Regular Sporkful listeners know that I love the midwest in general, and Chicago in particular. I lived there for three years and continue to go back regularly to see my brother, my future sister-in-law, and my friends who've stayed in the area.

So when Eater Lori tweeted to me about the first ever Chicago Poutine Fest, I decided to make the journey. While I'm in town I also plan to record Sporkful episodes with Kevin Pang and Eric Zorn, both of the Chicago Tribune, my friends Ian and Mike from the NPR podcast How To Do Everything, and Peter Sagal, host of Wait Wait Don't Tell Me.

Most importantly, I plan to meet up with YOU.

Yes, the second ever Sporkful Chicago Meetup will take place on Sunday, February 24, from 5-7 pm, at Clark Street Ale House, 742 N. Clark St. 

It would be great if you could RSVP to the Facebook event here (although no ticket or RSVP is required). That way we can see all the Eaters who are coming. Until then, we'll rely on this artist's rendition of Eaters descending upon Chicago for this event:

Sporkful t-shirts will be for sale, but merriment will be free. See you there!

Downtown photo: Flickr CC / soundfromwayout  //  Weather radar photo: Flickr CC / Amy Guth