By: Daisy Magaña
Next thing you know it, snow will cover the streets of Chicago and its residents will view staying in as a welcoming, fail-safe alternative. Before the infamous Chicago cold sweeps through its neighborhoods take advantage of the gorgeous fall weather by walking its culturally rich neighborhoods, such as Pilsen. Don’t forget to include some flavorful, mouthwatering food along the way! At this year’s Buen Provecho, brought to you by the Eighteenth Street Development Corporation (ESDC), savor on some of the most traditional Latino flavors while enjoying the unique environment of Pilsen on Sunday, September 16th.
No need to worry of burning a hole in your wallet in sampling un poquito de esto y un poquito de lo otro (a little bit of this and that). Buen Provecho, now in its fifth year, allows you to purchase a ticket to this five-hour event and sample various foods from 30 restaurants. Hector Saldaña, Director of Commercial Development the event’s sponsor, sums up the event as not only being accessible to the public but also friendly to your pockets while exhibiting several nutritional “hidden gems.”
Wake up your taste buds with some papas bravas or cabrito al horno (braised goat). Tamales are a staple food during the Christmas holiday, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy them year round! The event will have tamales of all kinds including pork, chicken, and vegetarian. Indulge yourself in some Marlin based ceviche or some quesadillas syncronizadas. For those who do not eat meat, do not fret! The event also included vegetarian options. Of course after the main meal, who can deny their sweet tooth un postresito (a dessert)? Buen Provecho will also feature bakeries proving mini conchas (Mexican sweet bread) including other Mexican trademark desserts such as flan (Mexican custard) and pastel de tres leches (sweetened milk cake). And you could not forget the classics such as tacos or fajitas, and the event will also provide samples of traditional American foods including pizza and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches.
After sightseeing and stimulating your taste buds, browse the sidewalk sale ESDC has incorporated in Buen Provecho since 2009. Find trinkets of all kinds, unique handcrafted jewelry, thrifts, and one of a kind artwork. Asked where Saldaña sees Buen Provecho in the next 5-10 years he shares, “[I am] hoping for community participation to increase and turn it into something where the streets are occupied—changing the concept—giving it a tweak.”
So, in honor of Mexico’s Independence Day weekend, immerse yourself in the rich and colorful heritage by visiting Pilsen’s Buen Provecho event where you will find a great array of Mexican food and other ethnic food for less than $1 per sample! A comer se ha dicho. ¡Ajuaaaa! (Let the feast begin!) For more information visit, www.eighteenthstreet.org or call 312-733-2287.
