ISO Roast Chestnut vendors

Does anyone know of vendors who will roast chestnuts for a street event?

The Central Street Merchants (Evanston) are planning a holiday event (tree lighting, etc) for the Friday, December 2 and would like to have someone who could roast chestnuts for passersby that evening and possibly during the day on Saturday, December 3.

I've heard of this being done in other towns but don't know any vendors.

Prefer someone who does this commercially, as they would have to obtain a city permit.

I always remember having roast chestnuts outside the Field's x-mas windows on State street. These memories are at least 15 years old, though. I haven't been down lately.

Hi,

Contact the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce. Every year they have an Italian guy out on the square roasting and selling chestnuts. Either they charge a dollar or it's free, I cannot remember.

Regards,

No source on ROASTED chestnuts, but local, (e.g., Michigan) chestnuts are in the farmer's markets right now. I saw some Saturday and some today. Caputo's also sells them.

Rob

I saw them offered at Mitsuwa during the fall last year. There was a fella roasting them right at the entrance.

Mitsuwa
100 E. Algonquin
Arlington Heights, IL
847.956.6699

The best I've tasted were last January from this gentleman in Kyoto, Japan. They were parboiled, roasted over a propane-fired skillet, and kept warm on an A.C.-heated pan. Easy to peel, and perfectly done. I'm going to try to replicate it this season on a propane-fuel turkey fryer/wok set-up.



Cheers,
Wade

Thanks to Cathy2 and tvhacu for the suggestions.

While it certainly isn't helpful, it is timely.

I think that I might try it at home this year.

E.M.