Chicago Food Planet Food Tours

We had family in from out-of-town for the weekend, and thought this would be a lot of fun. We were not disappointed! Our group ranged in age from 11 to 60 and there was truly something that everyone enjoyed. It was a beautiful day, although it did get a little warm at times and I was glad that I brought some water with me. Our tour was during the height of Wicker Park Fest which was an experience all its own. We were thankful that we brought cameras since we walked through neighborhoods with some beautiful and very interesting homes. All of the food was great, and our guide Carrie was very knowledgable of the area. We look forward to going back to these neighborhoods to do some further exploration on our own. I went on the Near North tour last year and loved that one as well. Although I am in hopes that they will open a new tour at some point in the future, I would happily go on either of these tours again!

This is the second food tour that I have been on with Chicago Food Planet Tours and while I enjoyed this tour I preferred the first one - River North/Gold Coast. We had an absolutely lovely day and got to see quite a bit of architecture and learn the history of the area which was great. Regarding the food- surprisingly too much. The stops were not as interesting and the falafel sandwich while nice to try was simply too much and not something everyone cared for. Would suggest that it be halved. High point was Hot Chocolate and Icream. We went back to Hot Chocolate and ran into quite a few people from our tour there. If you have never done a food tour- it is a definite must but I would recommend their original tour River North/Gold Coast as the one to take.

My husband and I had the absolute best time. We have been to Chicago a few other times and end up doing the same old thing.. Navy Pier, Shopping, Shows so this was something totally new. My husband initially was skeptical but he raved about it after. It was a lot more than we expected. Arianna, our tour guide was the best. I highly recommend her. In addition to learning about the different places we toured, we learned some history of Chicago and we had the opportunity to see and explore a bit of Old Town and Lincoln Park area which we had never been to before. The places you go are great as is the tastings. We started with a deli that was so good, we went back there for breakfast the next day for a bagel and lox platter for two. It was good. We went to a couple of shops such as a oil shop and a tea shop that husband was rolling his eyes at. Well, when the tour was over he was the one who wanted to go back to them. Something different and something fun. Next time we go back to Chicago, I am taking the Bucktown tour and I understand they will be starting a Chinatown one soon. I can't wait. The only thing I will warn you about - it can be a long wait to a bathroom so don't drink that tea too quickly. Go - you won't regret it.

This was a fantastic tour! We were visiting from South Louisiana and only had one day in Chicago, so we wanted to make the most of it. This was a great way to not only sample some of the local fare, but a chance to learn a little bit about the city as well. Nicole, our guide, was enthusiastic and informed, so it was very educational, as she pointed out interesting landmarks and buildings during our walking tour of the Gold Coast and Old Town neighborhoods. The food was fantastic, beginning with the pastrami sandwiches at Ashkenaz Deli, all the way through to Delightful Pastries. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Chicago. What a beautiful city!

The tour was a pleasant walking experience with guide pointing out buildings of interest, however it is a mistake to call it a food tasting tour. Starting a tour at 11:00a.m. with a half a greasy potato pancake is a mistake. Ashkenaz Deli had other items that would have been more appropriate like some pastry. If someone is expecting wonderrful tastings from great resturants this is not the tour for them. Since I live in the Chicago area I expected a different experience and was disappointed but I guess if your from Kansas you loved it.

I loved the tour, and so did my group. Our tour guide was Kate, and she did an excellent job. We loved the mix of history, culture and food! It was one of the best parts of our vacation!

What a fun time! My daughter gave us 2 tickets for Christmas last year and we used them with friends from Australia who were visiting us in Chicago. Our tour guide was fabulous and made the day so interesting. Have recommended the tour to many friends and now want to do the Wicker Park one!

We enjoyed the Near North Tour because it gave us a chance to learn more about a particular neighborhood in Chicago and sample a variety of foods. My husband's favorite was the pastrami reuben at the Ashkenaz Deli and pizza slice at Lou Malnati's, while I especially enjoyed the vinegar sampling at Old Town Oil, the 10-minute talk with Tom Erd at The Spice House, and luscious fresh macaroons at Delightful Pastries. Included in the tour are discount coupons which we used the next day to make several purchases which the merchants were able to ship to our home. Very convenient and easy. You also get a nice tour of the neighborhood. A fun way to experience Chicago.

Nicki was our guide & she was terrific - we couldn't have asked for a better guide! This is a great tour of local establishments combined with quite a bit of walking - which is a Wonderful thing considering all of the Eating you are doing. We walked back after the tour (your ending spot is not where you begin) and stopped at all of the places we wanted to purchase goods from. We were on the 11am tour & by the time we casually got back it was around 4pm. It's a great way to spend a beautiful day outdoors and not being in any sort of hurry to wrap things up really makes it more enjoyable, so plan the day for this one!

This was a good tour . It was great to go into different Chicago neighbourhoods .[Old Town, Lincoln Park] Our guide , Emily also knew interesting details about the architecture we passed and was able to add this information to our tour.

I was in Chicago with my husband - who was attending a legal conference, therefore, while he was in meetings, I wanted to do something besides just shopping. I do love to cook, so that is why I chose this tour, because of the blend of places that we visited. The mix of shops was perfect and I did go back to 3 of the places and made purchases. Our tour guide was Jen and she was great - very engaging and full of facts and knowledge about Chicago history. It did rain almost the whole tour, but we were having such a great time that I don't think anyone minded - just be sure to take an umbrella and raincoat if rain is in the forecast! I would definitely take the other tour the next time I come to Chicago - but I can't imagine that it could top this one.

The pace was leisurely, which was nice. Despite the heat and humidity (and a brief downpour), our tour guidess (kind of like a godess, only in the guide world) remained cheerful, conscientious of our needs, and really tried to make a connection with each person on the tour. It was fun. It was factual. I learned a lot!

It was a cool and windy day,but a lot of fun. Our guide Kent was great . You could tell he enjoyed what he was doing . There were people from England Delaware and Chicago. Kent spent talking to each group . The architecture was very interesting even being from the area. Look forward to another tour.

I expected just a culinary experience and got so much more. The guides were friendly, enthusiastic and obviously enjoyed what they were doing. I always ask lots of questions and they did not seem impatient or annoyed by any of them. We visited several neighborhoods and while we did have tastings in each the information and " inside stories" about each neighborhood were the best. The food was not abundant if that is what you are looking for but the tastings were just enough to whet the palate and have you return. Unusual teas and spices were intriguing. The Pomegranite Vinegar was the best new taste for me. I learned so much more about this wonderful city than I expected to. Thanks!!

Had a wonderful guide who showed us the area and gave many good details about its history and current info. The restaurants were really wonderful. We all enjoyed this outing very much. I was really impressed as to how the neighborhood has come back.