Taste of Chicago moves online with virtual cooking demonstrations, music events

The coronavirus may have forced the City of Chicago to cancel an in-person Taste of Chicago this year, but the Taste will still go on.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced its revamped festival that will feature a new online-only extravaganza with cooking demonstration, virtual music and dance events. A local dining guide will highlight the 42 participating restaurant and food trucks.

From July 8 to 12, the city will showcase local chiefs doing daily cooking demonstrations making some of their favorite dishes. Some of the chefs scheduled to participate are: Carlos Gaytan of Tzuco, Maya-Camille Broussard of Justice of the Pie, Jessica Romanowski of Care Kitchen Chicago, Darnell Reed of Luella’s Southern Kitchen and Sarah Grueneberg of Monteverde.

The Community Eats program will encourage participating restaurants and food trucks to host free community meals for front-line workers and nonprofits in their neighborhoods. Last year, this program held nine dinners, but will expand to 21 meals.

“Local restaurants make up the backbone of our neighborhoods – and we’re finding creative ways to support both them and the communities they serve while prioritizing health and safety,” said Mark Kelly, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events commissioner. “While this year is different for all of us, the spirit of Taste of Chicago lives on with community meals and virtual events showcasing Chicago’s diverse and legendary culinary, music and arts scene.”

For more information, with a full schedule of events go to TasteofChicago.us.