Love it or hate it, the Taste of Chicago is starting this Friday, June 25 and running through July 4.

Right now you can buy discounted tickets for $6 a strip at Dominick’s.  Once The Taste starts, tickets will be $8 a strip.

The Taste is so much more than just turkey legs and frozen bananas!  Each year I find something new and delicious, and of course I also have a few favorites that I seek out each year.  I like to get tasting portions, so I can graze for a few hours, instead of using up my precious stomach space on only a few things. 

Some of our old favorites:

- Breaded steak sandwich from Ricobene’s

- Frozen cheesecake on a stick from Eli’s Cheesecake

- Pierogis from Kasia’s Deli

- Cajun meatballs from C’est Si Bon!

 Things we’re looking forward to:

- Popcornsicle – flash frozen caramel popcorn on a stick from Garrett’s Popcorn

- Any tasty sausage from Taste newcomer but Chicago mainstay Bobak’s

- Sauteed goat & plantains from Vee Vee’s African Cuisine

- Jibarito sandwich from Sabor Latino

- Cochinita pibil tacos from Adobo Grill

 If meat on a stick isn’t your thing, there are a few higher end restaurants that will be participating.  Vermillion will be offering a tandoori turkey leg, among other Indian and Latin influenced choices.  Newcomer Shokolad also has some interesting dishes on their menu. 

Click here for a full list of restaurants and menus.

In addition to great food, there will be great events taking place during The Taste.  If you’re a fan of celeb chefs, Mario Batali will be doing a demo and a book signing at the Dominick’s Cooking Corner on Friday June 25 at 1 pm.  Giada de Laurentis will be appearing on Thursday July 1 at 3 pm.  There will be tons of music and concerts at the Petrillo Music Shell and other smaller stages during The Taste as well.  I’m looking forward to re-living the 90s with Salt-n-Pepa and Bell Biv Devoe this Friday!  Other big names like Rob Thomas and Steve Miller Band will perform throughout the week.   

For maps and additional information, please visit the Taste of Chicago website.