No Crying At The Riot Feast
What would happen if Riot Fest opened a restaurant?
Since the festival began in 2005, Riot Fest has expanded
beyond the walls of Chicago’s Congress Theatre to multiple days in different
cities across the country. They’ve brought reunions of classic punk musicians
along with seasoned and emerging artists of punk, rock, alternative, metal and
hip-hop genres. Their latest endeavor involves a new take on their carnival
environment that they’ve incorporated into the festival.
The Riot Feast opened July 8 at 1941 W. North Ave., the same
location used for the successful Saved By The Max pop-up diner. The interior
has since been stripped of its geometric countertops and vinyl seating and
replaced with circus tent drapery and side-show attraction posters. The menu
went from Bayside Burgers and assortments of milkshakes to an eight-course meal
with an encore of desserts, all paying homage to some of punk’s greatest
anthems.
True to Riot Fest form is the incorporation of America’s
favorite television uncle – John Stamos. Adorning the walls are fan art,
complete with Jesse and The Rippers leather jackets and even a tribute to the
2013 creation of Riot Fest’s John Stamos butter statue, which now melts right
into the Have Mercy! cornbread.
The main menu offers four “openers” and four “headliners”,
ranging from jalapeno cornbread to turkey leg quesadillas and does not
disappoint in any form. The Feel Good
Salad of the Summer surprises you with its mix of zucchini, yellow squash,
tomato, parsley, shaved fennel, chickpeas and feta cheese while the Hot Dog in a Hallway equally surprises with
a German sausage fried in cornmeal and served with a tangy yellow mustard.
While the C.R.E.A.M.
(Curds Rule Everything Around Me) dipped in honey mead mustard is the
definition of gooey perfection, it’s the
Paramoreos that end the meal in the most mouthwatering way possible. With
the warm-to-the-touch deep-fried Oreos served with vanilla ice cream, salted
caramel and sprinkles, it’s safe to say that leaving The Riot Feast without a
takeout container is the worst part of the entire experience.
The geniuses behind both Riot Fest and Saved By The Max have
created a carnival environment that stays true to its creep factor while
maintaining a warm and open invitation to anyone willing to step in and
appreciate the music festival/carnival aesthetic.
The Riot Feast is open for a limited time, Wednesday-Sunday,
until September.
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