Memorial Day, the official kick off of summer, is finally upon us. Nothing beats a good picnic in the park with some hotdogs and barbeque. Although, if you try that in Grant Park the wonderful Chicago Police might have something to say about it. Instead, head out on a mission in search of your ideal Memorial Day picnic experience.
Objective 1: The Celebration
The annual Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 23rd at 12 p.m. (noon) along State Street. This is one of the largest in the country and has almost 10,000 participants. The festivities begin at Daley Plaza and the parade proceeds south on State Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street.
Objective 2: The Food
The Weiner Circle and Hot Doug’s keep the Chicago hotdog tradition alive. The Weiner Circle has rude and rowdy staff, but serves some of the best dogs in town. Just don’t ask for ketchup. Hot Doug’s is a more eclectic hotdog/sausage emporium with menu items such as The Kiera Knightly, a mighty hot fire dog, and The Elvis, a smoked and savory sausage just like the king. The one item that sets them apart is their fries, which are cooked in duck fat (only Friday/Saturday). The Weiner Circle is open 11 a.m. until 4 a.m. everyday and Hot Doug’s 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday thru Saturday (closed 5/25/09).
If you rather get sauced, hop on the train and take it to Honky Tonk BBQ in Pilsen or Smoke Daddy in Wicker Park. Honky Tonk BBQ is just like it sounds, a country western barbeque restaurant with music and even a barn door. They recently took 3rd place in the pork shoulder category at the 2008 Memphis World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. As for Smoke Daddy, it is located in the heart of Wicker Park and mixes live Rhythm and Blues music with some of the finest barbeque in the city. “The Daddy” has been featured on the Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay and Rachel Rays Tasty Travels.
Objective 3: The Entertainment
The Chicago Blackhawk’s return to the United Center on May 22nd and May 24th for two home games against the Detroit Red Wings. Baseball is in full swing with the Chicago Whitesox at US Cellular Field May 19th – 24th and Cubs at Wrigley Field May 25th – 31st.
By the end of the mission you’ll have an ideal picnic without having to explain how the fire started…
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