Every year, first week in July, Chicago shuts down a few streets and allows all sorts of food vendors to come in and serve their 'best sellers' to basically the entire population of Illinois.  This event is best known as the Taste of Chicago, or The Taste. 

I usually avoid this event because of the number of people that attend the event the same time I do.  I cannot stand feeling locked in, closed in, squished, pushed, etc.  However, this year, when my dear friend Rich asked me to go, I said yes, as long as we went early.  That we did.  We were in the city and walking thru the welcome sign before noon.  The crowds werent bad at all, feasible for me. 

As soon as Rich turned on Michigan Ave, like always, the view of the city skyline took my breath away.  I love my city.  I was then immediately excited about devouring food by the pounds.  I couldnt decide what to eat so I just followed Rich's lead, Sweet Baby Ray's, sweet potato fries, a Bud, cheesecake on a stick dipped in chocolate, pierogis, another Bud, Garrets chocolate covered carmel corn.  Ugh, can you say stomach ache? 

Much to my surprise, at three o'clock, I was hungry again.  I mean starving, stomach making the hunger rumblings hungry.  How could it be?  I just ate enough to feed a family of four.  So, what did I do? I went to Portillo's for dinner. 

 
*this pic and the 1st pic dont really fit the Taste themed post, but they are appropriate for my love for Chicago and my soul ties to this city.  I'll delve into this love and connection in a future post.