Hungry Chicagoans and eager tourists descended on Grant Park near Buckingham Fountain Friday to enjoy the start of the annual Taste of Chicago, with longtime vendors such as Eli’s Cheesecake returning for their 44th year and other eateries, including Oooh Wee It Is, participating for the first time.
Neal Heitz, manager of Taste of Chicago in the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, has been part of the event for 21 years
Reflecting on the event’s history — it was first held in 1980 on July 4th — Heitz said he was happy to see the crowd grow throughout the afternoon.
That first Taste was held on Michigan Avenue between Wacker Drive and Ohio Street and featured just 36 vendors. But it was an immediate hit, A crowd of about 100,000 was expected for that one-day event in 1980, but more than 250,000 showed up.
“Taste of Chicago is for everyone. There’s no admission, no gate charge. It’s truly a city celebration,” Heitz said.
Although Heitz couldn’t provide attendance estimates, he said he hopes the 39 vendors and 17 food trucks do well, whether through sales this weekend or connecting with new audiences after Taste ends. “Food is such a big part of our city’s culture,” he said.
Mark Walker, owner of Oooh Wee It Is, was experiencing his first Taste as a vendor . He said taking part in the event has allowed him to hire 25 additional employees for the summer.
“We’re really excited about that.”
Though Walker is no stranger to festivals, he said navigating Taste’s regulations, including food safety protocols and sanitation training for his new staff, was probably the biggest challenge. “Neal [Heitz] walked us through everything,” Walker said, adding that fellow vendors such as BJ’s Market and Robinson’s Ribs also offered guidance.
Walker’s menu features fan favorites, including viral hits such as his pot roast cupcakes — cornbread muffins topped with garlic mashed potatoes, scallions, cheese, gravy and pot roast.
The experience is especially meaningful for Walker. “Just about 20 years ago, I was an employee here at Taste of Chicago, picking up trash. Now I’m on the other side and got my own food booth,” he said.
Elba Jasso, who helps run Ponce Restaurant, a family-owned Puerto Rican eatery, was also participating for the first time. “We’re excited to bring Puerto Rican culture to Taste of Chicago,” Jasso said. Having participated in other large-scale events, such as the Sueños Music Festival, Jasso said she and her team felt well-prepared to ensure smooth operations.
The Ponce menu at Taste includes their signature Jibarito sandwich and roasted pork, both staples at their restaurant. “I thought [the Jibarito] would be a good fit for the different crowds that go to the Taste,” she said.
Jarid Lea, a longtime festival-goer from the south suburbs, said he has been attending Taste since he was 13. Over the years, he’s seen changes in the festival’s atmosphere.
“I’ve noticed that the Taste has gotten more intimate with more local restaurants and smaller businesses. I love that more now, and it’s not as crowded,” Lea said. . He appreciates the opportunity to interact with local vendors and the ease of moving through the event. “It’s free to walk around, and you can move around easily and get to try more food.”
Taste continues Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.