Gold Coast & Old Town Food Tour

Great guides make great tours, and our great guide made our tour great. Her name was Jennifer, and she had the perfect attitude and personality and even world-view to make us all feel constantly engaged, interested, and excited about what we were doing. Part of the attraction and enjoyment of this tour was the walking. If it was a bus tour, we would never have chosen to participate. Chicago is great to walk in- so inviting and interesting and fun. They started off by getting a little substance in our bellies, a well strategized move. Then we went to a tea house made fascinating by one of their seasoned employees. We got iced tea and an education. We continued with educations and tastings of oils, vinegars, spices, chocolates, and pizza. I write the following for them more than for you the reader. If you are reading this, I say "go for it, and stop questioning if this is worth your time/money. Just do it." But feedback for them: The one stop, at a store-front for a catering company was uneventful. It was the only place that I felt no value from directly. They spoke of why the place is significant/renowned, but our experience itself was nothing special- tasting some average gourmet cheese and some unnoteworthy hummos. The only other stop that was a bit disappointing was the pizza place. The pizza was certainly tasty, and it was nice to taste another variation on Chicago stuffed pizza, but it came out just warm, without the signature melted cheese. And, the wait staff there practically avoided us which had a negative impact on our experience. Waters, and an extra pizza that we ordered (our 6 year old had no interest in the garlic bread he was offered, so we ordered a thin cheese pizza for him), were a battle to get. So, I'd suggest dropping the chocolate-catering business stop, and adding something more welcoming (the owner was a jerk) and with some educational value. And, I'd suggest sitting down with the pizza place management and discuss how you might get the waitstaff to feel more invested in serving us. In the end, with the treatment we got there we certainly are less likely to return as patrons. Those comments aside, Jennifer and the tour were great. And, although you are rocking busy with 16,000 people per year, if you are ever looking for more tour opportunities, I'd recommend walks around Argyle and Chinatown for Asian herbs, teas, tofu factories, asian bakeries, dim sum, bubble teas, and markets. A solid Asian American guide could really shed much light on neighborhoods that most Chicagoans have little idea how to navigate and penetrate. Possibly even with glimpses of migrant's apartments (with bunk beds?), little stitching factories, welcome center, etc. Thanks!

We visited Chicago last weekend, and had a SUPER time on Friday on a "tasting & architectural overview" tour of Chicago's Gold Coast, Old Town and Lincoln Park. Our tour guide was Jessie, who did an excellent job of enthusiastically explaining the great tastes that were offered, and filled us in on some fascinating aspects of Chicago history and architecture. My wife and I would now like to go on the other Chicago Food Planet tour (in another set of Chicago neighborhoods). Next trip, , , , Thanks for a fun experience ! Regards, Dave B. from Cincinnati

Aside from tasting good food, spices, tea, etc. from the stops on the tour, our tour guide (Jessie) did an excellent job of pointing out various local architecture. The shop owners on the tour took great pride in their shops and took the time to provide detailed information about their products. From tea, to spices, to oils and vinegars, to fudge, the information we gained on this tour was priceless. Not too mention, getting to see unique part of Chicago off the "Michigan Ave" path. Great tour!!

Kate was a delightful and knowledgeable guide. The tour captured the attention of at least one patron of the sites we visited who was fascinated by the discussion and history and asked for more information on the tour. The food started with a delicious pastrami reuben, continued with tea, spices, oil and vinegar, chocolate, pizza, and lots of background and architecture on the way. You won't be disappointed.

A lot of fun and history in this "promenade" around Chicago streets and shops. Some shop owners were more than entertaining, our guide Jen, was great as well. Next time, we'll do the other tour for sure !

My family was thinking it was a all-U-cane-eat tour and not excited. However, they enjoyed it tremendously. The stops on the tour were original and unique. We've already ordered stuff from the shops. Highly recommend doing this. Niki was a great tour guide.

My wife and I gained wonderful insights into a few of Chicago's neighborhoods. Bravo!

The tour introduced us to a couple of Chigago's neighbourhoods that perhaps we may not have seen otherwise. We were greeted and introduced to our guide. She explained how the tour works and then off we went. The shops we visited were interesting and the food provided was unique and very good. We also were told of the neighbourhood and a brief history of how it became what it is today. A very informative tour to familiarize someone with the great regions of Chicago.

We really enjoyed the tour. The guide, Kate, was enthusiastic and informative. We saw a beautiful area of Chicago, made our own reuben with the best pastrami we've ever eaten, sampled some great candy, and learned about oils and vinegar as well as spices. It was a pleasant way to get a better feel for the area.

Our guide Jennifer was wonderful, her enthusiasm and knowledge of the area as well as of the history of the city and food was excellent. The stores/eateries were well chosen and their reception and offerings were very good. We were very lucky to have such a small group, 6 travelers, which made the whole event so much more enjoyable and relaxing. We really enjoyed being exposed to new areas of Chicago and Jen made the day trip one we will long remember. Thank you for making the experience available to newcomers/visitors to Chicago, we plan on returning! John & Linda