DOWNTOWN — Barbecue will be big at this year's Taste of Chicago — but restaurateurs aren't serving up anything you've seen at home.
A Tuesday preview of Taste of Chicago fare featured exotic sausages, new takes on pulled pork and modern twists on tamales.
"I think in general Chicago has a lot of barbecue, right? Chicago has a lot of different cultures — especially from the South — that came together for food," said Bedford West, who grabbed ribs from Robinson's at the preview. "And [in] the South, barbecue is huge. I think Chicago developed its own tradition of barbecue and that's why it's all over the place. Tons of restaurants have it."
Earle Campe grabbed pulled pork, a Polish sausage, wings from Harold's and some Dinky Donuts. He was just "checking out everything," he said, but had a soft spot for the traditional Polish sausage from Chicago's Dog House.
Of course, Taste will feature Chicago-beloved classics like Harold's Chicken, enormous turkey wings and Polishes, but every now and then you have to let loose.
Here are five crazy barbecue picks to try out at this year's Taste:
5. Rattlesnake and Rabbit Sausage
Rattlesnake and rabbit sausage made for a popular choice. [DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer]
The rattlesnake and rabbit sausage from Chicago's Dog House was a hit among preview attendees.
"It doesn't taste like rattlesnake. It tastes good," said one fan who came back for a second sausage after finishing one. "It doesn't taste like chicken. It's a distinctive taste. I can't really describe it. But it's good."
4. Buffalo Chicken Tamales
Tamales might not be traditional barbecue fare, but what Dia de los Tamales does with its tamale filling is anything but traditional. The Pilsen restaurant is bringing varieties like the buffalo chicken tamale (center) and slow-roasted Cuban pork tamale (right) to Taste of Chicago 2016.
You'll also be able to get roasted pepper and goat cheese tamales, among other options.
3. Alligator Sausage
A mix of spicy and sweet, the alligator sausage (left) from Chicago's Dog House comes with a bite (and some onions).
2. Pig Candy
Newcomer Pork and Mindy's is serving up "Pig Candy" (left) and Bao to the Pork (right). Bao to the Pork features hickory-smoked pulled pork with Asian plum sauce, pickled daikon and carrot and cucumber, and jalapeno relish on a bao bun.
Pig Candy is Pork and Mindy's special candied bacon.
1. Caramelized Jerk Wings
You'll be able to get caramelized jerk wings with a side of Jollof rice from Iyanze.
The restaurant will also serve up jerk chicken with red rice and beans. You can get plantains as a side with the dishes.
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