Bob Sirott`s One More Thing about Taste of Chicago
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By Bob Sirott, FOX 32 News at Nine Co-Anchor - bio
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
One more thing, about "Taste of Chicago." The city just announced that the hot Grammy-award winning band "Fun" will play on opening night of "The Taste" on July 10th. That's a good booking, but there are still big problems ahead.
To reverse a million dollars in losses in 2011 alone, Mayor Emanuel cut last year's "Taste" from 10 days to 5. The number of restaurants was also reduced, reserved concert seats that were free went for $25, and "Taste" was moved away from the busy July 4th weekend. It still lost $1.3 million; $300,000 more than the year before.
Recently the mayor said there needs to be another round of cost-cutting, and he told his cultural affairs team to re-think the "Taste."
That's what I've been doing. Here are my suggestions Mr. Mayor.
Make it truly a "Taste of Chicago," like it was when it first began. Most of the restaurants at "Taste" should be the ones that really do offer a taste of Chicago---the unique foods our great, diverse city is famous for. Choose the best ethnic dishes from all the neighborhoods. Include the singular "specialties of the house" from the most popular downtown restaurants, and make the portions truly "taste size" so people can sample many foods at a reasonable price.
This might also help Mayor Emanuel's campaign to lure more foreign visitors here. I don't consider a major tourist attraction to be a giant $7 grease-dripping turkey leg on a stick.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
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Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
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The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
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Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
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Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
Clinton Shepherd, Pier Park Operations Manager, is trying to set a new world record for the longest time riding a Ferris Wheel. He was stationed at Navy Pier Thursday, preparing for this weekend's marathon event.
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Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
Five people have been killed and at least 18 others wounded — including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition — in shootings across the city since Friday night.
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Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
Skokie Police Chief Tony Scarpelli said Sunday police still have no suspect in custody in connection with a shooting Friday night near just outside of Westfield's Old Orchard Shopping Center.
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Over the weekend, the Tom Cruise sci-fi thriller "Oblivion" was number one at the box office. But the movie I'm talking about wasn't even in the top ten.
Over the weekend, the Tom Cruise sci-fi thriller "Oblivion" was number one at the box office. But the movie I'm talking about wasn't even in the top ten.
