Category: General CBS News

The Great Taste of the Midwest at Olin-Turville Park in Madison, WI is always one of the country’s best beer festivals. It’s become so popular that the limited (5000) tickets sell out WAY in advance. This year is no exception – the event was declared a sellout almost as soon as tickets went on sale in early May. But – as has been the case for many years – CBS offers its members an exclusive festival package that includes a coveted ticket to the Taste and round-trip bus transportation from either Chicago or Warrenville. Tickets were sold via a members-only mailing. Not surprisingly, these soldout in record time.

Here’s the 411 for those who have scored tickets:

• City bus departs from Goose Island Clybourn (1800 N Clybourn) at 9:30 am, returns ~9 pm
• Suburban bus departs from Rock Bottom-Warrenville (Winfield Rd & I-88) at 9:30 am, returns ~9 pm
• No smoking or glass containers on the buses
• You must be at least 21 years old to attend
• Festival tickets will be distributed on the buses
• Don’t be late for the ride home – most hotel rooms in Madison are already booked!

Mark your calendars for Sunday July 27 when the Chicago Beer Society will present Curds and Ale, a Celebration of American Cheese and Beer.

This afternoon event will take place at Rock Bottom Chicago, and will feature a CBS-procured selection of American craft beer and American artisan cheeses. A number of the cheeses will come directly from the American Cheese Society Conference and Competition which will take place in Chicago July 23-27. A small number of cheesemakers will be invited to attend our event and sample cheese.

If you’re not already tuned in to beer and cheese as companions, this is one of the most exciting combinations going. With common origins in grain, similarities in flavors and huge range of characteristics, beer can reach heights with cheese wine can only dream of. Come and find out why beer and cheese is the hot pairing right now.

Tickets are now on sale, but space is limited and tickets are selling quickly. To book your place, print and mail this order form along with your payment (checks, cash, and money orders accepted only). The price is $30 members/$35 nonmembers. Don’t wait too long, or you’ll miss out on the area’s premier beer and cheese event!

Our annual picnic is always one of our most anticipated events, and with good reason:  Every year we supply an extraordinary beer selection (check out this year’s amazing beer list!) backed up by a seemingly endless feast of ribs, chili, salsa, and desserts that are whipped up by our amazing members who compete for trophies in hotly contested competitions. (Update: here are the 2008 results.)

Bring the family and your pals from the bowling league, running club, welding class, knitting circle, whatever – all are welcome and nobody ever goes home hungry or thirsty. The food is amazing – better than you’ll get in any restaurant. And the price? FREE to all CBS members and family who bring a food item to share, or $5 (fidollars) if you come empty handed. Nonmembers bringing foodstuffs pay $5; empty-handed nonmembers must pay $10, but what a deal!

So, grab your folding chairs, horseshoes, lawn darts, croquet sets, etc. and enjoy a great afternoon of phenomenal food, beer, and fun. If you’re interested in participating in the rib competition, contact Randy Mosher. If you want to compete for the chili, salsa, or dessert trophies, just bring along your entry and sign up on-site.

Location: LaBagh Woods, Grove 1 in the Cook County Forest Preserve just off the Edens Expressway on Chicago’s North Side (auto entrance on east side of Cicero Avenue, north of Foster). We’re about 1.5 miles from the Jefferson Park stop on the CTA Blue Line, where you can hop a 92 Foster Avenue bus. It’s also not far to the Forest Glen stop on the Metra Milwaukee District North line.