A Taste of the 2013 Taste of Chicago

[Photographs: Dennis Lee]

The Taste of Chicago is an essential part of summer here in the Windy City. Most natives grumble about it, wave their hands, and say, "I went once and I'll never go back!" while tourists happily pack Grant Park to enjoy eating bits and pieces of the city we love. I somehow get dragged back every year (psst, Nick made me do it) and I get to present this year's slideshow.

There are 35 vendors with four pop-up restaurants that rotate each day (making the total tally 39), most of which are regular Taste of Chicago veterans, but a few of the new restaurants include Tony Hu's Lao Ma La, Bombay Spice Grill & Wine, and Flip Crepes.

I do have a tip, though: bring plenty of friends. Despite the sun and crowds, having a bunch of friends around to share food with makes the Taste of Chicago a lot of fun, no matter what some of you grouchy Chicagoans might think.

So without further adieu, enjoy the slideshow!