A free, thirty-nine-course gourmet feast lined the streets of downtown Evanston Sunday evening. As part of Big Bite Nite, local eateries offered free samples in an annual attempt to connect Northwestern students with downtown businesses.
Associated Student Government and EvMark, a private company that manages downtown Evanston, co-sponsored Big Bite Nite, which has been a popular tradition for several years. At the event, restaurants find new Northwestern customers and students get a free meal from the plethora of samples. Students also received coupon booklets and entered a raffle to win $100 in gift cards for local businesses.
Irene Sics, the owner of Kafein, has been participating in Big Bite Nite since its inauguration. “We love it,” she said. “It’s such great exposure and we get to show off our place.” This year, Kafein offered iced mochas, a perfect complement between food samples.
Mathew Douvikas, manager of Wild Dogz, participates every year because “it’s fun” and he “likes being social.” He hopes the event will bring repeat business from students, but he likes interacting with students regardless.
Participating restaurants offered plenty of sample-sized fare. Blu Sushi offered rainbow, California and veggie rolls, while New Uber Burger handed out fries, chili and chicken ragout. Other student favorites this year included Thai Sookdee, Merle’s #1 Barbecue and Bar Louie.
Northwestern students took advantage of the event, which lasted an hour and a half, and seemed to enjoy the wide variety of cuisines.
“I just wish it lasted a little longer,” said Weinberg freshman Lauren Carbajal. “I don’t think I’ll make it to all the restaurants.”