Taste of River North July 18, 2009

he River North neighborhood will take center stage on the festival circuit the weekend of July 18th and 19th when it plays host to The Taste of River North. Located in and around magnificent Erie Park, at Kingsbury and Erie, this debut fest aims to give weary art shoppers a taste of the best of everything the River North neighborhood has to offer – and in a beautiful riverfront green setting rather than a sticky city street.

There will be something for everyone at The Taste of River North, a fest that truly reflects the eclectic characteristics of its environs – spectacular cuisine and a world-renowned art and design scene. Revelers will enjoy two-full days of great River North restaurants, galleries, local merchants, live cutting-edge music, and a family fun area with pet activities – along with taking in some of Chicago’s most impressive river and architectural views.

The Restaurants
Hosted by the River North Residents’ Association, the emphasis is on all-things “local.” From the music to the food, everything featured at The Taste of River North is selected based on its popularity in the surrounding ‘hood. As such, the area’s top restaurants will be setting up temporary shop along Erie Park, including: @Spot Café, Citizen Bar, PROSECCO, Zocalo, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Ai Japanese Restaurant, Italiasia, Bella Luna, Excalibur, Fleming’s, Roy’s Chicago and more…

The Music
In addition to the food, another big difference between The Taste of River North and other cookie-cutter Chicago street festivals is the high quality music. Headlining Saturday night are the classic Central and West African dance beats of Chicago’s own Occidental Brothers Dance Band International; while capping things off with a bang on Sunday are the alt-rock soul sounds of Cracker – hot off their new studio album Sunrise in the Land of Milk and Honey. The full weekend lineup (currently available for release – more to come) is as follows:

Saturday July 18
8:30 Occidental Brothers Dance Band International

Sunday, July 19
5:30 Cracker
3:30 Red Wanting Blue


The Fine Print
There is a $5 suggested donation requested for admittance. Proceeds will support the RNRA. Hours of operation are Saturday from 11 AM to 10 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM. Erie Park is located at 630 N. Kingsbury in Chicago. Tickets for food and beverages are just $1.00 each. For more info, go to http://www.rivernorthresidents.com/Taste.htm.

Official Website: http://www.rivernorthresidents.com/Taste.htm.