This year, Taste of Chicago was bigger and better than ever. (Photos Olympus Camedia E-10)

Crowded? Mobbed.

However, if you want shade, Grant Park has abundant trees.

And where do we go first? Same as always: TICKETS FOR FOOD!

Here's how it works. You buy a strip of 10 tickets for $6.00 You get $5.00 of tickets and fork over a $1.00 handling fee.

1 strip  = a couple of tastes.
2 strips = a good sized snack
3 strips = a really filling lunch
4 strips = a big dinner & dessert plus brew

Yes, tickets buy beer and wine too.

Where's the food? Check out the booths below.

Hungry?

In addition to the ethnic and regional booths, Taste always has the Chicago favorites: Robinson's Ribs, Eli's Cheesecake, and Home Run In pizza. Yum!