Food World in Chicago for Worldwide Food Expo

Dairy Foods, Nov, 2001

Welcome to Chicago, and the Worldwide Food Expo whose dairy component, co-sponsored by the International Dairy foods Assn. is billed as the world 's largest dairy industry exhibition. Exhibitors offering the latest technology in a full spectrum of equipment, plus, specialty pavilions focus on financial services, product development and ingredients, facilities, distribution and refrigeration. And Chicago, the perennial host-city of the biennial event, offers the best of big city America in the midst of a beautiful fall season.

At the show, morning educational programs include a new Opening General Session on the future of food processing industries, which will be based on a new benchmarking food industry study. The Worldwide Food Expo Opening Session is planed for Thursday morning. The study will contain strategic analysis to assist food manufacturers in managing such critical areas as consolidation, globalization, technological change, food safety, marketing and biotechnology. In Chicago, the leaves have turned, but the weather is still mild enough for outdoor attractions. And this is city that knows how to host a party.

In addition to this dramatic Opening General Session, Worldwide Food Expo features more than 75 hours of programming for food industry executives. There are eight educational tracks that will be offered every morning at the show, Thursday through Saturday, before exhibits open. Dozens of targeted educational programs will include IDFA's HACCP Program for Milk Plants, Packaging for Better Quality and Longer Shelf-Life, A Look Inside: High Tech Dairy Plants, and more. Saturday's Dairy Best Practices sessions will touch on regulatory issues, operations, food safety and economic outlook.

Scheduled speakers include U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Ann M. Veneman, and former Ohio congressman John R. Kasich.

Special events include a Thursday evening opening reception at the Hyatt Regency, Chicago, designed as an informal mixer; the Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation Contest on Saturday and the Sunday morning awards breakfast, and the Food & Dairy Chairman's Award & Big Band Dinner on Saturday night at the Hyatt Regency. This event will include a brand new Supplier Excellence Award from IDFA. (see complete schedule, right.)

Entertaining in the Windy City

For dining and nightlife outside of the show, Chicago is the "home of the blues," as well as a great place for jazz. Great restaurants, theater, nightclubs and taverns await in the Windy City. For a more complete look at dining and nightlife see the October show-preview issue of Dairy Foods, but here's a thumbnail version:

* Start off the day with a hearty Breakfast at the Original Lou Mitchell's. The huge spinach and feta omelete is recommended.

* Try a Chicago-style hot dog or pan pizza for lunch at Gold Coast Dogs or Pizzeria Uno.

* Have dinner at one of Chicago's top Continental restaurants such as Everest or the Dining Room at the Ritz Canton. Or how about ethnic food? The Spanish Paella and Tapas, at Cafe Iberico in the North Loop-make it one of your best bets.

* Want to spend an evening at the theater? The Goodman and the Steppenwolf are great places for contemporary drama, Blue Man Group continues its long run at Briar Street Theater, or take in a Chicago-style show and dinner at Tommy Gun's Garage. To find out more visit www.chicagoplays.com.

* Thirsty? If you've never been to Rush Street you may want to try it, but if you don't like huge crowds, there are plenty of other interesting destinations. Try Goose Island, the Rock Bottom or the Map Room for great beer, or the Pops for Champagne for drinks and Jazz.

See the Sights

If you plan to do some sightseeing in Chicago you will have plenty to see.

Chicago is a great place to visit. Few out-of-towners realize that as a showcase for architecture the city is practically unrivaled. Visit the high-profile Lakefront attractions like Navy Pier and the Museum Campus, but if you want to try something else, here are a few suggestions:

* Take a drive. If you have a rental car you might as well use it. You won't need it in the downtown Chicago, but it's real easy to get on Lake Shore Drive from downtown and just drive. Head north along miles of scenic Lakefront Park and you will connect to Sheridan Road, which continues into the North Shore suburbs, cutting through Northwestern University in Evanston along the way.

* Take a 90-minute Architectural River Cruise in the Chicago River. You'll see many of the most significant buildings and bridges in downtown Chicago

* Go shopping. Chicago's historic state street is still anchored by super department stores like Carson Pierre Scott and Marshall Field's. North of the Chicago River is the Magnificent Mile of Michigan Avenue and the adjacent Water Tower Complex.

* visit the Lincoln Park Zoo. It's free, it's next to Lake Michigan, and you can spend an hour or spend the day.

* Another treasure of architecture located in one of the city's contiguous suburbs, Oak Park, is the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio. Built at the turn of the century, the home and studio have been restored with original and replica furniture designed by America's most famous architect. Tours are available several times daily.