(credit: http://www.chicagohotdogtours.com)
Tourists can fall victim to a godforsaken chain restaurant and experience no charm and worst of all—forgettable food! This shouldn’t happen here. Ever.
Luckily, there are several outstanding food tours to save the day.
Did someone say food and history?
I hope you’re hungry.
(credit: bobbysbikehike.com)
Bobby’s Bike Hike: “Bikes, Bites, and Brews Tour”
For the more active glutton, we have “Bikes, Bites, and Brews.”
This north side bike cruise offers a historical overview of select neighborhoods and generous tastings of local delights. Hot dogs, pizza, and what else? Beer.
The bike element is fantastic and an excellent way to see the city. When in Rome right?
Bobby’s Bike Hike
Tours run Monday-Friday
Departure: 11am
Cost: $60 per adult
Length & Duration: 13 miles & 4 hours
bobbysbikehike.com
(credit: http://www.explorechicago.org)
Taste of the Neighborhoods: Chicago Neighborhood Tours
Hop on the food wagon and get ready to feast.
Chicago is a “city of neighborhoods,” so what better way to start checking the un-discovered off of the list? Each tour features one neighborhood, two of the city’s best restaurants, and one dessert shop. This is an adventure for locals and tourists—most of those that attend are Chicagoans, so this is a great sign. Destinations and stops change monthly, which makes for a unique outing every time.
Starting in June, tours will run twice monthly, and it’s wise to book as far in advance as possible. These seats are hot.
Taste of the Neighborhood
Chicago Cultural Center
77 E. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60602
10am-2:30pm
$50
Mar 19, 2011 : Apr 16, 2011 : May 21, 2011 : Jun 18, 2011 : Jul 23, 2011
Aug 6, 2011 : Sep 17, 2011 : Oct 15, 2011 : Nov 19, 2011
www.explorechicago.org
(credit: http://www.chicagohotdogtours.com)
Chicago Hot Dog Tours
Two words: Neon. Relish.
Yes friends, hot dog heaven awaits you.
Chicago hot dogs are King and this tour has the goods to prove it. Enjoy three luscious hours in poppy seed heaven and please don’t ask for ketchup. Terrible things could happen.
Chicago Hot Dog Tours
When: Saturdays
10:30am & 3:30pm
Cost: $60
Reservations Required
www.chicagohotdogtours.com
(credit: http://www.flightdeckchicago.com)
Flight Chicago
I’ve saved the best for last. This is the experience you’ve been waiting for.
You’re face to face with a chef, what do you ask?
Do you hate the Bee Gees as much as me? Do picky eaters make you want to commit murder?
This is probably one of the only opportunities you will have to sit down with some of the most prestigious chefs in Chicago. To some, this would be comparable to sitting down with Keith Richards, or say, Gene Hackman—an invaluable experience.
Like a flight of wine, diners experience a flight of three restaurants, offering 2-3 tasting courses and wine, beer, and cocktail pairings at each stop. Each meal is accompanied by an intimate conversation with the chef and a short tour of the kitchen.
You’ll be totally full, inspired, and ready to do it all over again—Flight offers several destinations, viola.
Flight Chicago
When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
$125 per person, includes wine, beer, and cocktail pairings
www.flightdeckchicago.com
Stephanie Lu Jokich is a corporate concierge and lover of all things food and drink. She encourages you to invite her to dinner with her project Good Food.
