No Strings Attached. July 22
Crazy, Stupid, Love.
Starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Julianne Moore. Gosling plays suave wingman to newly single Carell.
30 Minutes or Less
Starring Jesse Eisenberg as a delivery guy kidnapped and forced to help two criminals (Danny McBride and Nick Swardson) rob a bank… with a bomb strapped to his chest. Also stars Parks and Recreation’s Aziz Ansari. August 12
Fright Night
Star Trek’s Anton Yelchin stars as a teen who suspects his neighbor (Colin Farrell) is a vampire in this remake of the 1985 original. Also stars Doctor Who’s David Tennant. August 19
Our Idiot Brother
Starring Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer, and Rashida Jones. August 26
The Dramas
The Tree of Life
Tells the story of Jack (Sean Penn), his life growing up in 1950s Midwest and his tumultuous relationship with his father. Directed by the Terrence Malick, IMDB calls this film “a true event” for cinephiles and fans of the reclusive Malick. Also starring Brad Pitt and celebrated Jessica Chastain, The Tree of Life could be a good alternative to the standard action and comedy fare. May 27 (limited release)
Beginners
Starring Ewan McGregor, Mélanie Laurent and Christopher Plummer and directed by Mike Mills in his first film since 2005’s Thumbsucker. June 3
The Help
Based on the bestselling novel, stars Emma Stone as an aspiring writer who befriends two African American maids (Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer) in 1960s Mississippi.
Chicago summer music: Concerts, festivals for everyone
Wanna see the whole timeline — YouTube clips and all? Click the link above to go to Dipity.
From big festivals to small club shows, summer is the time for music in Chicago. We preview 18 of these must-see events.
Glee Live!
June 4
The fictional McKinley High School glee club may not have placed at nationals in New York City this year, but they got a pretty good summer gig: a multi-city tour. This brand extension of the hit TV show features live performances by favorite faux-teens Lea Michele (Rachel Berry), Cory Monteith (Finn Hudson), Amber Riley (Mercedes Jones) and more. With all the outrageous costuming (remember those Lady Gaga get-ups?), intense dancing and big voices of the TV show accented by thousands of screaming fans, this fills the void until new episodes resume in the fall. Tickets from $40.
Location: Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont
For more information: http://www.gleetour.com/
Dispatch
June 7-8
The indie/folk jam band shocked fans when it announced with much fanfare on Jan. 1 that it would be putting out a new album and touring again after breaking up in 2004. Although there had been a couple reunion gigs, none were as extensive as this 10-city tour featuring new material from their Dispatch EP released May 17. The band performed their first new single “Melon Bend” on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last month. Although tickets to their June 8 show at Millennium Park are sold out, tickets are still available to their show at the UIC Pavilion June 7 for $50.
Location: UIC Pavilion, 525 South Racine Avenue, Chicago
For more information: http://www.dispatchmusic.com/
Kenny Chesney
June 9
With the go-to country music show of every summer, this road warrior’s live chops aren’t just fan voted: He won the Billboard Touring Award for top package event for four consecutive years. This year’s Goin’ Coastal Tour will undoubtedly feature breezy favorites like “Beer in Mexico,” “When the Sun Goes Down” and “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem.” Chesney is also supporting his latest album Hemingway’s Whiskey, released in September — and if fans are lucky, maybe he’ll preview some new material from the yet-unnamed album he’s reportedly recording. If you think his tractor’s sexy, tickets are available from $46.
Location: Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem, Bridgeview
For more information: http://www.kennychesney.com/
Chicago Blues Fest
June 10-12
The largest free blues festival in the world is right in your backyard. Across three days and five stages, Chicagoans can see the best of the genre, including Eddie Cotton, Carl Weathersby, Billy Branch, Dave Specter Band and Shemekia Copeland (daughter of Grammy winner Johnny Copeland). The final show of the festival is a 40th anniversary tribute to Alligator Records, the Chicago label that produced such greats as Copeland and fellow Grammy winner Clifton Chenier. Admission is free.
Location: Multiple locations, Chicago
For more information: Explore Chicago
Rihanna
June 15
Her music has become decidedly more, erm, mature since her 2010 album Loud (though songs “What’s My Name” and the coyly titled “S&M” have achieved peak saturation on Top 40 radio) but her shows attract young and old alike to the mix of sing-along-worthy hits and highly choreographed dance numbers. B.o.B. and J.Cole open, making this the R&B tour of the summer. Tickets from $30.
Location: United Center, 1901 W. Madison Street, Chicago
For more information: http://rihannanow.com/
Florence + The Machine
June 18
British phenom Florence Welch and her band are taking the nation by storm after she performed at the Oscars, Grammys and MTV’s Video Music Awards. Music from her debut album Lungs has appeared on Grey’s Anatomy and Gossip Girl. Doors open at 7 p.m. for opener Hanni El Khatib. Tickets are $36.
Location: Aragon Ballroom, 1106 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago
For more information: http://florenceandthemachine.net/
Beady Eye
June 18
You may not have heard of Beady Eye, but you’ve probably heard of Oasis. And that’s basically who this band is. Formed in 2009 when Noel Gallagher left Oasis, this group still has guitarist Andy Bell and “the voice,” Liam Gallagher. Their first album Different gear, still speeding came out this spring, produced by the iconic Steve Lillywhite, the man behind much of the Dave Matthews Band’s and Peter Gabriel’s work. An added bonus of seeing this band would be their haunting rendition of The Beatles’ “Across the Universe.” Tickets are sold out, but StubHub has them available for $65 and up.
Location: Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago
For more information: http://www.beadyeyemusic.com/
Matt & Kim
June 25-26
If you don’t think that a band can include just a drummer and a keyboardist, then you haven’t seen Matt & Kim. The Brooklyn duo produces music that is easy for dancing, driving, singing and just plain having a good time. They were at Lollapalooza last summer, but this visit to Chicago will provide a much more intimate setting at The Vic. They’ll likely play hits “Daylight” and “Good Ol’ Fashion Nightmare” (both of which have appeared on several TV shows, including Entourage and Community) but they’re touring in support of their latest record Sidewalks. Instant classics “AM/FM Sound” and “Cameras” will have you bopping your head in no time. Although tickets are sold out to Saturday’s show, Sunday’s show has tickets available for $24.
Location: The Vic, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago
For more information: http://mattandkimmusic.com/
Dave Matthews Band Caravan
July 8-10
This three-day festival is only hitting a handful of U.S. cities, and Chicago is one of the lucky few. The Top 40 jam band will headline each day with other headline-worthy artists including O.A.R., Ray LaMontagne, Kid Cudi, Ben Folds, The Flaming Lips and Chicago native Liz Phair. Tickets are $85 a day or $195 for all three days.
Location: Lakeside, 8555 S. Green Bay Ave., Chicago
For more information: http://www.dmbcaravan.com
Britney Spears with Nicki Minaj
July 8
Say what you will about the aging pop star and her train wreck turn detailed ad nauseum in the gossip mags, Ms. Spears can still put on a helluva show. Her 2009 Circus tour sold out, and new album Femme Fatale released in March spawned the Billboard chart-topping auto-tuned sensation “Hold It Against Me.” This tour will be a little a different, or at least the music will. As Spears told People, “We’ve remixed each number.” She also added a girl-power vibe by adding crazy-haired rapper Minaj. Tickets from $40.
Location: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
For more information: http://www.britneyspears.com/
Vans Warped Tour
July 9
Approaching its 20th year, the punk extravaganza features five dozen bands, including Unwritten Law, The Devil Wears Prada, Simple Plan, Relient K, August Burns Red and local alt-electronica rockers Madina Lake, performing on 10 stages. Tickets from $45.
Location: Tinley Park
For more information: http://vanswarpedtour.com/
Josh Groban
July 13
If you’re one of the thousands who took advantage of the iTunes and Facebook free download of his song “Hidden Away” last fall, you probably couldn’t stop listening to the man who single-handedly made opera both trendy and sexy. Groban’s Straight to You Tour will play up his album Illuminations, released in November. He’s one of Oprah’s favorite things (he appeared at her farewell show), and if he’s also one of yours, you won’t want to miss this show. Tickets from $65.50.
Location: United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Chicago
For more information: http://www.joshgroban.com/
Pitchfork Music Festival
July 15-17
This Chicago summer classic returns for its sixth year with major acts like Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes, The Dismemberment Plan and Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth. Chicago is the only city to host these three days of up-and-coming and established alternative acts. Tickets are $45 per day. While three-day passes are sold out, StubHub has them starting at $140.
Location: Union Park ,1501 W. Randolph, Chicago
For more information: http://pitchforkmusicfestival.com/
American Idols Live!
Aug. 6
Long before Glee thought to go live, there was American Idol Live! taking no-name kids with big voices and putting them in front of a ravenous reality TV-addicted audience to turn their newfound star power into profits. Season 10’s top 11 contestants will appear at this show, which usually sells out. Now that the votes are all in, this live event will let fans decide for themselves if winner Scotty McCreery and runner up Lauren Alaina are truly an item (maybe they’ll recreate that was it/wasn’t it kiss moment from the finale!), and if Pia Toscano really is the one who should have won it all. Also featured is hometown girl Haley Reinhart. Tickets from $57.
Location: Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont
For more information: American Idol Season 10 Tour
Lollapalooza
Aug. 5-7
Billed as Lolla’s 20th anniversary (though it ceased to exist for about six years in there), Chicago becomes a tourism hot-spot for this three day festival packed with super-sized artists. Headliners include Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse and My Morning Jacket. Other major names include Sleigh Bells and Flogging Molly. Swedish darling Lykke Li will also make a return to the city after her sold-out show at Metro in May. Three-day passes are $215.
Location: Grant Park, Chicago
For more information: http://www.lollapalooza.com/
Taylor Swift
Aug. 9-10
Admit it: You can’t turn off this golden-locked angel of pop country when she comes on the radio again and again and again. The 21-year-old’s voice may sound like that of an underaged novice, but her original music (most of it is self-written) and her message of empowerment resonate with fans of all ages. The Speak Now World Tour, in support of the album of the same name, will stop in Chicago for two days. The tour is sold out, but tickets are available on StubHub starting at $50.
Location: Allstate Arena, 6920 Mannheim Road, Rosemont
For more information: http://www.taylorswift.com/
The Hold Steady
Aug. 25
These indie rockers may be from New York, but they do have a Chicago connection: their song “Chicago Seemed Tired Last Night.” Although they’ve recently become a quartet after the exit of their keyboardist, their music hasn’t changed much. While they don’t have a large mainstream following, they have appeared on The Colbert Report. Doors open at 8 p.m. for opener The Donkeys. Tickets $25.
Location: Metro, 3730 N. Clark St., Chicago
For more information: http://theholdsteady.net/
Chicago Jazz Festival
Sept. 1-4
For 33 years, this event has marked the end of summer festival season in Chicago, with four days of the nation’s best jazz artists at three different locations. This year’s weekend closing acts are singer-songwriter Cassandra Wilson on Saturday ,and Grammy-winning trumpeter Roy Hargrove on Sunday. Also playing are sax players Ravi Coltrane (son of John Coltrane) and Joe Lovano. Admission is free.
Location: Multiple locations, Chicago
For more information: Chicago Jazz Festival on Explore Chicago
What’s going on in your neighborhood?
May marks the first of six festival-filled months in Chicago. With neighborhood celebrations, cultural events and performances all over the city, some are bound to be just around the corner. To help you make plans, Chicago Loopster has mapped out some of the top events happening in May. For additional events and to see what’s in store June through October, check Metromix and Time Out Chicago.
View Chicago Events – MAY 2011 in a larger map
Featured Events:
Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival – Now in its 27th year, this street party features national, regional and local bands, food, beer, fashion, and arts and crafts – all located at the epicenter of Lakeview.
Celtic Fest – Celtic musicians, bagpipes and fun contests.
Cinco de Mayo Festival – A three day festival celebrating Mexican culture and the holiday. There will be live music, food, arts and crafts, and activities for all ages.
Green City Market – Outdoor farmers market.
Mayfest – This three-day event kicks off Chicago’s festival season with music, dancing, food and the seventh annual Chicago Pet Parade and Dog Expo.
Randolph Street Market Festival – A festival where you can shop for antiques, vintage collectibles and designer apparel from more than 200 dealers as well as enjoy some food and beer.
Turkish Festival – From eating baklava to watching whirling dervishes spin in circles, this festival focusing on Turkish culture will be both educational and entertaining.
Wine Riot – A national event that offers 250 wines from around the globe for you to sample along with wine seminars, fun activities and a DJ.
Lollapalooza 2011 – Chicago sounds off
The city is divided on the recent announcement of Lollapalooza’s 2011 lineup. Tell us what you think below!
