The Taste of Chicago this year is adding “Pop Up” restaurants, a new feature that allows establishments to participate for just one day and gives hungry visitors more offerings and unique options each day of the festival.  

“The Pop Up restaurants are a great opportunity for first-time establishments, including some of the smaller neighborhood places, to participate in the Taste and will help ensure the festival is a true reflection of all of Chicago’s culinary community” said Michelle T. Boone, Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DC ASE).  “This will also mean that each day, the Taste will be slightly different and our patrons will have a greater variety of menu options.”  

The demand from chefs and restaurant owners will help determine the number of Pop Up restaurants featured each day, but the number is likely to be limited.  The one-day restaurants must be new to Taste; veteran Taste restaurants are not eligible for the program.   

“Many restaurant owners have commented in the past about the commitment from staff and resources necessary to participate in the Taste.  The Pop Up option eases their commitment, but still gives them the opportunity to showcase their cuisine to the hundreds of thousands of hungry visitors,” said Boone.  

Vendor applications to participate in the 32nd annual Taste of Chicago are now available online. Both applications are available at www.tasteofchicago.us.  The food festival is presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and will run July 11-15 in Grant Park.  Applications are due February 21, 2012.  

There is no application fee for those applying to be a “Pop Up” restaurant; restaurants seeking to vend all five days must submit an application fee of $1,500 with their paperwork and pay an additional $1,500 if accepted, in addition to others costs associated with participating in the festival.  

Additionally, the previously announced plan to seek proposals from qualified firms to provide Food, Beverage, and Ticket Management Services for City sponsored festivals began today (Tuesday, January 24.)  Proposals are due no later than February 28, 2012.  Information on how to obtain a copy of the Request for Proposal document is on line, also at the Taste website.  

For more information on Taste, Chicago’s 4 Star Feast-ival of food and fun, please call the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events at (312) 744-3316, TTY (312) 744-2964 or visit the web at  www.tasteofchicago.us.  Become a fan of Taste on Facebook and follow us on @ChicagoDCASE.