Wicker Park and Old Polonia Neighborhood Food Tour

We will explore the past and present of the people, architecture, and foods of these vibrant and changing neighborhoods of Noble Square and Wicker Park.On our walking tour of the Noble Square and Wicker Park neighborhoods, we will explore the past and present of the people, architecture, and foods of these vibrant and very much changing communities. Studied by sociologists around the world for its rapid transformation in the '80s and '90s, the Wicker Park neighborhood had previously been home to gang bangers, drug addicts and prostitutes. Today it is often ranked in lists of "Coolest Neighborhoods" in America, and now neighboring Ukrainian Village and Noble Square are going the same direction, too. The Chicago Detours kind of food tour means that beyond just eating, we are going to really learn. Over chile relleno tacos, we consider Mexican immigration to Chicago and Ashland Avenue’s “taco row.” We will sample home-style Polish food in a restaurant that feels just like going to visit your Polish grandmother. We’ll consider Wicker Park's new, hip vibe with a gourmet doughnut from Stan’s Donuts. Along the way we'll explore the impact of neighborhood changes as seen through architecture, from stepping into a stunning Polish cathedral to concluding inside a bank vault that is now a pharmacy. POLONIA AND WICKER PARK WALKING TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: * Step inside a dazzling Catholic Church * Walk by Gilded Age Mansions on "Beer Baron Row" * Eat Polish Food Like Grandma Used to Make * See Writer Nelson Algren's home * Step Inside a Bank Vault, Now a Pharmacy POLONIA AND WICKER PARK WALKING TOUR STORIES AND IDEAS: * Polish and Mexican immigration to Chicago * The gritty history of the ‘60s and ‘70s * Gentrification of Wicker Park in the '90s * Current changes in Chicago neighborhoods WICKER PARK WALKING TOUR WITH FOOD INCLUDES: * Expert guide commentary * Special Gifts * Tastings at top-rated establishments WICKER PARK WALKING TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE * CTA train fare - you must bring your own Ventra card for one train ride * Please meet 15 minutes before tour start at Holy Trinity Polish Church at 1118 N. Noble St. Tour ends at Walgreen’s, 1601 N. Milwaukee Ave. * BRING VENTRA CARD FOR CTA FARE * We recommend taking the CTA Blue Line to Division, the church is an 8-minute walk from there. If driving, you may park at the church, but please be aware that you must have pre-purchased a CTA pass for our train ride. * 1.2-mile walking distance.  2.5 hours. * Our first food stop will have coffee and espresso drinks if you need it! Link to meeting point map: http://www.chicagodetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wicker-park-tour-food-tour-meeting-point.pdf [http://www.chicagodetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/wicker-park-tour-food-tour-meeting-point.pdf]