I went yesterday to hear a few bands I was interested in. I did not expect to eat anything, but after perusing the offerings, I noticed Mannys was participating for the first time. They were offering the ubiquitous Turkey Leg, which had many takers. I, however, was taken in by the briskit sammich with bbq sauce, a bit skimpy but quite good. I accompanied it with their potato pancake, which was freshly grilled and surprisingly tasty.
I was mortified to see the gourmet tent near Buckingham Fountain was no more.

I made it to the Taste for lunch. My thoughts:

Mustard-fried catfish from B.J.'s - This is also a favorite of mine. Crisp, hot, tangy and nice mustard and hot sauces.

Popcornsicle from Garrett's - The few seconds of icy smoke were good enough for the kid in me, and I always love Garrett's popcorn.

Ricobene's - I hadn't had their breaded steak sandwich in some time, but what's not to like.

Alligator sausage from Blue Bayou - I had heard good things about this sausage, but I was disappointed. I was immediately nervous when I saw that it was served with a packet of mustard. Once I tasted it, I understood. It delivered a good dose of spicy heat, but it was otherwise pretty bland.

Loukaniko from Costa's - too much citrus flavor for my taste, and the overly steamed pita was not pleasant.

Made it to the Taste on the 4th. I went right for the BJ's catfish, and had a very hot and crispy, delicious full order. While the fish was certainly very good, that mustard sauce would make a roofing shingle tasty.

I also decided to try the pork tacos from Adobo Grill. The pork was mushy and weakly seasoned. The pickled red onions were a nice touch, but not nearly enough to make me recomend this. My kids were with me, so we did get a churro "taste" that both enjoyed. I had a bit, and it was not nearly as good as the churro truck at Maxwell Street.

Also I had the Samosa. I can't remember the name of the joint, but they do these every year. They are good, crisp and seasoned with a bit of curry. The two sauces they dribble on (one red and one green) round out the whole thing well. I am no expert on Indian food, but I enjoyed these samosas more than the half dozen I have tried at various places on Devon. I think the high turnaround at the Taste helps these as well.

For desert I had the Garett's frozen popcorn ball. To me this was more novelty than a decent showing of thier corn. I love the cheese corn at Garett's shops, and didn't see that on offer.

At that point I was full, and didn't attempt the Manny's turkey leg I had my sights on earlier. Maybe I should've gotten the taste portion of the BJ's catfish. . . it is just so good though. A better idea would have been someone other than my 3 year old kids to improve my ordering power.

After strolling through the fest we wandered over the serpentine bridge, through Millenium park, checked out the bean, and parked it on the lawn for a bit of the concert -- a little "Fanfare for the Common Man" -- followed by a walk up Michigan Ave to a waiting Wendella boat tour with some more family.

The crowds were not bad at all, and there was considerably less booth congestion. Some of the side activities at the Taste (2016 promotion, music stages, etc), the food (some great, some not), as well as the fantastic overall downtown experience will keep me coming back with my kids every year.