Chicago’s Vegan, Seafood, and Jerk Delights

by Karl Villanueva

Over the years, Chicago has established itself as a city known for its culinary delights. Especially food that is quick to order or consume on the spot at a counter, a street side café or even at a World Series ballgame.

This may be handed to you in the form of a world famous hot dog or served in a deep dish like a world-class pizza. Rave reviews on the national and international scene has made Chicago special for connoisseurs who enjoy its big city ambiance and small-town hospitality.

Just to add another spotlight on Chicago’s trending food and to bring it even closer to the curbside, Martin’s International 6th annual Jerk, Seafood and Vegan Festival (JSVFest) on September 10th and 11th aims to once again showcase the best of Chicago in this emerging phenomenon.

Since 1944, when the vegan lifestyle was first introduced, Chicago has blossomed as a garden of vegan delight. Also on the rise are more than one hundred restaurants offering Jamaican-style jerk cuisine. Seafood has also enjoyed a lucrative niche in the Chicagoland restaurant business attracting all demographics to this Midwest melting pot.

As diverse as the taste may be from food grown or raised in all corners of the globe, Martin’s International will also add some world music to the mix probably to seduce our palettes for a celebratory treat. Calypso Rose, Queen of Calypso is the main headliner and a delightful lineup of jazz, R&B, and popular music entertainers are also featured. With more than thirty years in the festival limelight, Martin’s International is expected to make Chicago proud of its accomplishments in the culinary world and its outdoor charm as a huge festival destination