- Long Grove, Illinois holds a Chocolate Fest every spring.chocolate image by adrian from Fotolia.com
Food is not only necessary for our survival; it also does wonders for our psyche. A taste of something sweet can chase away the everyday blues. The smell of fresh baked bread or a favorite entrée can take you back to your childhood. It is not surprising that culinary arts festivals are popular gatherings across the United States, including in Illinois. - Chocolate, chocolate everywhere is the theme of this annual springtime festival. Local restaurants and shops get together and ply you with double chocolate cake, chocolate dipped strawberries and popcorn with drizzled chocolate. Indulge in the ultimate adult beverage, a chocolate martini. The event is held in the Long Grove historic village. Learn which wines go with your chocolate treats and how to make some of your own chocolate bits of heaven. Sandwiches, smoothies and beer of the non-chocolate variety are available to balance things out. Long Grove is 35 miles northwest of Chicago.
Long Grove Chocolate Fest
Historic Long Grove
Old McHenry Road and Parker Coffin Road
Long Grove, IL 60047
847-634-0888
longgroveonline.com - Winemakers travel to Naperville, Illinois each September to offer tastes of their creations and offer their wares at special festival prices. Napa-Sonoma wineries are well represented, as are those from much farther afield. The 2010 line up shows entries from as far away as France, Argentina and South Africa. Sample wines with a touch of mango, black cherry or plum. Local restaurants set up booths and offer specialties ranging from Mexican food, grilled steaks to chocolate desserts. The event is held at the historic Naperville Town settlement. The community is 30 miles west of downtown Chicago.
Naperville Wine Festival
506 S. Grove Ave.
Barrington, IL 60010
847-382-1480
napervillewinefestival.com - Chicago invites you to eat, drink and appreciate everything Italian at the Italian Expo held each September. Over 50 companies travel from Italy to join local vendors in offering samples of wines, cheeses, pastas, breads, olive oils and vinegars. Buy some of what you like and take some treats home. Chefs from local restaurants such as 312 Chicago and Agostino offer cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions. Have a nibble and then vote for your favorite. Learn to play bocce ball or speak a bit of Italian. Let the kids build to their hearts content in the LEGO area, watch a magic show, get their faces painted or take lessons in lemonade making. Take part in a Hula Hoop contest and see if you or your kids have better luck making those circular bits of plastic spin.
Italian Expo
Navy Pier, Festival Hall A
600 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, Il 60611
312-553-9137
italianexpo.us
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