Cultivate

Before I begin to write about my summer in and around Chicago, I have to write about the adventure my friend Lynley and I went on this past Saturday at Chipotle's Cultivate festival. Although we struggled getting there, it was all part of the fun! The free festival was in Lincoln Park, and when I found out my new favorite band was playing, I had to check it out! When we got there, we went straight to the stage to watch the Mowgli's perform. After the amazing experience of hearing my favorite songs sung live, we then went to go explore the rest of the festival. Our first stop was the Taco stand, where we both ate grilled chicken tacos with fresh pico de gallo and shredded cotija cheese. While we were eating our tacos, we saw the members of the Mowgli's standing near the stage taking pictures with other fans, so we rushed over, and I got an autograph for my friend Steven who introduced me to the Mowgli's (Thank you!) We then proceeded to walk around and take in the crowds and various activities. There were 5 "experiences", similar to little booths, that informed people about everything from Avocados to Tabasco. Lynley and I walked by the Fresh vs Processed and Farm Facts as well, and both looked very interesting. While walking around we also saw the Gorditas, Esquites and Shophouse Rice Bowl stalls as well. The Gorditas were mexican flatbreads with either steak or braised pork, and the Esquites were a salad of charred corn and cabbage with tomatillos and cotija cheese. Shophouse Rice Bowl is Chipotle's new Southeast Asian restaurant concept that is in D.C and L.A right now. That stalls had a rice dish with pork meatballs and a fresh papaya salad in a green curry sauce. I can't wait until Shophouse is all over! 
It was a great day filled with fantastic food and even better music! Lynley and I had a blast navigating the city and Lincoln Park, not to mention seeing the Mowgli's!