Taste of Chicago offers more low-cost options
The 29th annual Taste of Chicago ramped up June 26 with changes aimed at economically pinched and budget-conscious visitors. More than 6 million people will attend the city’s largest annual festival, and they can now enjoy more inexpensive and wallet-friendly menu options —108 items this year are $2 or less.
With 54 restaurants represented over 10 days, the Taste serves up 300 menu items, sodas and liquor that can be purchased with tickets (strips of 12 tickets run $8).
Most larger-portion menu items average around 8-10 tickets, but this year’s additional “taste of” portions (smaller and more inexpensive samplings of food) run three to four tickets and are an economical alternative for visitors looking to save some dough.
“They definitely seem to be gearing it more towards the smaller, tighter wallet this year. There’s a lot more options for people who maybe don’t want to buy the whole giant turkey leg, or can’t afford to,” said frequent Taste visitor Catherine Butzen. “As an impoverished college student, I approve.”
Visitors reported such “taste of” favorites as the delectable pad thai noodles at the Star of Siam booth, the saucy mini boneless rib sandwich at Sweet Baby Ray’s, and the sweet Dream Cup at Rainbow Cone.
Four-time Taste visitor Danielle Smolenski and her family of five took advantage of the additional “taste of” portions this year, reporting "I like having that option, especially for the little kids because they don't eat a lot."
Even with the additional inexpensive offerings, however, the Taste can be pricey according to long time attendee Benjamin Whiturst. "I've been going since the early years, and [prices] have been rising as the years go by and will continue to rise," he said. "I wouldn't say it's overpriced, but it used to be a much better bargain."
Seven-time Taster Audrey Johnson had advice for those looking to save money at the festival. "Bring your own pop and such because it's ridiculously expensive here," she recommended. "Besides that, all the food is really reasonably priced, considering how filling most of it is."
- by D.J. Siegel, Chicago Reporter for HelloMetro
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