Chicago Food Planet Food Tours

My daughter and I really enjoyed the tour as a part of our stay in Chicago. We enjoyed seeing the different neighborhoods as we probably would not have ventured off to them by ourselves. Kent, our guide, was very entertaining and provided a lot of historical and fun facts about each location. The food was great too - especially the pizza and chocolate.

This tour had it all. The group's guide was personable and knowledgable, the tastings varied and delicious (how can you go wrong with toffee, chocolate, and pizza!), and the neighborhoods' histories and architecture interesting. Be prepared though for a bit of a walk (20 to 25 minutes) before reaching last three tastings. Along the way, however, several stops highlighted interesting Chicago historical facts and buildings. Would highly recommend this whether an out-of-towner or Chicago native like my daughter who, though familiar with the neighborhoods, still learned a lot and discovered shops she'll definitely try again.

Put on your walking shoes. Wish we could have done a little shopping while at the stores verses walking back after the tour to make our purchases. Would recommend you go on this tour if you'll be in town for more than one day. Amtrak can be late and put you behind schedule and in turn you'll miss part of the tour. Also, staying in Chicago or being able to make your purchases durning the tour would allow you to rest after the tour and enjoy one of the local cafes or hit another part of the city before dinner.

growing up in the chicago area, we tend not to take advantage of all the great city has to offer. this tour was an excellent way to renew a love for the city and its culture. on foot was great, taking in the view and the taste of the neighborhood. it was like a stroll in the neighborhood!

My family and I loved this tour and highly recommend it. There were four of us ranging in age from 29-57. We went on a Sunday afternoon, leaving at noon from Ashkinaz Deli in the Gold Coast. We then walked to several other different vendors including chocolate stores, a spice shop, an oil shop, a tea shop and a pizza place. At each place you learn about the food and during the walk your guide discusses the local architecture and history of Chicago. In all, it took about 4 hours (the website says 3) but it was worth it. It exposes you to places that you would not otherwise go to and it turned out the the spice and oil shops were my two favorite places (I was less than thrilled when I saw them on the list). I would recommend eating before you go. The pizza (the most substantial thing you eat) is the second to last stop and we arrived there around 3:15. I would also recommend bringing a drink. You do walk the entire time so wear good walking shoes. Also, if you are visiting from out of town do this early in your trip so that you can go back and purchase items from the stores you visit, as this is not allowed while you are on the tour. We loved this tour and would absolutely do it again with our next out of town guests.

Our tour experience was a real cut from the beaten path.The historical landmarks and buildings we saw were a great addition to the many tastings along the trip. Our guide Jen, was more than we expected and was very informative through out the tour. This trip is a must for those of you looking for something fresh and fun. Kelly Kalberer

We visited 8 different places and were also given a historical/architectural review of the city as we walked from place to place. They take you on a great path that is very pretty and also fairly shady to avoid the heat. Not all places were big eating experiences, at one we sniffed and tasted spices, another we tried balsamic vinagers and oils (surprisingly delicious!) but never the less it was still a great learning experience. I strongly recommend this tour.

Jen was fabulous, every stop was thoroughly enjoyed, we were stuffed by the end! A great tour and great value for the money. THANKS!!!

My husband, my 9-year-old son and I had a great time on the food tour. I enthusiastically recommend this particular tour to anyone who has an interest in good food and Chicago history!

The tour not only provided a wide sampling of Chicago restaurants, the tour was very informative of the history and evolution of the neighborhoods. The guide was very knowledgable with a high level of personality and energy. I would definately come back to eat at the restaurants we visited. I have already recommended the tour to others.

We had a great tour leader who was full of energy and knowledge. Our group was a bunch of fun and we all enjoyed each other. Food tasting was wonderful, city knowledge that the guide added was special. Exercise was appreciated to help wear off the calories from the great tastings. We loved it. Our guide was a photographer and she was really special. She was considerate and full of tidbits and fun. We'd do it again.

Very well organized. Tour guide knowledgeable, friendly, engaging. Stops were interesting (and delicious). Shop owners (or employees) were informative and welcoming. We would highly recommend this tour. It was worth the money. We have visited Chicago many times but had never been in the area of the tour. Will make a return visit there. Would seek out several of the eateries.

I have visited Chicago many times but this tour really made it special. The area we traveled and the stores visited, were the best. I know when we come back I will seek out these stores. The guide was excellent and knowledgeable. I would recommend this to anyone.

My wife and I had a great time. The walk was very informative. When we stopped at each store we were greeted by the owner or manager. The samples that we were give were very good. Our guide Nikki was very knowledgable about the neighborhoods we walked through. I would recomend this tour to anyone. Tedd and Robin Ireland From Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada

Our guide Nikki (?sp) made each step and taste of our tour a delight. We have been to Chicago many times but typically have not gottem to see the neighborhoods from the inside. We learned a great deal about the history of the neighborhoods and had a grand time tasting our way through each. The list of vendors on our tasting tour is now in an archive we keep of places to go and we have already bought from two of those vendors. We'd both agree that learning about the Spice Merchant and Old Town Oil would alone have made the tour worthwhile, but gourmet catering, chocolates, teas, and, of course, Chicago stufed pizza were wonderful as well.