Serious Eats: Chicago
Chicago Food Events for the Weekend
[Courtesy of the Chill and Grill Festival]
Friday (June, 8)
Ribfest Chicago
June 8, 5 to 10 p.m.; June 9 and 10, noon to 10 p.m.
The 14th annual Ribfest Chicago takes place this week in North Center. Along with the chance to sink your teeth into more pork products than you could ever want, 20 different bands are lined up to perform. On Friday you can also catch RibMania, which is apparently the "Midwest's only professional rib-eating competition." $5. 4000 N. Lincoln Ave.; event website
Saturday (June, 9)
Chill and Grill Festival
June 9, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; June 10, noon to 5 p.m.
Better Homes and Gardens Magazine and Weber are teaming up for the Chill and Grill Festival. It will feature chef demonstrations from Ina Pinkney (Ina's), Jared Van Camp (Nellcôte), and Guy Fieri, plus tastings from a host of local restaurants, including Black Dog Gelato and Hot Chocolate. Also, check out the schedule for grilling classes and live music. It's free, though you'll have to pay for certain tastings. Waveland Park in Lakeview; event website
Growing Home Urban Farm Open House
June 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Growing Home is hosting an open house for "staff, supporters, interns, and other Englewood organizations," where you'll be able to tour the farm, check out chef demonstrations, and pick up some gardening tips. Plus, there will be music, guacamole, and spinach smoothies. Free. Wood Street Urban Farm, 5814 S. Wood Street; event website
The "Good Eating" Stage at Lit Fest
June 9 and 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Printers Row Lit Fest is taking place this weekend in the South Loop. This year there will also be a "Good Eating Stage," which aims to celebrate the "intersection of food and literature with a variety of cooking demonstrations and author discussions." Daisy Martinez, Rick Bayless, and Paul Virant are just a few of the guests lined up. Free, though some talks require you to sign up for tickets. 620 S. Dearborn St.; event website
