AVONDALE — Last year, the Avondale Restaurant Crawl was a victim of its own success in one big way.
An hour into the 2015 crawl, some top neighborhood restaurants were running out of food. Chief O'Neill's miniature shepherd's pie sold like hot cakes, and future Michelin darling Parachute was all out of its Korea Town popcorn mix.
Last year saw almost double the attendees of past years, organizers said previously. This year, however, organizers will be "improving" on the Avondale Restaurant Crawl, now in its fourth year, said Emily Taylor, president of the Avondale Neighborhood Association.
"Food is the one thing that can really bring neighbors together," Taylor said.
The event will take place from 6-9 p.m. June 1. Tickets entitle participants to free food samplings from Avondale gems like Pork Shoppe, Honey Butter Fried Chicken and Taqueria Traspasada.
The Avondale Neighborhood Association partners with Northwest Arts Connection and the Avondale Chamber of Commerce to organize the crawl.
Parachute, 3500 N. Elston Ave., received its first Michelin star just over a year after opening. [DNAinfo/Ariel Cheung]
Last year's crawl spanned from Parachute, 3500 N. Elston Ave., to The Orbit Room, 2959 N. California Ave. A free trolley helped transport guests to the 13 eateries, while live entertainment included performances by Marianne and the Imaginary Band and Sit Means Sit dogs.
Marianne will be back along with the Four Star Brass Band and Northeastern Illinois University Jazz Ensemble. Overall, there will be more entertainment and restaurant offerings, Taylor said.
Organizers are still hammering out details like ticket prices and participating restaurants. The event kicks off at Brands Park, 3259 N. Elston Ave.
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