Big Time Fun in the Midwest

Yesterday, Milwaukee's Summerfest got underway, and today, the Taste of Chicago opened in Grant Park (by old Route 66). Both festivals feature lots of entertainment and food, food, food!! Then, some more food.

We used to go regularly to Summerfest but haven't the five or so years as it was getting too expensive, crowded, and loud. It seemed that every band wanted you to hear their music, even from several stages away. Plus, neither the wife nor I much like huge crowds these days. But, both are still a great party.

Yesterday, the Chicago Tribune ran a "By the Numbers" where they gave some interesting facts about the Taste: 64 booths, 10 days, 1lb.6 oz-the size of a bbq turkey leg at Booth 30, 3 fireworks displays, the biggest July 3, 24 ovens making pizzas at the Lou Malnatti site, 145,000 turkey legs. 10 "On a Stick" items including a pickle on a stick, and 2000 lbs of Eli's birthday cheesecake served free on Saturday.

Hey get me down there. It only costs $5 round trip on the Metra on weekends and will also get you there and back on Sunday. You get dropped off at the old Union Station, right on Route 66 which was Adams and Jackson streets. It is then about a half mile walk to Grant Park.

Then, the Tribune had a "Let's Talk Turkey About What You'll Find at the Taste":

Meatless 21 % not including fish and desserts, 20% desserts, 12% sandwiches-including hot dogs and hamburgers, 10% chicken items, 8% pizza, 7% Latin American, 7% fish, 4% Indian, Polish, Greek, and Persian 3%, Cajun 3%, African 3%, soul food 2%, ribs 1%, soup less than 1%.

Stomach Don't Fail Me Now. --RoadDog