RIVER NORTH — Taste of River North will have a new feature this year: the Walmart Healthy Cooking Stage, showcasing healthy recipes from some of the hottest restaurants in the neighborhood.
A series of 30-minute cooking demonstrations will take place throughout the three-day street festival on a 250-square-foot stage with mirrors to make sure the standing audience gets a good view.
Executive chefs from Pranzi, Havana Restaurant, Kendall College, Chopping Block, Enolo Wine Bar and other area restaurants are participating. Sessions can seat just over 40 people and will happen at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. July 18, and every hour from 1-4 p.m. July 19, and from 1-3 p.m. July 20.
The three-day event in A. Montgomery Ward Park is expected to bring thousands of residents and visitors to the downtown neighborhood this year.
Dozens of River North's restaurants will be on site selling menu highlights, including Kinzie Chophouse, Stout Barrel House & Gallery, The Motel Bar, Starfruit and BlackFinn.
Event co-sponsors Citizen Bar and Goose Island will serve brews, and The Redhead Piano Bar will serve wine by the glass.
Area artisans and boutiques will operate pop-up shops along the Chicago River Walk.
A $5 donation is recommended at the gate to help support the River North Residents' Association, which organizes the Taste and other events each year. The entrance to the block-long fest sits at the corner of Erie and Kingsbury streets.
Check out the full lineup and schedule:
Friday, July 18
Sublime Tribute - 9 p.m.
No Doubt Tribute - 8 p.m.
Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute - 7 p.m.
Weezer Tribute - 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 19
Sixteen Candles - 8 p.m.
Stache - 6 p.m.
Hot Sauce Committee - 4 p.m.
97 Nine - 2 p.m.
Sunday, July 20
Led Zeppelin 2 - 6:30 p.m.
The Main Squeeze - 4:30 p.m.
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