From strawberry crepes to Mexican street corn, joojeh kebabs to barbeque brisket and burritos, this year’s Taste of Park Ridge came alive with diversity in flavor and entertainment.
According to David Iglow, president of Taste of Park Ridge, at its heart, this event has always been a civic celebration of food and family with good entertainment.
“For our 23rd annual year, we wanted to offer more diversity in restaurants and eateries, something that had been lacking in the past,” Iglow said.
“Although we bring in new food vendors every year, this time we were able to bring in Asian and Persian influences to the Taste, adding flavors that had been missing,” Iglow said.
With 18 total food vendors this year, the majority of these local to Park Ridge, this event also featured a wine oasis and beer garden, a fun zone with kids’ activities, and an openness to bring in outside vendors in order to accentuate diversity.
New vendors like Shemroon Kabab, Johnny and Tess, Kong Dog and others added to an eclectic range of offerings.
Mehdi Haji Aghazadeh, owner of Shemroon Kabab House, says participating in Taste of Park Ridge was really important because it provided an opportunity to introduce people to the restaurant and the food.
“Today is less about making a profit, and more about wanting everybody to taste our menu. That’s the important thing; that’s why we are here,” Aghazadeh said.
Organizers say that over 30,000 people were expected during the three-day food fest, from July 13 to 15.
Agata Soltys of Niles tried her first Kong Dog during Taste of Park Ridge on Thursday.
“It’s fun to be able to sample a lot of different vendors together in one place like this – it’s my first time sampling the Korean street food, the Kong Dog, which is like a corndog, only better. I ordered mine with a spicy topping,” Soltys said.
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Alma Wangler of Chicago said she liked the small town feel of the event, and said it was more cost-friendly than the Taste of Chicago.
Iglow said this year’s entertainment was more diverse as well.
“Over the weekend we planned an eclectic lineup of live music, highlighting jazz and flamenco guitar, country music, a brass band, the music of Elton John and cover bands showcasing favorites from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s – really a tremendous variety of contemporary and classic musicians,” Iglow said.
The Canopies on Courtland business expo also took place Saturday during Taste of Park Ridge. Coordinated by the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce, local businesses were on hand to provide information, demos and giveaways.
Iglow acknowledged the event’s sponsors.
“It’s our sponsorship that keeps us alive, with all proceeds going back into supporting the next year’s program,” Iglow said.
Joe Weissmann of Park Ridge attended Taste of Park Ridge with family.
“I’m just here for the food, and to enjoy good eating and entertainment,” Weissmann said.
