Food Festival Weekend
By Carrie Becker in Food on Aug 6, 2010 3:20PM
If you can’t buck the steep entry for Graham Elliot’s lobster corndog with a side of Green Day, check out a few festivals to get your drink and nosh on.
Festival Cubano
Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8 (10 am - 10 pm)
Enjoy a little bit of Havana in Riis Park by sampling authentic Cuban cuisine like Cuban sandwiches, lechon (pork) and ropa vieja (shredded, stewed beef). 90 Miles Cuban will be one of many Cuban restaurants serving patrons at this free festival. 6100 Fullerton Ave.
Northhalsted Market Days
Saturday, August 7 (11 am - 10 pm), Sunday, August 8 (11 am - 10 pm)
Grab a bite at HB Bistro (it's BYOB) before jumping into the fray to rock to Joan Jet and The Blackhearts. 3500 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 312-836-7000
Taylor Street Festa Italiana
Friday, August 6 (11:30 am - 11 pm), Saturday, August 7 (12 pm - 11 pm), Sunday, August 8 (12 pm - 10 pm)
Cool off with a walk down Taylor street, a Peroni in one hand and any one of Mario’s flavored Italian ices. Need something more substantial? Al’s Italian beef is award winning... but whether it's worth it is up for debate. 1000 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, 630-443-8400
Retro on Roscoe
Saturday, August 7 (12 - 10pm), Sunday, August 8 (12 - 10pm)
Take an extra tums on Sunday and work off that hang-over by sampling more than 25 cooks signature chili recipes at the Windy City Chili cook-off. 2000 W. Roscoe St., Chicago, 773-665-4682