One summer night during the mid-1980s, Mayor Harold Washington visited the Taste Entertainment Center in the heart of Englewood. He walked into the kitchen, put on an apron, and offered some culinary advice to the staff.
Even more remarkable is that Taste has survived the ups and downs that have hit Englewood for four decades.
On Saturday, May 5, a Taste reunion featuring house music legend Farley “Jackmaster” Funk and former staff could serve as an introduction to some and a reminder for the old heads. It kicks off at 6 PM and is open to those 30 and over. A $10 cover includes a buffet.
Marie was known for starting a complimentary Friday afterwork buffet with shrimp, oysters, and octopus. The family invented a drink called the Easy Living.
But it wasn’t easy.
Lonnie Norman has lived in Englewood since 1963, when he was six years old. He worked at the now-razed Henry’s Drive-In restaurant at 63rd and Union and owned Norman’s Food & Liquors at 6647 S. Halsted when Taste opened.
