The 35th Annual Taste of Chicago, July 8-12 in Grant Park, once again included the popular feature of Pop-Ups, restaurants that literally pop up for just a day or two. This year’s festival included eight new Pop-Ups.

The 35^th Annual Taste of Chicago event drew an estimated 1.4 million people this year.

Attendees were also able to enjoy several sold-out and at-capacity concerts at the Petrillo Music Shell, sold-out gourmet dinners at the Pure Leaf Celebrity Chef du Jour pavilion, standing-room-only cooking demonstrations at In the Kitchen with Mariano’s, and live podcast recordings at the Food for Thought podcast tent.

This year’s attendance was up from 1.1 million in 2014, when inclement weather washed out one day. In 2013, 1.5 million visited the event, and in 2012 approximately 1.3 million enjoyed the Taste.

On opening night, Weezer played to a sold-out crowd and packed lawn at Petrillo Music Shell. Queen of neo-soul Erykah Badu then entertained her own sold-out audience on Thursday, followed by Ireland’s official musical ambassadors The Chieftains on Friday, and indie-rock superstars Spoon on Saturday. Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly, closed the festival on Sunday with another sold-out, packed house.

“This year’s Taste of Chicago saw great crowds and exciting music events,” said Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Michelle T. Boone. “But the perennial superstar of the event is always the food.”

Sam Toia, President & CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association said, “We’re proud to have been part of the Taste of Chicago since its beginning 35 years ago. As an economic engine for our city, the Taste welcomes visitors from near and far and gives us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on our city through our diverse restaurants and vibrant culinary scene.”

Nineteen first-time vendors joined the food roster that included items such as lobster corn dogs (Graham Elliot), wild mushroom flatbread (Sono Wood Fired), watermelon gazpacho (Farmer’s Fridge), roasted red pepper & goat cheese tamales (Dia De Los Tamales) and chocolate covered bacon sweet puffs (Puffs of Doom). An original Taste of Chicago vendor, Eli’s Cheesecake celebrated its’ 35th birthday at the festival this year with a cake cutting and a special birthday dipper.

“It’s been amazing and we have sold double the amount expected,” said Luke Saunders, Founder of Farmer’s Fridge. “We are excited to see how people have responded to healthy options at Taste of Chicago.”

“We always look forward to being a part of Taste of Chicago,” said Chris Bober, owner of Kasia’s Deli. “This has been a great festival and we are already excited for next year.”

At the popular Pure Leaf Celebrity Chef du Jour pavilion, diners delighted in the experience of having meals prepared by James Beard Award recognized chefs that included Chef Tanya Baker of The Boarding House, Chef Thomas Lents of Sixteen, Chef Giuseppe Tentori of GT Fish & Oyster, Chef Jimmy Bannos, Jr. of the Purple Pig and Chef Phillip Foss of EL Ideas. All five of these unique opportunities sold out the $45 tickets, which included a three-course, sit-down meal served in a decorated, air-conditioned pavilion.

“It was awesome to participate in the Pure Leaf Celebrity Chef du Jour dining experience at Taste of Chicago and introduce festival goers to the adventurous side of Chicago’s culinary scene,” said Chef Phillip Foss of EL Ideas.

The Humana Healthier Choices food items were also a popular feature at the Taste for those looking to balance their more indulgent choices. Twenty-four different restaurant booths participated with 48 items receiving the designated Green Apple signifying a healthier choice.

“As the 35th Taste of Chicago comes to a close, we are so proud to once again have offered the Humana Healthier Choices at one of the most iconic and renowned festivals in the nation,” said Charles Dow, Humana’s Regional President of Senior Products in the Great Lakes. “We’re looking forward to continuing our partnership with the City and local restaurants to bring healthier food options to Taste-goers for years to come.”

Visitors gathered at the In the Kitchen with Mariano’s demonstration area to get cooking tips from the pros like TV host Adam Richman and Food Network personalities Sunny Anderson and Jeff Mauro. Several of the Pure Leaf Celebrity Chef du Jour chefs also appeared to standing-room only audiences.

“At Mariano’s we strive to be part of the Chicagoland community and there is no better fit than the Taste of Chicago as they celebrated 35 years,” said Don Fitzgerald, Group Vice President, Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer, Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. “We are looking forward to being part of the 36th year in 2016.”

New this year, the Food For Thought culinary podcast area featured lively discussions from local and national podcasts. Included in this year’s schedule were Dan Pashman of WNYC’s Sporkful, Dan Gebert of Airwaves Full of Bacon, Stephanie and Arden of Your Chicago Podcast, Chicago’s Radio Misfits Network including The (Untitled) Hour with Doug Sohn of Hot Doug’s, and many more.

The Fashion Focus Chicago Maker Market was expanded this year, now with 28 Chicago designers and boutiques selling art and apparel for men, women and children. The market also hosted special event runway shows and an open casting call with modeling agencies searching for aspiring models of all ages.

“The Maker Market diversifies and expands what the Taste of Chicago is,” said runway show host Patrice Grell Yursik of Afrobella. “It gives attendees a chance to discover, try on and buy items from local entrepreneurs.”

— Taste of Chicago draws 1.4 million people —