Celebrities slice Into Eli’s Cheesecake at Taste of Chicago

This year’s “Taste” as Taste of Chicago is affectionately known, came back bigger and better than ever, but nothing caught the spotlight quite like Eli’s Cheesecake on opening day. Marking its 44th anniversary alongside the festival itself, Eli’s kicked things off with a line that stretched across Grant Park, and the excitement didn’t stop there—celebrities and fans alike flocked to get their slice.

The Schulmans, Maureen and Marc—fondly known as “The Big Cheese”—brought along a star-studded lineup for the annual cake-cutting ceremony. TV actors from hit shows The Chi, The Bear, and Ghosts graced the stage, along with local luminaries like Glen Eden (Chair of the Board, Choose Chicago), Sam Toia (President of the Illinois Restaurant Association), Richard Gamble (Interim President and CEO, Choose Chicago) and Sangini Brahmbhatt (Deputy Commissioner DCASE). Even Southpaw, the White Sox mascot, got in on the fun, dancing and posing for pictures while Eli’s mascot, Slice, as always, kept the crowd entertained.

The giant cheesecake made its grand entrance, loaded near the stage by a forklift and skirted in festive red and white. As Maureen Schulman introduced the cake, husband Marc welcomed the VIP guests. A surprise birthday cake was presented to Maureen as the the crowd sang ‘Happy Birthday.’

Taste of Chicago was filled with exciting food options and Eli’s wasn’t the only hit. Haire’s Gulf Shrimp, with its beloved family recipe, also drew big crowds, serving up fried shrimp with a side of Southern charm. With over 40 vendors and food trucks, the festival offered something for everyone.

As if the food wasn’t enough, music lovers were treated to performances from CeeLo Green, Mexican music trio Yahritza y Su Esencia, and Australian rockers Atlas Genius. And for the first time, Taste made things easier by allowing vendors to accept cash and credit cards directly—no more waiting in two lines.

Oh, and if you want to recreate the 1,000 lb. Eli’s Cheesecake at home, all you need is 450 lbs. of cream cheese, 70 lbs. of sugar, 50 lbs. sour cream, 65 lbs. of eggs, 2 lb. vanilla, 63 lbs. Eli’s shortbread cookie crust, 25 lbs. bittersweet chocolate chips, 100 lbs. buttercream frosting, 25 lbs. graham crackers, 125 lbs. cookie dough and 25 lbs. cherry glaze.