The Local Tourist - Chicago's Neighborhood Guide: Restaurants, Nightlife, Things To Do, Events & More

Taste of Chicago Highlights - The Final Day

The Local Tourist — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:33:44 +0000

It's the last day of Taste of Chicago, and I must say I'll be a little sad to see it go. It's been fun posting each day's schedule and highlights and I hope it's been helpful!

Cooking Corner

Today's demonstrations include Green Spirit Living (noon), which features raw foods. After that you won't feel so guilty when Lori's Cakewalk (1pm) takes the stage. Two chefs from Chicago's prestigious Drake Hotel, and Chef Hector Marcial will also strut their stuff.

Family Village & Fun Time Stage

Yesterday the talent from previous years was on the Fun Time Stage; today is this year's Taste of Talent contest for kids ages 4 to 14 (11:30am). Even if your children didn't enter the contest they may have a chance on stage with Be A Karaoke Star (3pm)

Taste Sports! Pavilion

In The Paint Basketball (2 to 6pm) returns today, and you can also meet the Chicago Fire (1 to 2pm).

The Music

If you head near the Illinois Lottery Taste Stage get ready to move, 'cause it's Gospel & Jazz Sunday. The Best Buy Stage features a bunch of Chicago bands, including TLT favorite Lucid Ground (I'll be there shooting pictures of the guys, so say hello). Unless you're a tween-age or teenage girl - or the parent of one - you might want to stay away from Petrillo Music Shell. Mitchel Musso of Hannah Montana fame will be performing.

Today's complete schedule is on The Local Tourist's ChicagoNow. Hope you had a great Taste Of Chicago!

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The Local Tourist: Chicago's Neighborhood Guide

Where:

Grant Park

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Kids and Families

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Music

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Restaurants

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Things To Do

Taste of Chicago Highlights - Day 9 (2 days left!)

The Local Tourist — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 14:01:08 +0000

It's another busy day at the Taste. American Girl, Buddy Guy, Hell's Kitchen finalist, Steve Dahl...I could go on, but it's probably best if I just let you read it for yourself!

Cooking Corner

Once you've been through Gordon Ramsey's Hell's Kitchen the Taste is a breeze. Finalist Jennifer Gavin will be demonstrating this evening (5pm) . Someone who's been in the hot seat a few times is Radio personality Steve Dahl. He'll be with Bears Analyst Tom Thayer and Chef Hans from Trader Vic's at 2pm.

Family Village & Fun Time Stage

There's a ton of talent at the Taste. Watch Taste of Talent All-Stars from 2005, 2007 & 2008 and 2002 All-Stars, the Chi-Town Cheerleaders. Also be prepared to see some excited young girls. American Girl Place is in the Village from 11am to 2:30pm.

Taste Sports! Pavilion

Play some hoops today with In The Paint Basketball (2 to 6pm). These year round camps use the sport to teach kids ages 5 to 18 how to excel physically, socially, and academically. Those athletes who know all about excelling, the Olympians and Paralympians, will be back to inspire and motiviate (1pm).

The Music

There's an Independent Independence Day Extravaganza at the Taste Lottery Stage today, and the Taste and The Hideout are presenting an homage to songs for Presidents. They're followed by a trio of Chicago bands: A Boy Named Crow, Big Sky Stringband, and Lubriphonic. The Best Buy Stage is also featuring local musicians. Like straight up rock 'n roll with a little bit of blues thrown in? Check out headliner Low Of The Low.

Today's complete schedule is on The Local Tourist's ChicagoNow. Happy Independence Day!

Where:

Grant Park

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Kids and Families

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Music

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Restaurants

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Things To Do

DIY Trunk Show Applications

The Local Tourist — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:34:11 +0000

Are you crafty? Artsy? Do you prefer to make rather than buy? Maybe you should apply to be in the DIY Trunk Show (Nov 21, 2009). This is the 7th year for this show featuring Chicago-area artists, artisans, and crafters. Their application deadline is Midnight, July 10 and it comes down at 12:01 July 11, so don't be late.

Apply here

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Art In Chicago

Taste of Chicago Highlights - Day 8 (3 more days!)

The Local Tourist — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:31:58 +0000

Happy Independence Eve!

Cooking Corner

Want to eat like "The Sopranos"? Check out Michael Scicolonce. He's the author of "1,000 Italian Recipes" and "The Soprano's Cookbook," and I'm sure he'll be feeding you like family today (Noon). Food associated with baseball normally means hot dogs and nachos, unless you're at U.S. Cellular Field. That park's made a name for extending the cuisine options, and the Chicago White Sox Chef A.J. Rudis will be demonstrating (3pm).

Family Village & Fun Time Stage

Stolie's on the stage! Sorry Dad, not that Stolie. This is Super Stolie and the Rockstars. The Wiggles will be on stage, too, and in the Family Village, where you can also meet and Bugs Bunny and friends.

Taste Sports! Pavilion

Meet and greet the Chicago Machine. Not the politicos - that would just cause a riot - but Chicago's Lacrosse team. They'll be in the pavilion from Noon to 1pm and again from 2 to 6pm.

The Music

It's a hodge-podge of sorts on the Lottery Taste Stage, or as they call it, "Variety Day". There's a singer/songwriter, country, pop/folk, and when they ran out of options threw in recorded music/open dance floor (this last one I don't quite understand - did they run out of bands?). Tonight's Independence Eve Spectacular will put you in the mood for the fireworks, which blast off at 9pm.

Today's complete schedule is on The Local Tourist's ChicagoNow.

Where:

Grant Park

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Kids and Families

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Restaurants

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Things To Do

The Sopranos Family Cookbook: As Compiled by Artie Bucco

Taste of Chicago Highlights - Day 7

The Local Tourist — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:01:13 +0000

It may be the seventh day of the Taste, but there's no resting here. Berghoff's, White Sox, and Neil Diamond? Yep, it's a good day.

Cooking Corner

A fourth generation member of one of Chicago's well-known restaurant families, Carlyn Berghoff (3pm) will be on hand. Any Chicago foodie worth their sea salt has heard of Alpana Singh, and the celebrity sommelier will be on stage at 4pm.

Family Village & Fun Time Stage

Parents want their kids to be healthy, but sometimes it can be a struggle to tear them away from assorted electronic devices and to get them to eat something that has more color than a desert landscape. Today's your chance to help them help you. From the Fun Time Stage they can learn how to make healthy snacks with The Spatulatta Girls (2:15pm), Stretch-n-Grow with Fabulously Fun Fitness (1pm), and Hip-Hop Yoga (3:15pm). And Giant Twister is back. Hmm - do you have to be a kid for this?

Taste Sports! Pavilion

We're smack dab in the middle of baseball season, but the Chicago White Sox have time to stop by the Taste to say hello to fans. Pretty cool, guys.

The Music

Yesterday tribute bands took over the Illinois Lottery Stage. Tonight super tribute band Superdiamond will perform Neil Diamond's "America", "I Am...I Said", "Forever In Blue Jeans" and more in the Petrillo Music Shell. Afrodisiacs, a fun funky disco cover band, opens for them. On the Lottery stage local music label Thrill Jockey Records showcases their artists.

Today's complete schedule is on The Local Tourist's ChicagoNow.

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Kids and Families

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Restaurants

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Things To Do

Taste of Chicago Highlights - Day 6

The Local Tourist — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:53:09 +0000

You know how people always complain that it's too hot to go to the Taste? Well, not today! It's a cool mid-60s, so head on down to Grant Park and enjoy the fun!

Cooking Corner

Today's featured chefs include Sherman Scott from Harvest Grill and Robert and Allison Levitt of Mado. Lisa Williams of Lisa Cooks Allergen Free and Michael Niksic, The Food Mercenary, also demonstrate their talents.

Family Village & Fun Time Stage

Two words: Giant Twister

Taste Sports! Pavilion

The Chicago Blackhawks generated quite a bit of excitement this last season. Meet them face to face today from Noon to 1pm. Then you can meet Olympians & Paralympians. From 2 to 6pm World Sport Chicago will be at the pavilion. This organization encourages Chicagoland kids to go for the gold.

The Music

Ne-Yo's in the house! Or the Petrillo Music Shell. OK, I should just not try to be cool. Anyway, he's headlining tonight after Keri Hilson opens. The Illinois Lottery Taste Stage is featuring tribute bands, so if you ever wanted to see U2, The Eagles, Luther Vandross, the Rolling Stones, or Crosby Stills Nash & Young, now's your chance. Sort of.

Today's complete schedule is on The Local Tourist's ChicagoNow.

Where:

Grant Park

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Kids and Families

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Restaurants

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Things To Do

Taste of Chicago Highlights - Day 5

The Local Tourist — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:27:52 +0000

We're just about half-way through Taste of Chicago - are you full yet? Hope not, because today Kuma's Corner, home of the best burger in Chicago, is doing a cooking demo.

Cooking Corner

After you've seen how they prepare Kuma's Heavy Metal burger stick around for Cheril Vendetti, author of "Mistress of the Mob". Chef Tony Priolo of Piccolo Sogno and Chef Mario Palaggi of Sean's Rhino Bar & Grill will also be doing some demos.

Family Village & Fun Time Stage

Broaden your children's horizons beyond our shores today. It's International Day, and performers from all over the world will be taking the Fun Time Stage. In the Village they can design their own flags, play games from around the world, and even get a tattoo.

Taste Sports! Pavilion

Today's visitors are the Chicago Red Stars. They're Chicago's professional women's soccer team. Wear Red Stars attire and you could win tickets to tomorrow's game.

The Music

The kids are traveling the world, but the adults are staying right at home, because today is "Tuesday Bluesday". Earwig Music is celebrating 30 years, and their artists are taking over the Illinois Lottery Taste Stage. Then kick back and have some fun tonight with Barenaked Ladies in the Petrillo Band Shell.

Today's complete schedule is on The Local Tourist's ChicagoNow.

Where:

Grant Park

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Kids and Families

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Restaurants

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Things To Do

Galleria 1712 Fashion Show

MartinJon — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:14:35 +0000

As we settle into Summer, the art, music and food fests come into full swing. Next month is Wicker Park Summer Fest, which is running July 25th and 26th. Produced by the Wicker Park & Bucktown Chamber of Commerce I am sure it will be like most of the other neighborhood summer fests with its share of music art and food. That being said, there will be a special bonus for attending this fest on the 25th, and that is fashion. Galleria 1712, which is an artist run Co-op Gallery at 1712 w North ave., will be hosting a fashion show featuring three local Design studios; LVW Studio, emeDesigns and Found Objects.

Being held from 2pm - 5pm the show will consist of both an indoor and outdoor runway, live mannequin models performing in the gallery's windows, as well as a live DJ.

Galleria 1712, which houses 35+ artists, designers, jewelry makers, and home decor artists, is definitely an interesting place to check out if you are looking to connect with creative locals.

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Art In Chicago

Taste of Chicago Highlights - Day 4

The Local Tourist — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:57:23 +0000

Today's Taste has family friendly written all over it. There are so many activities you can have the kids worn out for the rest of the week, or at least until tomorrow night.

Cooking Corner

Start and end today's cooking demonstrations with sustainable chefs. Melissa Graham is from Monogramme Events, a catering company that specializes in sustainable cuisine. The last demo of the day is with Cleetus Friedman of City Provisions. They host supper clubs featuring local providers (TLT Members get $10 off!). Chutney Joe's and the Palmer House also strut their stuff.

Family Village & Fun Time Stage

Holy cow there's a lot going on. Stilt walking, a robot contest, a teddy bear clinic, modern art, a block party, bingo, and tons 'o crafts, and those are just in the Village. The Stage has comedy, game shows, poetry, and stepping, to name a few. It's a good day to be a kid.

Taste Sports! Pavilion

The stilt walkers aren't the only people that'll cause you to crane your neck. The Chicago Bulls are stopping (should I say stooping?) by at noon, in between the Bally's workout and meeting Olympians and Paralympians. Athletes, coaches and mascots from the University of Illinois Chicago make appearances and hold clinics and contests throughout the afternoon.

The Music

Break out the bongos - it's World Music Day at the taste. Immerse yourself in Latin, Reggae, African and other music from around the globe. Then enjoy a uniquely American genre, the Broadway musical.

Today's complete schedule is on The Local Tourist's ChicagoNow.

Where:

Grant Park

Category:

Kids and Families

Category:

Music

Category:

Things To Do

Kickin' Back with Cocktails at Fulton's

The Local Tourist — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 21:24:59 +0000

With a riverside terrace that stretches from LaSalle almost to Clark, one of the most scenic spots for outdoor dining in Chicago is at Fulton's On The River. It's a great spot to have a cocktail, and they're taking full advantage of it with signature drinks that put twists on traditional summer favorites.

The restaurant hosted a summer mixology class on their terrace and I brought my mom for a pre-birthday celebration. We were greeted with glasses of Moletto champagne and were quickly served deviled eggs. Made with truffle oil and topped with caviar, these were some of the best deviled eggs I've ever had (sorry mom). Then they served tenderloin "sliders". Steak sandwiches are usually a bit tough, but these were as tender as filets should be and topped with grilled onions and cheese. My request for a cheese-free sandwich for my lactose-intolerant mother was honored quickly. This was an auspicious start.

Mixologist Scott Updegraff joined the group and started the class with a caipirinha. This Brazilian cocktail is made from cachaca, a sugar-cane based liquor, and the traditional recipe tastes very similar to a margarita. His twist? Use strawberry simple syrup and fresh basil. It's a refreshing and delightful libation for a hot summer day. For the class Chef Greg Biggers created paired dishes with each course, and this one was served with King Crab strawberry salad with roasted corn puree, prosciutto chips and basil oil.

Next up - sangria. Made with red or white wine and filled with fresh fruit, it's best to let it sit for a few days to let the flavors blend. Scott suggested Malbec for red and Sauvignon Blanc for white, but he said you can use any wine. So, next time you've opened a bottle of wine and don't want to drink the whole thing, make sangria. His twist on the white wine sangria was to add peaches, peach juice, and a cinnamon-clove simple syrup. It was a favorite of the group, although mom thought it was too sweet. Honestly, if it hadn't been so hot I might have thought it was cloying, but if the day's a scorcher it'll do just fine.

Red Sangria

White Peach Sangria

We both, however, loved the halibut ceviche. Soaked in pear juice, then served with pear, peach champagne vinaigrette and a lotus chip, it was absolutely wonderful.

For our final pairing we were served a jalepeno margarita with spiced seared New York strip tartare. The margarita was a little spicy and you could definitely taste the jalapeno, but it wasn't too hot. It was a nice accompaniment to the steak, which was served with artichoke hearts, brioche, and a cucumber chili relish. This was another dish with dairy, and once again they accommodated my mom.

We were invited to try our hands at making the cocktails ourselves, so mom popped up and made our favorite, the strawberry basil caipirinha.

She offered her finished drink to Chef Greg, who took one sip and said...

You're hired!

Here are the recipes so you can make them at home; or just stop into Fulton's and take advantage of the gorgeous terrace.

Strawberry Basil Caipirinha

3 lime wedges
2 basil leaves
1 fresh strawberry
1/2 oz simple syrup

Put above into pint glass and muddle for 15 seconds. Add 2oz of fine cachaca; then fill glass to 3/4 with crushed ice and shake. Serve in rocks glass and garnish with a lime.

White Peach Sangria

Add peaches and peach juice to a pitcher of white wine. Mix in 3 oz pineapple juice and *cinnamon-clove simple syrup. Chill overnight, and then serve with diced fruit (Scott said hard fruits work best).
*equal parts sugar and water, 1/2 oz brandy, 1/2 oz cointreau, cinnamon and clove

Jalapeno Margarita

3 lime wedges
1 orange slice
dash simple syrup
1oz jalapeno infused tequila
1/2oz Grand Marnier

Combine above in pint glass, then shake and strain over new ice and top with sour mix. Garnish with a sugared rim and a lime wedge.

Where:

Fulton's On The River

Category:

Nightlife

Category:

Restaurants

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