From the Saturday, July 11, editions of The Daily Journal (Kankakee, Ill.) and The Times (Ottawa, Ill.) …
By Dave Wischnowsky
The WISCH LIST
The Independence Day hoopla is through, but Chicago still has plenty of fireworks left for the remainder of July – and not just because the Cubs and White Sox are tangling at rowdy Wrigley Field this weekend.
Although that should pack plenty of civic punch too.
Rather, the biggest bangs for the remainder of the month target our taste buds. As you may be aware, the 2015 Taste of Chicago is ongoing through Sunday. But that iconic – and crowded – festival in Grant Park is far from the only location where you can get a taste of the city during July.
Here are a few other ways to wet your whistle and satisfy your stomach up in Chicago this weekend and throughout the rest of the month.
Windy City Smokeout
Saturday-Sunday
BBQ. Country Music. Beer.
When it comes to selling its appeal on its website, the Windy City Smokeout doesn’t mince words. Instead, it minces mouthwatering meat dipped into delicious sauces and served up with a heaping side of country entertainment and adult beverages.
Staged in a spacious lot at 560 W. Grand Ave along the Chicago River, the festival features food from the likes of Chicago Q, Smoque, Dinosaur BBQ and The Salt Lick. Meanwhile, the music lineup includes headliners Chris Young (8 p.m. today) and Lee Brice (8 p.m., Sunday), along with a slew of other up-and-coming acts. Bring your cowboy hat.
For additional information, visit windycitysmokeout.com.
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Saturday-Sunday
From veggie to turkey to ground beef to steak, burger lovers of all kinds are flocking to the intersection of Belmont and Damen in the Roscoe Village neighborhood this weekend to feast on patties from some of Chicago’s tastiest restaurants.
Last year, Rockit Burger Bar won the “Critics’ Choice Award” for Best Burger, while Cortland’s Garage (which isn’t a body shop) took home the “People’s Choice” honors. From 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. today and Sunday, those two restaurants will defend their titles against 11 others – but, really, the winner is anyone who’s eating the burgers.
For more information, visit roscoevillageburgerfest.com.
Bastille Day Celebration
July 14
On Tuesday evening, Chicago goes French during its free annual Bastille Day celebration in Daley Plaza featuring crepes, croissants and a wide array of other fare designed to satisfy your inner Francophile.
The highlight of the event, held from 5 to 9 p.m., is the Course de Garçons de Café during which waiters from Chicago’s French restaurants race while balancing a tray – without spilling a drop of Grand Cru. The waiters begin running at 6:45 p.m.
For more information, visit bastilledaychicago.org.
Taste of River North
July 17-19
Nestled along the Chicago River at Kingsbury and Erie in one of Chicago’s trendiest neighborhoods, the Taste of River North annually offers up a delicious smorgasbord of beverages and bites along with a delightful lineup of musical acts and cover bands.
This year’s restaurants include Taco Joint, Da Lobsta, Kinzie Chophouse and The Melting Pot. The music lineup, meanwhile, includes what I consider to be the city’s best cover band – Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press – along with the city’s ’80s masters, Sixteen Candles.
For more information, visit tasteofrivernorth.com.
River Walk Brunch Tour
July 18 through October
Continuing every weekend through Halloween, Chicago’s Finest Tours is offering a River Walk Brunch Tour that features Chicago history, architecture, spectacular city views, storytelling and, of course, food.
The leisurely three-hour tours, which include about a mile of walking, kick off at 9:30 a.m. at 221 N. Columbus and end with brunch at nearby Houlihan’s with tales of the Great Chicago Fire, Eastland Disaster and plenty more stuffed in between.
For more information, visit chicagosfinesttours.com.