The weather was, again, a problem.
Last year the Village held its annual Taste of Burr Ridge and Car Show in October, but a surprise cold snap brought visitors in blankets and heavy coats — if they came. This year, the event moved to Aug. 17, and it brought rain showers—and visitors brought umbrellas and fewer classic cars to the show.
Claire Nass, Burr Ridge’s communications and special events assistant, said early in the day, crowds would surge as soon as the skies cleared only to split once the clouds and rain moved in. The cycle continued most of the day. However, by evening, when the Taste event really kicked off with live music on stage, the showers turned to blue skies, and the event opened up and came alive.
Reckless, a popular local band, took the stage at 5:30 p.m. and near the front, folks danced to classic rock covers while on the green visitors enjoyed corn dogs, tamales, pizza, smoked meat and all kinds of drinks from across the area. And, as always, the little ones had a great time — regardless of the weather.
“I loved the vibe from noon to five because we focused on keeping it very kid-centric and we focused on having it very kid-friendly,” said Nass. “A lot of these kids had never seen a marionette show we had a one-woman singer entertainer, we had two Disney princesses and the duo jugglers. They’re a blast and so pleasant to be around.”
Even later in the evening, as the music started, kids played bags, a large connect-four and a special Burr Ridge edition of a Jenga-like block stacking game.
As it turned out, the kids’ activities proved a popular draw for parents, too.
Sergiu R. was among a handful of parents hanging out, catching up with friends, while a pack of kids played games. He said the outing was going to happen for the kids—it was just a matter of the weather as to when.
“We promised the kids we’d go,” he said. “We just waited for the rain to stop.”
Nass said the totality of Taste — the food, the music, the kids’ games — is intended to offer something for everyone, regardless of age or interest. More even than a way to showcase restaurants, it’s an event that builds up a community.
“It helps strengthen the community and that was really the goal,” she said. “The event is not just for Burr Ridge it’s for the entire community.”
The community does indeed extend beyond Burr Ridge.
Historically, the Taste has featured mostly Burr Ridge restaurants and Nass said those same familiar names still have the right of first refusal. However, considering the Taste is on a Saturday night and located just blocks — or feet — away from most of the brick-and-mortar restaurants in town, she said some restauranteurs have been unable to staff both a food booth and their restaurant on a popular night out. This year’s event did include one new local face, Bar Poca Madre, a Mexican cantina opened four months ago — but also some outside businesses including a boba tea place intended to draw in the younger set.
“Boba tea is very trendy among teens,” said Nass.
Besides the tea — a drink featuring marble-sized chewy tapioca balls — Nass said she tried to feature foods that would appeal to kids, and so Burr Ridge’s Olive Tree offered chicken nuggets and fries in addition to their Mediterranean Fare and a new vendor, Shake it Up Sweets and Treats, offered corn dogs and hot dogs in addition to lemonade.
Not that the adults were forgotten. John Mauro, the owner of Bar Poca Madre, said his most popular items were margaritas and tamales and, for his first year at the event, he was having a good day.
“It’s been good, besides the rain,” he said.
Jesse Wright is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
