As a kid, I would look up and see those “funny looking words” painted on my kitchen wall: “In vino veritas.”
I had no idea what it meant at the time, but as I grew into adulthood, I learned the meaning behind them: “In wine, there is truth.”
Well, in the spirit of Chicago’s favorite Italian festival, I’ve had a couple glasses of wine today. So let’s just say I’m feeling pretty inclined to send the truth packin’ your way.
And trust me, Festa Italiana is a can’t-miss celebration.
The food fest’s eighth annual celebration takes place this weekend, with more than 50,000 festivalgoers expected to attend. And of course it’s located in Little Italy, the place where Chicago and its surrounding suburbs converge to get the very best of Italian culture, food, and wine. Here’s what you can expect:
- Legendary Italian Restaurants (duh)
- Grape stomping area
- Carnival rides & other children’s activities
- Cooking demonstrations
- Booths selling authentic Italian goods
- Wine garden
- Meatball eating contest
- Three stages of live entertainment covering Italian favorites like the Rat Pack, the Three Tenors, the Four Seasons, and Bon Jovi
Now I don’t know about you, but a few items on this list really stuck out to me. The grape stomping area is one of them. I’ve seen plenty of people stomp grapes on TV and in YouTube videos, and I’ve always dreamed of doing it myself. I’m in.
Next, the meatball eating contest. All the meatballs you can handle in a short amount of time. Even if you lose, can you really actually lose?
And of course, cooking demonstrations. Italian food is some of the greatest cuisine in the world, but very few have mastered the art of authentic preparation. The demos will undoubtedly give you hunger pangs on the spot, so be sure to eat before checking them out. Heck, my mouth is already watering in anticipation.
Truthfully.
Festa Italiana takes place from Thursday, August 13 to Sunday, August 16 on Ashland Ave and Taylor St. Entry to the event is a $5 donation that benefits the University Village Association.
Photo Credit: Enobytes via enobytes.com/