Monday, October 10, 2011

Chicago Food Tours


Chicago is known as the 2nd city, not because it is 2nd to New York but because the great Chicago fire of 1871 burned most of the city to the ground over a couple of days. The city was basically in ruins and was rebuilt, hence the nickname the 2nd city. While this city is known as the 2nd city food usually comes first. Like New York, Chicago is a melting pot of cultural diversity with neighborhoods and tons of history in many different ethnic backgrounds. While you may know Chicago for its legendary deep dish pizza there are many other authentic foods in Chicago. If you are visiting Chicago this fall, I would highly recommend taking a Chicago Food Tour sometime between a Bear game and a walk along the Chicago River. Here are the Top 3 food tours that I would recommend:

Chinatown Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour
A city without a Chinatown wouldn't be a city at all. Chinatown has the most extensive food delicacies available for your tasting. You may have some trouble with a language barrier around but use your tastebuds to get past it while you appreciate different ethnic foods in this area of Chicago. The tour is $60 for an adult/ $35 for a child. The tour departs at 10:30am and goes until the early afternoon and is available April through November. You learn of the meeting location when you purchase a ticket.

Bucktown/Wicker Park Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tours
Make sure you bring your most comfortable walking shoes and an extra hole in your belt loop as you walk thru the super hip neighborhoods of Bucktown and Wicker Park. This tour is narrated and visits six establishments that offer amazing food samples from family owned specialty restaurants to famous Chicago food stops. Along this tour you will taste everything from pastries to hot dogs. After the tour you will be able to walk around these neighborhoods and enjoy the art filled streets. This tour is available April through November and starts at 11:30am until the early afternoon. It costs $45 for adults and $15 for a child. There is room for 14 people to tour and the exact meeting location is available upon ticket purchase.

Near North Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tours
The Near North Food Tour allows you to taste food from seven different locations in the Gold Coast, Old Town, and Lincoln Park Neighborhoods. Expect to east foods from several different cultural food staples that include Pizzerias, Jewish Del's, Chinese and Indian restaurants. The tour leaves at 11am daily, everyday, March through November. The tickets are $45 for adults and $15 for a child.