Food, dining, meal preparation and documenting every morsel with a photo have become true American pastimes. Chefs have become celebrities, cooking classes are more popular than ever, and caring about what we eat continues to gain importance. Ethnic cuisines are quite the rage - and we took that into account when determining the focus of our next #217FoodWeek.
Cinco de Mayo is a great day – but 24 hours is just not enough time to fully explore the tasty offerings our creative restaurant teams have developed. So, get ready to experience Mexican cuisine in our next epic food event: #217NachoTacoWeek! These are nach-yo mama’s tacos. Seventeen local restaurants have planned some freaky, fun offerings that will take your taste buds a little south of the border. How about some Totchos Libre or Nacho de postre de Fresa? Yes, fun names are part of the program. Feeling adventurous? Maybe go a little artsy with a Pablo PiTaco, or if urban is more your style, you might go with authentic Street Tacos. And you can always shoot for the stars with Scotty’s Jerk Me Up Chicken Taco. We have beef, pork, chicken, fish and veggie options – there is something for everyone!
So, let’s get to the details. From May 1-7, our participating restaurants will offer their nacho and taco creations for just $5 at both lunch and dinner. You’ll have seven days to dive in to the vibrant, vivacious, fiery flavors of Mexico. You can see all of the offerings online at http://217foodweek.com. Make sure to download your #217NachoTacoWeek passport and collect a stamp when you try the special offers. If you hit three or more locations and get your passport stamped, you’ll be eligible to win our Sizzlin’ Summer grand prize package, valued at more than $600. #217NachoTacoWeek is a week-long Cinco de Mayo celebration, and we know how well an icy cold margarita or Corona pairs with Mexican food. We encourage you to enjoy it all – just be smart and safe in your travels.
We’ll be on the lookout for active social sharers during the week, and will award some random prizes. Make sure to take those photos and post them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #217NachoTacoWeek.
Will we surpass our record-setting #217BurgerWeek? Only time will tell. “I’ve never been involved in anything like that before,” said Kyle Fritchman, general manager at Burger Bar. “We were exhausted at the end.” Of course, he was one of the first to sign up for #217NachoTacoWeek. And we’re still hearing about it from all of you, with phone calls and social media messages asking “what’s next?” We especially enjoyed passport drop-off day. The parade of readers bringing in piles of passports was like nothing we’ve ever seen. We enjoyed hearing your stories, and took special delight in uncovering the passports with the most stamps.
Dedicated foodie and community activist Victoria Ringer reminds us that “promotions and events like this are fun, offer a variety of options for patrons and serve a significant function by keeping our community vibrant and progressive. Participants benefit from the opportunity to try yummy new foods, visit establishments that may not have been on their radar, and play a role in supporting local businesses in Springfield. The economic impact cannot be understated. Supporting local businesses is key to keeping our community economically energetic and culturally unique.”
Join us in giving a big thank you to our participating restaurants: Arlington’s, Boone’s Saloon, Burger Bar, Café CoCo, Casa Real, Fox Run Restaurant and Lounge, Ginna’s Café at SCHEELS, Globe Tavern, Hy- Vee Market Grille, Hy-Vee Smoke Truck, Los Rancheros, Obed & Isaac’s Micrbrweery & Eatery, Starship and the Enterprise Grill, Taco Gringo, The Alamo, The Creek Pub & Grill and Weebles Bar and Grill.
And thanks to our sponsors: MJ Kellner Food Service, Robert “Chick” Fritz Distrubutors and Visit Springfield.
Come on! What are you waiting for?
Download your passport, map out a plan, get out there and “Come y bebe como una estrella de rock” (eat and drink like a rock star). Adios!
By Associate Publisher Lisa Ellis and Victoria Ringer
Eat to Win
We encourage you to turn #217NachoTacoWeek into a culinary tour - and take some friends along for the ride! Download the #217NachoTacoWeek passport or pick one up at a participating restaurant. Dine at three or more locations, get a stamp on your passport and turn it in for a chance to win our Sizzlin’ Summer prize package valued at more than $600.
What will our winner receive? Let’s start with a great-looking, durable sun umbrella that shows your favorite beer brand - Corona! It’s perfect for patio, back yard, deck or sidewalk. Add to it a 5-gallon Corona can cooler, large enough to chill 27 beers. Enjoy a day of fun in the sun for four at Knight’s Action Park - or keep the day passes for yourself and use them one at a time. And if any of this makes you hungry, Hy-Vee Market Grille has you covered with a $100 gift certificate. All of this for one lucky winner - but you must eat to win!
Submit your passport to any participating restaurant or Illinois Times by 5pm on Monday, May 8. Must be 18 to participate. Winner chosen at random. Our Sizzlin’ Summer prize package is presented by Illinois Times, Robert “Chick” Fritz Distributors, MJ Kellner, Knight’s Action Park and Hy-Vee Market Grille.
