Buckets of Bacon

Baconfest Chicago packed in the crowds once again on March 31 and April 1 at UIC Forum.

The bacon centered festival turned nine this year with over 150 chefs featured in the two days.

A portion of the proceeds were donated to The Greater Chicago Food Depository, providing 154,000 meals every day.

There were over 8,000 pounds of Nueske's bacon donated to help the restaurants who had a daunting task of serving the hungry pork lovers.

Three sessions were offered for people to choose from. The Cooking Channel's VIP hour was the way to go before the large room is overrun by meat eating minions.

Friday's vendors included several that I have reviewed such as El Mariachi, and Revolucion Steakhouse.

Several establishments that I have enjoyed in the past were in the house Jerry's, Mercat a la Planxa, and Roof at the Wit.

On Saturday there was a massive amount of meat to take in.

Starting with breakfast, doughnuts with bacon toppings, biscuits and gravy, along with French toast were offered.

There were large portions of hot dogs wrapped in bacon from The Duck Inn, and Flo & Santos reuben to fill one up. How can someone even swallow down a hot Asian bun from Wow Bao after that?

Desserts included bacon churros from Bottlefork, and bacon baklava from Sheekar Delights. There was even bacon fat popcorn from Peckish Pig to munch on while walking around.

Bacaro presented a bacon noodle soup that was a little awkward to sample when the limited high boy tables were full.

Some tasty surprises included Antique Taco's carnita taco that created a feeding frenzy and a long line, along with the very filling little piggy buns from Troquet.

Things this fest got right was supplying plenty of water, and prompt trash removal when things got messy. A wet nap stations would have been nice to eliminate the sticky fingers after sampling though.

Don't miss next year's fest when the worthy cause turns 10. I'm sure they will cook up something extra special. Follow the website at baconfestchicago.com and plan to pig out!