Decisions, Decisions. What would YOU do lol.

I know what I'm leaning towards, but I can NOT decide and now IS the time lol.

 

orrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr lol

 

I've never been to either one....BUT UGH. The decision is hard lol.

If you had to choose, which one would you pick and why?! LOL

Maybe that will help lol.

Comments

[Carla]

go to the taste of Chicago, I heard that it is awesome you can go to Essence another time

[Peacock Chic]

Foooood! I think that says enough :)

[Virginia J]

i would go and taste the food, check out who is coming to the music fest and if there isn't anyone you want to here it is an easy choice.

[Kim]

A massive crowd of sweaty bodies fighting for small portions of lackluster food? Take it from someone who lives in Chicago...go to the Essence Music Festival!

[sundaze]

Depends on what you prefer. I enjoy them both, and prefer Chicago as a city, but if I wanted to party HARD, I'd go to Essence.

[Pam W]

Essence hands down!! Why? Party all the time, Party all the time. lol

[NuJoi]

I live in Chicago now and I used to live in New Orleans. I'm a regular at both events. Who are you taking with you? Essence is great for couples and your girlfriends. New Orleans is a grown folks city and Essence is the ultimate grown & sexy event. (And you will eat better than you will at the Taste; it won't be as cheap.) The Taste is very family friendly. I've eaten my way through the Big Easy several times:
http://nujoiskitchendiary.blogspot.com/2008/07/nola-eats.html

Either way, let me know and I'll give you the inside scoop.

[urbanknitrix]

Hard always wanted to do both, but Essencemore than the Chi

[Ang]

I've never been to the Taste, but I have heard from some of my family that it was a nice event. On the other hand, I have attended the Essence fest and I had an absolute good time. It would depend on who will performing at the Essence fest.

[Ang]

I've never been to the Taste, but I have heard from some of my family that it was a nice event. On the other hand, I have attended the Essence fest and I had an absolute good time. It would depend on who will performing at the Essence fest.

[don]

I have never been to Chicago, not really. Only traveled through and went to an amusement park right outside of Chicago. But I have attended and enjoyed the Essence Music Festival. We plan to sneak down this year as well. LOL! Don't tell anyone.

You plan on hittin' up Mardi Gras?

[Katrina]

I've been to The Taste. Nothing spectacular but it was nice. I agree with a previous comment that it is a family event. I went before I had kids but I would love to take the kids someday. Therefore, I say go to the Essence Festival. I don't know who's performing but I'm sure its gonna be some nice concerts. I've been to New Orleans during that time but didn't participate in much of the activites...One day I'll go back. But I think you'll have sooo much fun there and there will be so much to do and so much to chose from!

[Hillary]

Definitely Essence. Especially if Maze is going to be there again this year. It's the best show you can see.

[Sheri D. Maple]

I would go to the Taste of Chicago since I have not been to that city. I have been New Orleans and love it. Both places have great food. I say go with your gut, no pun intended.

[shai]

I have never been to either one. I was just looking for events in July. My big 4-0 is in July and I wanted to get away. I have always wanted to attend the Tastefest. Essence has been too expensive for me when I look into pricing. Chi-town is a skip away and the Megabus is cheap.

[Naseya]

I've never been to either but I say Essence...if you go to the taste you'll just eat and get the itis! LOL

[Tanya]

That's a really tough one but you went to Chicago last year just not to the taste right? So I would have to vote for the Essence Music festival, then plan to go to the Taste next year. I lived in Chicago for one year and go back often but I've never been to the taste people that live there don't like to go lol.

[Cassandra Jordan]

Since I'm a Chicagoan and have been to the Taste you would think I would say the Taste. But no! I will say Essence. I've always wanted to go!

[thoughtsofsoutherngal]

I love food. I would say Chicago but New Orleans has some of the best food. I can't choose!

[dana]

You already know what I am going to say! But I am selfish! Come on back to Chicago and go to the Taste! LOL and we can go to Pappadeaux's again!

[Susan - Knitters Delight]

Essence! I think that would be sooooo much fun.

[Nik]

Essence. And I'm from chicago. I'm sure they have food at the Essence thing.

[Kim]

Mary J. Blige is performing again at the Essence Fest. 'Nough Said

[Kisha]

I would say Essence..isn't Mary J performing? If so, totally Essence. You can taste Chitown at any time.

[Neecha]

I say Essence because I will be there!!!!! *Biased* You will get GREAT entertainment and you already know about the food and not to mention the DRINK in the N.O.

[Carol]

I think I'd go to Taste of Chicago. I like the idea of wandering around at the moment. I would find it hard to stay still to see a whole performance of anyone right now and the idea of a food fest is very appealing.

[toni]

I've been to both and loved both! But the Essence festival is close and its my birthday weekend, so I would have to go with that one!

[Elizabeth]

Food! Always the food! But then I would always choose food...especially in Chicago--such a great eating city. Plus they have Lyric Opera and Vogue Fabrics.

[Kristi]

Food or Music?? You're asking the wrong girl because I obviously love both! I would probably do Taste of Chicago though ;)

[Jenifer]

Essence...

[Dez]

I agree with the comment it depends on who's going with you. Chicago is a great place to visit. ( The taste is only one thing you'll do there. If you take your family, the museums, american girl store, the beach, Frank Lloyd Wright tour, blues, jazz concerts, Garrett's popcorn is what I did while visiting with my children there.)
New Orleans will have some good food, esp if you love sea food/or trying strange exotic foods. The Essence festival seems mainly for adults, although it does remind of some of the tailgate parties you've posted pictures of.
You will have a great time at either though!

[Tasha Dixon]

Um, really, why are you asking this question...? You know what you SHOULD do, just do it...LOL!!! OH and see you at Essence, LMAO!

[Gorgeous Things]

Oh man, that's tough. I think I'd have to choose the music. I love Chicago, but I really love the combination of New Orleans and music. You can't go wrong with that!

[bunny]

I live in Chicago and I say Essence Music Fest for sure. The Taste has lost its appeal IMO. Been going for years though and each year I'm a little more disappointed. Went to the music fest once and had a great time! Suggesting that you make sure to get floor seats so you won't be cramped. Plus it's good eats in Nawlins too!! Waaaaaaayyyyyy better eats I think! LOL!!!

[Cynta]

I would choose Essence been to taste of Chicago...but never to Essence Music Festival been reading about it for years...lol

[Lisa @celebrate CREATIVITY]

Girl, you know I have to go with Chicago-lol.

Get ready for long lines, few places to sit and lots of people walking around eating big turkey legs-lol.

[Marcia]

Unless you plan to do more in Chicago other than the Taste, I recommend New Orleans. I lived in Chicago eight years (just moved back to Atlanta) and have been to the Taste several times. But I would not want to make a special trip there just for that one event.

[Aminah Hanan]

I'm Chi Town born,bred, and still reside. So I've been doing the Taste since forever. But this year I'm going to hit up the Essence Music Fest with my girls. The last time I went to the fest was before Katrina so I'm looking forward to going back. I say go to the music fest. You can eat your way through the Chi anytime, just do it before winter sets in.