Okay, that’s enough attempt at sounding urban-chic. Let the record state that I’m a white chick. But seriously, folks, street fests, I’ve learned, are a pretty amazing way to try a whole load of different food items without having to commit to a huge order of anything.
I have to nod (belatedly) to North Center’s Ribfest where I wish I had consumed maybe one less beer so maybe I could remember more names of establishments that were there…I remember Robinsons, Hecky’s, Carson’s, and Gale Street Inn. Carson’s were pretty good, but I hope that Robinson’s stays home next year. Their ribs were chewy and fatty. I was also disappointed to see that despite advertising to show up, Evanston’s Merle’s didn’t show. I really wanted in their pulled pork sandwich, which I need to eat more of so I can blog about. I hang my head in shame as I betray myself as a hog-centric blogger, because my favorite thing there was a pulled lamb sandwich. Like pulled pork, only a little more savory and gamey-er. Seriously awesome. I was so ashamed of myself for going to Ribfest and liking the lamb best, I had to go eat a bacon wrapped hot dog to regain my street-cred. Yes, you read that right. Bacon. Wrapped. Hot Dog. Next time I’m bringing more money and trying every rib sampler available. And maybe getting less drunk so I can remember what I had.
I did the same thing and Randolph street festival this past Friday. I tried some kind of ribs that were awesome; I’m pretty sure they were from Nicholas Quality Meats. They gave me some free corn too, so can’t lose there. The game plan is to continue attending whatever festivals are available for me to attend and to continue sampling ribs and other meat options (meat on a stick is always a solid pick). Taste of Chicago starts this weekend. Hmmm….
