Keep cool!!

I'm from Texas. I can survive in up to 115 temps and be just fine. So just as a reminder let's go over a few tips to keep cool during the Chicago summers, especially in the wake of the North Ave beach incident!!

Keep yourself cool...

• Stay in air-conditioned space at home, the library, the mall, movie theater or at a cooling center.
• Drink lots of water and natural juices. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee and colas.
• Keep shades drawn and blinds closed, but keep windows slightly open.
• Stay out of the sun and avoid going out in the heat.
• Keep electric lights off or turned down.
• Take cool baths or showers.
• Wear loose, light cotton clothing.
• Do not eat heavy meals. Avoid cooking with your oven.
• Avoid or minimize physical exertion.
• Do not sit in a hot car, even for a short time. Never leave a child in a hot car.
• Check on family members, friends and neighbors to make sure they stay cool and safe.
• If you or anyone you know needs emergency medical attention, call 911.
• It is against the law to open a fire hydrant. An open hydrant hinders the fire department's ability to fight fires, reduces water pressure in your home and may cause basement flooding.

Keep our seniors in mind...

• During heat emergencies, seniors are urged to contact their local area agencies on Aging or the Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966 for assistance with locating senior centers, adult day service sites and other buildings that serve as cooling centers.
• Humidity combined with temperature make up the heat index, which is similar to the wind chill factor in winter. If the temperature is in the 90s with high humidity, it can feel like it is well over 100 degrees.

Remember our non-human friends...

• Provide water and shelter from the sun at all times.
• Restrict activity during extreme heat.
• Never leave pets in parked vehicles. Even moderate heat rapidly increases and can kill the pet quickly.

If you know of someone in need of a cooling center here's a few of the cooling centers operated all around Chicago.

408 North Laramie Avenue

831 West 119th Street

5323 South Western Avenue

500 North Pulaski Road

2753 West North Avenue

2650 West Fulton Street

70 East 21st Street

4105 West Chicago Avenue

610 West Root Street

1642 West 59th Street

11203 S. Ellis Street

8001 South Cottage Grove Avenue

3910 West Ogden

1279 North Milwaukee

915 East 63rd Street

Free museums- June 2011

I know the Summer is coming and there's only 24 hours in a day BUT here's something else to do! I know you have out of town guests coming at some point. Take them to soak up some of the culture our city has to offer. 

The Adler Planetarium– June 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

The Art Institute of Chicago-  June 1 & 8, all day (FREE admission every first and second Wednesday monthly from June 1- Dec 31)

Charnley-Persky House Museum- Free noon tours on June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Chicago Children's Museum- Every Thursday, 5 – 8 pm in June and First Sunday of each month for children 15 & under – (June 5)

Chicago History Museum- June 6, 13, 20 & 27

Clarke House Museum– CHICAGO’S OLDEST HOUSE – June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Dusable Museum of African American Art– June 5, 12, 19 & 26

Field Museum-June 7, 13

Glessner House Museum– June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

Loyola University Museum of Art- June 7, 14, 21, & 28

Museum of Contemporary Art- June 7, 14, 21, & 28

Museum of Science and Industry June 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9

Museum of Surgical Science- Tuesdays in June

The National Museum of Mexican Art- Free Tuesdays to Sundays

Notebaert Nature Museum June 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

Shedd Aquarium- June 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9

Swedish American Museum– June 14

Free museum entry all summer for Military personnel

First launched in the summer of 2010, Blue Star Museums once again are offering free admission to active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day, May 30, 2011, through Labor Day, September 5, 2011. The Blue Star Museums initiative is a partnership among Blue Star Families, the National Endowment for the Arts, and more than 1,000 museums across America.   Six hundred museums signed up for the kickoff in late May, and throughout the summer, more than 400 more museums – from fine art museums to science centers – have joined the effort, providing greater access to America’s cultural heritage for the 1.4 million active duty members of the military and their families.   

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe, IL
Chicago Children’s Museum, Chicago, IL 

Children’s Discovery Museum, Normal, IL
Clarke House Museum, Chicago, IL DuPage 

Children’s Museum, Naperville, IL
The DuSable Museum of African American History

First Division Museum at Cantigny, Wheaton, IL
Gilman Historical Society, Gilman , IL

Glessner House Museum, Chicago, IL
Illinois State Museum, Springfield, IL 

Iroquois County Historical Society, Watseka, IL
Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, Chicago, IL 

Joliet Area Historical Museum, Joliet, IL
Lake County Discovery Museum, Wauconda, IL 

Livingston County War Museum/Dal Estes Education Center, Pontiac , IL
Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, Elmhurst, IL

Loyola University Museum of Art, Chicago, IL
McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum

McHenry County Historical Society, Union, IL
McLean County Museum of History Bloomington, IL

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian Evanston, IL
The Morton Arboretum Lisle, IL

Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Chicago, IL
Naper Settlement Naperville, IL 

National Veterans Art Museum Chicago, IL
Orpheum Children’s Science Museum Champaign, IL 

Robert R. McCormick Museum Wheaton, IL
Rockford Art Museum Rockford, IL 

The Schingoethe Center for Native American Cultures Aurora, IL
Smart Museum of Art, The University of Chicag

Sycamore History Museum Sycamore, IL
Tarble Arts Center, Eastern Illinois University 

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens Rockford , IL
Veterans Memorial Hall, Rockford, IL

Village of Bartlett Museums, Bartlett, IL
West Chicago City Museum, West Chicago, IL 

Wheels O’ Time Museum, Dunlap, IL

Beaches!

With summer slowly approaching (yes I meant slowly) let's talk about BEACHES!

The 24 beaches that Chicago operates were opened as of yesterday May 27th and will stay open Sept 5th. The beaches are open daily from 11am-7am. 

Don't embarrass yourself and follow some simple rules!

Parks Department guidelines:

• No glass
• No alcohol
• No littering
• Don’t feed the birds
• Grilling is only allowed in designated grill areas
• Dogs are only allowed on dog beaches

Feeding the birds makes them poop which causes water restrictions! You can check outCHICAGO PARK DISTRICT for swim bans. We don't like those! BTW you can also get the water restrictions here.

I'm not a dog owner but some of you take your babies everywhere. So they are allowed at Belmont Harbor, the north end of Montrose Beach and the north end of Foster Ave. Beach.

Don't forget that you can get some exercise and play some volleyball on North Ave beach. You can rent volleyball equipment. Rentals include a net, ball and lines for $5 on weekdays (1-9 p.m.) and weekends (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), and a driver’s license is required. You can't do much for $5 in Chicago! Chicago Sport and Social Club as well as Players Sports Group offers leagues at Oak, North, and Montrose beaches.

Top 5 summer festivals

Despite the rain, the temps are warming up and I know Summer is right around the corner. Can we say YESSSS!!  So Chicago is the summer is like no other city. No other city squeezes 12 months of fun into 3 months. There's rooftop bars, patio dining, not to mention the farmers market! Life is about to get really interesting. So here's our top ten picks for the summer festival. Some oldies but goodies and some are new to us as well!

1. Taste of Chicago-Grant Park

June 24-July 3

Should we really explain what this is? :-) Taste of Chicago is the nation's premier outdoor food festival showcasing the diversity of Chicago's dining community. The delicious array of food served at Taste of Chicago is complemented by music and exciting activities for the entire family. Every summer since 1980, Chicago's beautiful Grant Park on the city's magnificent lakefront has been home to the world's largest food festival. 

2. Ribfest-Lincoln Ave/Irving Park Rd

June 10-12

What ignited in the summer of 1999 as a community block party has exploded into Chicago’s most anticipated street festival—averaging 50,000 pounds of pork and 50,000+ attendees who love to kickoff summer at this three-day event.

As featured in local and national media, Ribfest Chicago invites all Chicagoland restaurant BBQ masters to compete for the title of “Best Ribs.” RibMania, a sanctioned rib-eating contest, returns for a second round in 2011. Ribfest has become a nationally recognized Indie music festival hosting two stages that feature top local and national acts. And the now-famous “Kids Square” provides hours of entertainment allowing children to slide, climb, jump, ride, dance and enjoy live entertainment all weekend long. Ribfest provides a memorable weekend of lively music, family fun and satisfied appetites as we celebrate 13 years of unforgettable barbecue.

Proceeds of the festival are utilized to fund community activities, area greening efforts and local outreach programs such as the innovative School Grant Program and the Northcenter Chamber’s Philanthropy Committee. The following organizations benefited from the festival in 2010: Friends of Bell School, Concordia Place, Coonley Elementary School, Lane Tech Lacrosse Boosters, Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club, St. Andrew’s 8th Grade Class, St. Benedict High School, The Ravenswood ArtWalk, and Neumann Family Services.

3. Wells St Art Festival- Old Town

June 11-12

The Wells Street Art Festival is recognized as one of Chicago's most prestigious art fairs, attracting exhibitors and prospective buyers from all over the nation. The show features a wide variety of fine art - everything from glass and ceramics, to pencil drawings and oil paintings - plus a silent auction and children's area. Musicians performing along Wells Street will make you forget you're at an outdoor festival!

4. Chicago Air & Water Show- North Avenue  Beach

Aug 20-21

 It's not a festival but part of my summer plans. Billed the oldest and largest free show of its kind in the country, the annual event, now in its 53rd year, typically draws two million spectators to the lakefront, from Fullerton Parkway to Oak Street. Herb Hunter announces. Note: The air and water portions are now combined into one continuous show.

5. North Coast Music Festival- West Loop

Sept 2-4

Presented by North Coast Music Group. North Coast Music Group is a collaboration of independent promoters in Chicago. We are React Presents, Silver Wrapper, Cold Grums Productions, Kingtello and Metronome Chicago. With a collective 50 years producing events, we’ve presented everything from small shows to selling out large scale concerts. Some of us specialize in electronic, hip hop, jam band, indie rock and all kinds of genres. With this festival we’ve come together to celebrate the merging of all music and walks of life that enjoy it as much as we do. The line up is amazing! Common, Wiz Kalifa, David Guetta, Fat Boy Slim, Lotus and so many more!!

Taste of Chicago 2011 restaurants and music

Music:

2011 TASTE OF CHICAGO PETRILLO STAGE In addition to catering to a variety of palettes, the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park treats music lovers’ ears to a daily, diverse lineup of internationally renowned and local artists from June 24 - July 3, 2011, at the Petrillo Music Shell. Friday, June 24: Viva! Chicago Latin Music Day  Los Horoscopos de Durango Begins at 5 p.m. Media support provided by Univision Radio. Saturday, June 25: Artist TBA Sunday, June 26: Gospel Music Day Donald Lawrence  Reverend Milton Brunson’s Thompson Community Singers Begins at 3:30 p.m. Media support provided by Inspiration 1390AM. Monday, June 27: Broadway in Chicago, presented by United Airlines Including Beauty and The Beast, Million Dollar Quartet, West Side Story, Mary Poppins, Memphis, The Addams Family and others. Program is subject to change. Begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 28: The Lemonheads MaterialReissue (formerly MaterialIssue) Evan Dando, best known as singer/songwriter/guitarist of The Lemonheads, will be performing an intimate set featuring songs from his solo album and plenty of classic Lemonheads tunes. Begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 29: Celtic Music Day Natalie MacMaster  Liz Carroll, John Doyle and John Williams  Begins at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 30: Natalie Cole, presented by V103 Begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday, July 1: Country Music Day Loretta Lynn Court Yard Hounds, featuring Martie Maguire and Emily Robison, two sisters from Dixie Chicks Begins at 5 p.m. Media support provided by US99.5. Saturday, July 2: Everest The Jayhawks Begins at 3 p.m. Media support provided by 93XRT. Sunday, July 3: Greyson Chance Shane Harper Greyson Chance garnered national attention after posting his performance of Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi” on YouTube and following it with an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.”  Shane Harper is a principal dancer in High School Musical 2 and is on the Disney Channel’s sitcom, Good Luck Charlie.  Begins at 3 p.m.  Presented by Radio Disney 2011 ILLINOIS LOTTERY TASTE STAGE Taste of Chicago 2011 will showcase an eclectic mix of the local music scene at the Illinois Lottery Taste Stage each day of the festival with admission-free concerts in Grant Park, June 24 - July 3, 2011. Local music venues and presenters collaborated on the schedule. Their picks are noted in the following Taste Stage schedule: Friday, June 24: Viva/Latin Music Day 12 – 1 p.m.             Guitarra Azul 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.      Jose Valdes & The Mambo Allstars 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.      Angel d'Cuba – “Old Town School of Folk Music Pick!” 4 – 5 p.m.               Freddy Kenton, Jr. & La Dynastia 5:20 - 6:20 p.m.      2012 6:40 – 8 p.m.          Orquesta Bambu Saturday, June 25: Rock/Pop Day 12 – 1 p.m.            St8 of Grace 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.     Yeah Dude – “Metromix Pick!” 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.     Archie Powell & The Exports 4 – 5 p.m.              Jon Drake & The Shakes 5:20 - 6:20 p.m.     Empires – “Reggie's Rock Club Pick!” 6:40 – 8 p.m.         California Wives – “Lincoln Hall Pick!” Sunday, June 26: Gospel Music Day 12 – 1 p.m.             Mahalia Jackson Centennial Salute featuring Queenie Lennox & others 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.      The Brown Sisters 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.      Dr. Abertina Walker Tribute (with special guests) 4 – 5 p.m.               The Nichols Sisters 5:20 - 6:20 p.m.      Chicago's Next featuring various artists 6:40 – 8 p.m.          Chicago American Gospel Quartet Chapter (featuring various artists) Monday, June 27: World Music Day 12 – 1 p.m.             Black Bear Combo (Balkan Brass) 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.      Megitza Quartet (Polish Highlander) 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.      Lamajamal (Gypsy Surf) 4 – 5 p.m.               Mar Caribe (Tropical) 5:20 - 6:20 p.m.      Mas Trueno (International) – “Martyr's Pick!” 6:40 – 8 p.m.          Funkadesi (Latin/African/Indian) Tuesday, June 28: Singer/Songwriter Day 12 – 1 p.m.             Nina Ferraro 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.      Briar Rabbit – “Metromix Pick!” 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.      Karlye Lapetina 4 – 5 p.m.               Jessica Robbins 5:20 - 6:20 p.m.      Chris Gelbuda 6:40 – 8 p.m.          Jessica Lea Mayfield Wednesday, June 29: Celtic Music Day / Tim O'Sullivan emcees 12 – 1 p.m.             Celtic Dancing 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.      Glen Ayre 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.      Celtic Dancing 4 – 5 p.m.               Kevin Flynn & The Avondale Ramblers 5:20 - 6:20 p.m.      Baal Tinne 6:40 – 8 p.m.          Bua Thursday, June 30: Variety Day 12 – 1 p.m.             Steelin' Jazz (calypso) 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.      Black Slang (jazz) – “Andy's Jazz Club Pick!” 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.      Shining Star (Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire) 4 – 5 p.m.               White Mystery (garage rock) 5:20 - 6:20 p.m.      KTP Band (Covers/R&B) 6:40 – 8 p.m.          Generationals (rock) Friday, July 1: Country & Americana Music Day 12 – 1 p.m.             Country Doctors 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.      Whitey Morgan and the 78s 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.      Musikanto 4 – 5 p.m.                Heartsfield 5:20 - 6:20 p.m.      Anna Fermin's Trigger Gospel 6:40 – 8 p.m.          The Giving Tree Band Saturday, July 2: Variety Day 12 – 1 p.m.             Chicago Yestet (jazz) 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.      JT & The Clouds (alt rock) 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.      Tommy McCracken (blues) 4 – 5 p.m.               The Congregation (retro soul) 5:20 - 6:20 p.m.      Marrakesh Express (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Tribute) 6:40 – 8 p.m.          Gold Motel (pop) Sunday, July 3: Alligator Records 40th Anniversary Party 12 – 2:20 p.m.        Li'l Ed & The Blues Imperials with guest vocalists Lurrie Bell and Eddie Shaw 2:40 – 5 p.m.          Smokin' Joe Kubek and Bnois King with guest vocalists Eddie Shaw and Maurice John Vaughn

Restaurants:

Abbey Pub, 3420 W. Grace St. Roasted Corn on the Cob; Fish and Chips (Fries); Irish Egg Rolls

“Taste Of”: Fries with Curry; Irish Egg Rolls 

Adobo Grill, 1610 N. Wells 

Guacamole and Chips; Pork Tacos; Chicken Tamale; Churros

“Taste Of”: Cheese Empanada; Churro 

*Alhambra Palace, 1240 W. Randolph St. 

Falafel Sandwich with Jerusalem Salad; Chicken Kabob Basket; Beef Shwarma Sandwich; Hummus

“Taste Of”: Falafel with Hummus; Baklava 

Arya Bhavan, 2508 W. Devon 

Samosa; Chana Masala; Geera (Cumin) Rice; Bhel

“Taste Of”: Samosa; Bhel 

Bacino’s Pizza of Lincoln Park, 2204 N. Lincoln Ave. 

Stuffed Spinach Pizza Slice; Stuffed Sausage Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Cheese Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Sausage Pizza Slice

“Taste Of”: Stuffed Spinach Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Cheese Pizza Slice

*Banana Leaf Restaurant, 1948 E. 79th St. 

Four Jerk Wings with Rice; Blackened Tilapia with Rice; Jerk Lamb Chop with Rice; Curry Vegetable Stir Fry

“Taste Of”: Two Jerk Wings; Curry Vegetable Stir Fry

*Beggars Pizza, 310 S. Clinton 

Thin Crust Cheese Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Sausage Pizza Slice; Thin Crust Pepperoni Pizza Slice; Deep Dish Sausage Pizza Slice

“Taste Of”: Thin Crust Sausage or Pepperoni Pizza; Mostaciolli with Marinara Sauce

Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, 1535 W. Madison Ave. 

Rib Eye Steak Sandwich; Double Cheeseburger; Single Cheeseburger

“Taste Of”: Baked Potato Chips; 1/2 Cheeseburger

BJ's Market & Bakery, 8734 S. Stony Island Ave. 

Mustard-Fried Catfish; BBQ Turkey Tips; Fish Taco; Sweet Potato Chips

“Taste Of”: Mustard-Fried Catfish; Peach Cobbler

Bobak Sausage Company, 5275 S. Archer Ave 

Maxwell Polish Sausage; Beer Bratwurst Sausage; All Natural Chipotle Chicken Sausage; Ultimate Sausage Sampler Platter

“Taste Of”: Mini Maxwell Street Polish Sausage; Mini Chipotle Chicken Sausage

Carbón, 300 W. 26th St. 

Fire-Grilled Steak Taco; Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia Taco; Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast Taco; Sampler Platter (all four tacos)

“Taste Of”: Fire Grilled Steak Taco; Fire Roasted Veggie Taco

C'est Si Bon!, 643 E. 47th St. 

Sweet Potato Cheesecake; Collard Green Egg Roll; Cajun Meatballs; Spicy Chicken Wingettes & Sweet Potato Biscuit

“Taste Of”: Cajun Meatballs; Fresh Fruit Cup

*Chicago Sweet Connection Bakery, 5569 N. Northwest Hwy. 

Atomic Cake; Eclairs; Sweets on a Stick; Parfait cup, Oreo

“Taste Of”: Parfait cup, Oreo; Eclairs

Chicago Joe's, 2256 W. Irving Park Rd. 

Popcorn Shrimp with Fries; Calamari with Fries; Jumbo Fried Shrimp with Fries; Cheesy Seasoned Fries

“Taste Of”: Cheesy Seasoned Fries; Firehouse Chili

Churro Factory, 2214 S. Wolcott Ave. 

Churros; Funnel Cake; Ice Cream; Frozen Bananas

“Taste Of”: Churritos; Bunelos

Connie's Pizza, 2373 S. Archer Ave. 

Deep Dish Cheese Pizza Slice; Deep Dish Sausage Pizza Slice; 10” Gluten Free Pizza Slice; Frozen Banana

“Taste Of”: Mini Meatball Sandwich; Slice of Gluten Free Pizza

Cubby Bear, 1059 W. Addison St. 

Garlic Fries; BBQ Beef Sandwich; Mac and Cheese Bites; Maine Lobster Roll

“Taste Of”: Mac and Cheese Bites; White Chicken Chili

Dominick's, Chicagoland Locations 

Red/Green Seedless Grapes; Cherries; Watermelon Slice; Roasted Ultra Sweet Corn on the Cob

“Taste Of”: 1/2 Watermelon Slice; Pineapple Bites

Eli's Cheesecake Company, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr.

Eli’s Frozen Chocolate Chip Crunch Dipper; Eli’s Cookie Crazy Oreo Smoosh with Vanilla Ice Cream; Eli’s Turtle Cheesecake; Eli’s Original Plain Cheesecake; Eli’s Original Plain Cheesecake w/ Strawberries

“Taste Of”: Eli’s Original Plain Cheesecake; Eli’s “Skinny Chocolate” Cheesecake

Franco's Ristorante, 300 W. 31st St. 

Italian Ice Combo (Lemon, watermelon, blue raspberry); Italian Lemon or Watermelon Ice; Homemade Strawberry Gelato; Homemade Staciatella Gelato

“Taste Of”: Italian Lemon Ice; Italian Watermelon Ice

*The Fudge Pot, 1532 N. Wells 

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry; Chocolate Dipped Frozen Banana; Combination: Strawberry, Fudge, Banana

“Taste Of”: Baby Chocolate Frozen Banana; Chocolate Fudge

Garrett Popcorn Shops, Chicagoland Locations 

Popcornsicle; The Chicago Mix; ½ lb. Mixed Nuts; Ice Cream

“Taste Of”: Popcorn Ball; Mixed Nuts Sampler

Guey Lon Restaurant, 3968 N. Elston Ave. 

Orange Chicken w/ Fried Rice; Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura; Egg Roll; Crab Rangoon

“Taste Of”: Vegetable Tempura; Pot Stickers

Harold's Chicken # 71, 2109 S. Wabash Ave. 

Chicken Wings; Chicken Nuggets; Fried Okra; Fries

“Taste Of”: Fried String Beans; 1 Wing and Fried Okra

Harry Caray's Restaurant, 33 W. Kinzie St. 

Holy Cow Potato Chips; Fried Dough; Toasted Cheese Ravioli

“Taste Of”: Toasted Cheese Ravioli; Oatmeal Raisin Cookie

Hashbrowns, 731 W. Maxwell St. 

Sweet Potato Fries; Sweet Potato Hashbrowns; Maxwell Street Burger; BBQ Meatballs

“Taste Of”: Sweet Potato Fries; Sweet Potato Hashbrowns

Home Run Inn Pizza, 4254 W. 31st St. 

Cheese Pizza Slice; Sausage Pizza Slice; Six Wings; Cookie with Ice Cream

“Taste Of”: Two Wings; Harvest Salad

Iyanze, 4623 N. Broadway St. 

Rice & Beans with Jerk and Plantain; Jollof & Oxtail; Coconut Rice w/ Sauteed Beef; Bissop Sorbet

“Taste Of”: Bissop Sorbet; Jerk Chicken

JR Dessert Bakery, 2841 W. Howard St. 

Plain Cheesecake (with Fresh Strawberry or Caramel Pecan Sauce); Frozen Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake Bar; Key Lime Pie; Chocolate Molten Lava Cake (with or without Ice Cream)

“Taste Of”: Plain Cheesecake; Ice Cream with Fresh Strawberry Sauce

Kasia's Deli, 2101 W. Chicago Ave. 

Pierogi (Potato, Sauerkraut, Beef, Cheddar Jalapeno); Polish Sausage Sandwich with Onion or Kraut; Potato Pancakes with Apple Sauce or Sour Cream; Chicken/Sausage kabob with Vegetable Rice

“Taste Of”: Pierogi Potato; Cheese/Strawberry Blintz w/ Chocolate Topping

La Justicia, 3901 W. 26th St. 

Enchiladas; Steak Taco with Pico de Gallo; Nachos (Steak or Chicken)

“Taste Of”: Enchilada (1); Chicken Breast Taco

Lagniappe-Creole Cajun Joynt, 1525 W. 79th St. 

Catfish Po'Boy; Crawfish Boil; Chicken & Waffles; Beignets

“Taste Of”: Pralines and Cream; Beignets

*Lao Sze Chuan, 2172 S. Archer Ave. 

Dry Chili Chicken; Salt & Pepper Pork Rib; Crispy Shrimp in Lemon Sauce; Vegetable Fried Rice

“Taste Of”: Dry Chili Chicken; Spring Roll (vegetarian)

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, 805 S. State St. 

Cheese Pizza Slice; Sausage Pizza Slice; Malnati Salad (chopped); Bruschetta

“Taste Of”: Malnati Salad (chopped); Bruschetta

*Loving Hut, 5812 N. Broadway 

Home Run Ball (Fried Vegetable Textured Protein with Sweet/Spicy Sauce); Drumsticks; Kung Pao with Rice

“Taste Of”: Drumsticks; Tiramisu

Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen, 1141 S. Jefferson St.

Barbequed Turkey Leg; Corned Beef Brisket Sandwich; Potato Pancakes; Apple Pie Square

“Taste Of”: Apple Pie Square; Macaroni and Cheese

The Noodle Vietnamese Cuisine, 2336 S. Wentworth

Bahn Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich) with Beef or Chicken; Breaded Chicken with Butter Rice; Crab Rangoon; Red Bean, Boba Shaved Ice with Milk & Jelly

“Taste Of”: Sesame Beef on a Stick; Crab Rangoon

Oak Street Beach Café, 5700 S. Cicero Ave.

Grilled Slippertail Lobster with Potato; Grilled Shrimp Skewer with Potato; Grilled Bourbon Chicken Wrap with Potato; Nachos with Cheese/Jalapenos

“Taste Of”: Bourbon Chicken; Garlic Potatoes

O'Brien's, 1528 N. Wells St. 

Celtic Corn on the Cob; Gourmet Beef Hot Dog (Chicago Style); Buffalo Popcorn Shrimp; French Fries

“Taste Of”: Cherry Dumpling; French Fries

Original Rainbow Cone, 9233 S. Western Ave.

Original Rainbow Cone (Cake Cone); Cookie Dough or Cookies and Cream; Waffle Cone Sundae; Original Rainbow Cone (Waffle Cone)

“Taste Of”: Taster Cup of Rainbow; Dream Cup (Vanilla Yogurt and Orange Sherbert)

*Parrot Cage Restaurant, 7059 S. South Shore Dr.

Turkey Meatloaf “Cupcakes”; Seafood Gumbo; Seafood Salad; Red Velvet Cupcake

“Taste Of”: Red Velvet Cupcake; Seafood Gumbo

Pegasus, 130 S. Halsted

Gyros; Greek Chicken on Pita; Loukaneko (Greek Sausage); Soutzoukia (Greek Meatball)

“Taste Of”: Loukaneko (Greek Sausage); Baklava

Polka Sausage & Deli, 8753 S. Commercial

Polish Sausage Sandwich with Kraut; Bratwurst Sandwich with Kraut; Grilled Chicken Breast with Onions; Pierogis with Sour Cream

“Taste Of”: Bratwurst Sandwich; Pierogi

Polo Café and Catering, 3322 S. Morgan

BBQ Grilled Boneless Pork Chop Slider with Grilled Onions; Baked Salmon Mini Burger; Crab Cake Nuggets (baked); Garlic Mozzarella Cheese Bread

“Taste Of”: Cheesy Homemade Cajun Chips; Garlic Mozzarella Cheese Bread

Reggio’s Pizza, 1339 S. Halsted

Turkey Sausage Pizza on Wheat Crust; Sausage Pizza; Cheese Pizza; Red, White & Blue Italian Ice

“Taste Of”: Cherry Italian Ice; Cheese Pizza

Ricobene’s, 252 W. 26th St.

Italian Breaded Steak; Beef & Sausage Combo; Fresh Cut Fries with Cheese; Boneless Buffalo Chicken Wings

“Taste Of”: Italian Breaded Steak; Breaded Eggplant Sandwich

Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs, 225 S. Canal 

BBQ Ribs; Rib Tip; Boneless Rib Sandwich; Chicken Tenders w/ Sweet Potato Fries

“Taste Of”: Chicken Tenders; Sweet Potato Fries

*Ryba’s Fudge Shops, 600 E. Grand

Half Slice of Fudge; Full Slice of Fudge; Caramel Apples; Chocolate Covered Strawberry

“Taste Of”: Two Pieces Fudge Sample; Pecan Turtle

Sabor Latino, 3808 W. North

Steak & Onions with Rice and Pigeon Peas; Puerto Rican Steak Sandwich; Steak Jibarito Sandwich; Banana Dumpling Pork Filled

“Taste Of”: Jibarito; Coconut Ice

*The Smoke Daddy, 1804 W. Division

Pulled Pork; Pulled Chicken; BBQ Chips

“Taste Of”: Pulled Pork; Pulled Chicken

Star of Siam, 11 E. Illinois

Pot Stickers (Chicken and Vegetable); Pad Thai Noodles; Grilled Chicken Satay; Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura

“Taste Of”: Pad Thai Noodles; Pot Stickers (Chicken and Vegetable)

*Starfruit Café, 2142 N. Halsted

Original Flavor Frozen Kefir with 2 toppings; Pomengranate Frozen Kefir with 2 toppings; Birthday Cake Frozen Kefir with 2 toppings; Strawberry Flavor Frozen Kefir with 2 toppings

“Taste Of”: Pomengranate Frozen Kefir; Original Flavor Frozen Kefir

*Texas de Brazil, 51 E. Ohio

Combo Platter (combo of the following items); Signature Garlic-Marinated Picanha; Brazilian Sausage; Chicken Breast Wrapped in Bacon

“Taste Of”: Quinoa Salad; Brazilian Sausage or Chicken Wrapped in Bacon

Timothy O’Toole’s, 622 N. Fairbanks Ct.

Buffalo Wings with Ranch; Chicken Fingers & Tots; Footlong Corn Dog; Cheezy Tater Tots

“Taste Of”: Buffalo Wings with Ranch; Fresh Carrots, Celery & Ranch

Tuscany, 1014 W. Taylor St.

Italian Beef Sandwich; Italian Sausage Sandwich; Italian Turkey Meatballs; Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich

“Taste Of”: Toasted Cheese Ravioli; Italian Sausage Sandwich

Tutto Italiano, 501 S. Wells St.

Fried Ravioli – Marinara; Steak Burger with Blue Cheese; Grilled Chicken Mozzarella Sandwich; Lemon-Lime Ice

“Taste Of”: Italian Ice; Seasoned Fries

Vee-Vee’s African Restaurant, 6232 N. Broadway

Fried Plantain with Sauteed Goat Meat; Red Beans & Rice with Grilled Jerk Chicken; Jollof Rice with Sauteed Goat Meat; Red Beans & Rice with Fried Plantain

“Taste Of”: Red Beans & Rice with Grilled Jerk Chicken; Jollof Rice with Sauteed Goat Meat

Vermilion, 10 W. Hubbard

Chimichurri Popcorn Shrimp; Grilled Chicken Kabab, Tomatillo Potatoes, Charred Onions; “The Maharaja Sandwich” Pulled Beef, Crisped Onion, Mint Mayo; Ginger Dusted Crisp Apple Fritter, Mango Cardamom Sauce

“Taste Of”: Mango Dusted Fries, Tamarind Chutney; Grilled Chicken Kabab, Tomatillo Potatoes, Charred Onion

Vienna Beef/Gold Coast Dogs, Chicagoland Locations 

Hot Dog (Chicago Style or Plain); Maxwell Street Polish Sausage or Plain; Fire Dogs (Mustard or Plain); French Fries

“Taste Of”: Pickle on a Stick; Mini corn dogs