632848 Tue Jun 30 10:47:07 -0700 2009 3 7 Chicago Area 0 4818321 I'm going to Taste this week - I know, it's crowded, messy etc. But I was raised going to Taste and I think it's fun despite all that. I have my usual strategy - go pre/post lunchtime, take the train, bring water, napkins, etc. What's especially good and new this year? I'm intrigued by the frozen popcorn ball especially because it's a Richard Blais idea. That burger with the polish on it sounds messy but possibly very good too. Thanks for any reviews and tips. Tim "toy geek" Tue Jun 30 10:47:07 -0700 2009 13236 TimToyGeek 1 4818608 Hi! I've been on Friday, Monday, and today since I work a block away and I actually like. Mind you, my work does have an annual Taste of (my work) and they pay for tickets so I got had a lot left over to play with Garrets:" Popcorn Ball - watch it being made. Don't get it. Once the initial WOW factor is over you left with a sweet carmel popcorn ball that is kind of hard to eat. Adobo Grill: Cochinia Pibil Tacos were especially filling and really tasty and fresh tasting. 9 tickets Arya Bhavan: Samosa was pretty good - 4 tickets Bacinos - stuffed spinach (this is a personal favorite as I never get it outside of the Taste so lay off naysayers) 8 tickets/4 tickets for taste sample BJ'S Market - taste portion of the mustard fried cat fish. 4 tickets. Big portion. Get it with the hot sauce. Blue Bayou - Banana Foster Biters were an unexpected treat. Not over cloying in sweetness. 3 pieces so good for sharing. 4 tickets Buona - had leftover 3 tix and no time to search so got the mini-cannoli. Search for better options! LOL Costas - Loukaniko (Greek sausage). Taste portion is an entire link in a warm pita. Surprisingly good. 4 tickets The Grill on the Alley - Both taste portions are well worth it. and didn't skimp on the "higher" end ingredients. The salad a nice amount of blue cheese and wasn't all lettuce. Very refreshing. Gazpacho was out of this world. 4 tickets Sabor Latino - Jibarito was barely edible. I threw away most of it. Stiff, chewy, and blerg. Waste of a 4 tickets. And that is that. Tue Jun 30 12:06:06 -0700 2009 4818321 14209 lbs 1 4818655 are there any kosher eateries there? Tue Jun 30 12:17:05 -0700 2009 4818321 1089559 chicagomaven 1 4818975 Some more good values: Kasia's pierogis (tasting portion 2 for 4t) Vegetarian Soul (Booth#2): Sweet potato pie (a solid slab for 4t) Tue Jun 30 13:45:27 -0700 2009 4818321 10261 jbw