Taste of Chicago 2021 Reimagined

Taste of Chicago To-Go was back for the second year in a row. During the final days, I had the opportunity to attend events in two distinct parts of town, each offering a unique experience.

Saturday, July 10, 2021

Pop-up Taste in Englewood

The Taste of Chicago came to the Englewood neighborhood, where children and adults enjoyed entertainment by Chicago musical artists and DJs. Some escaped under the tents to relax and avoid the intermittent rain, while others gathered around the stage. It was nice to see the children join the artists onstage and have a good time while dancing. 

There were several Black-owned food vendors. I was pleasantly surprised by the shrimp and grits with paisley parmesan seasoning from the Exquisite 501 booth. Other options included the Whadda Jerk and Robinson’s No. 1 Ribs food trucks.​

Sunday, July 11, 2021

Closing Day

Let’s Talk Women Picnic in White took place in downtown Millennium Park. Serving as the closing event for Taste of Chicago To-Go, the event featured women empowerment music and live performances by women. Pre-sold box lunches included a nice variety of items from women-owned restaurants in Chicago.

Let’s Talk Womxn is a one-year-old organization of over 400 women restaurateurs from 14 cities. During the interview segment, Founder Rohini Dey exclaimed, “I’m appalled that we are still debating ratifying the equal rights amendment in a country like this. Only 4% of the funding goes to women entrepreneurs.” Justice of the Pies Founder Maya-Camille Broussard stated, “It’s very important to support women entrepreneurs in the food industry because it’s a male-dominated field. After arriving in Chicago seven years ago, Chef Q. Ibraheem said, “I learned very quickly what exclusion was being a Black female in this industry. Through Let’s Talk Womxn, I have learned what inclusion is. Everyone has a seat at the table.”

I enjoyed the reimagined Taste of Chicago events. I am looking forward to seeing what the experience brings to different neighborhoods next year.