The best bargain for foodies yet this year could be the Best of the Midwest Taste of Spring festival, to be held from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 2 at Gallerie Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St.
The event is sponsored by the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food.
Here is a partial list of the events scheduled at the market.
– Eleven top chefs from restaurants in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Minnesota offering samples of their fare.
– Fourteen producers of cheese, meats, vegetables, fruits, breads, teas and coffees showing their wares.
– Three local brewers (Goose Island, Chicago Brewing and Pavichevich Brewing) and three Midwestern wineries (Lynfred Winery in Roselle, Tabor Hill Winery in Buchanan, Mich. and Heart of the Vineyard in Baroda, Mich.) pouring their libations.
– Five seminars: “Great Grilling,” “Introducing Kids to the Kitchen,” “Marvelous Mushrooms,” “Perfect picnics” and “Spring Relishes.”
– Seminars on making wine, mead and beer.
– Seminars on gardening, soil preparation, seeding, container gardening and vegetable growing, conducted by the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Services and The Master Gardeners Program.
– Three children’s cooking classes, covering popcorn, pizza and frozen yogurt.
Many of the food products also will be for sale, as will plants, garden herbs and flowers.
The market will be held rain or shine, says Diane Redding, market chairwoman. Admission is $20; children under 10, $5. Tickets must be purchased in advance and can be ordered with Visa or Mastercard. For tickets or more information call 312-977-4468. Valet parking will be available.
