In 2014, DNAinfo spoke with Ian Petchenik, who started tracking where Chicagoans can smell the Bloomer Chocolate factory each day. Petchenik said the map began as a joke after an out-of-town friend mentioned that she noticed the chocolate smell that permeates the air along the Chicago River.
Why does the Chicago River smell?
In the 1800s, the river was teeming with human waste, as well as animal products from the meat packing industry – causing foul odors to emanate throughout the city. To make things even more challenging, much of Chicago’s drinking water came from these infected waters.
What does the Chicago River smell like?
The Chicago River
Like us, the Chicago River has its good days and not-so-good days. Unlike us, it smells like rotten eggs (or raw sewage) when things get rough.
What chocolate company started in Chicago?
The Blommer Chocolate Company
The largest chocolate manufacturer in North America began right here in Chicago — and still remains a family business. Henry Blommer and his two brothers, Al and Bernard, founded the company in 1939.
Is Blommer Chocolate still in business?
Founded in 1939, Blommer operates five manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Canada, and China and is the third largest industrial chocolate producer in the world. It supplies numerous name brand confectionery companies.
Can you drink Chicago tap water?
Just like when it comes to pizza, Chicagoans are as proud of their tap water as New Yorkers. Chicago tap water is generally safe to drink and tastes great. Unfortunately lead is often found and even if it’s usually below regulated levels there is no safe level for children.
Is Chicago River toxic?
The most serious threat to human health in the Chicago River is fecal coliform: a bacteria that typically originates in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals. E. coli is one type of this bacteria.
Fecal Coliform Readings During Routine MWRD Monitoring.
| Month collected | CFU/100mL |
|---|---|
| August 2017 | 260 |
Does Chicago stink?
But however you read the city of Chicago’s odor complaints, one thing is clear: The city stinks. This is never more apparent than on hot summer days.
Is it illegal to jump into the Chicago River?
City law prohibits swimming in so-called unsafe waters, including the Chicago River, according to Chicago Police Officer Jose Estrada, a department spokesman. The Chicago River has long been considered unsafe to drink or swim in, and even a quick dip in it may be harmful on its own.
Where can you smell chocolate in Chicago?
Aroma. The factory in the West Loop area of Chicago is known for sending a chocolate aroma into the air. Though the smell is popular among many Chicagoans, in 2006, a nearby condo owner complained to the EPA about the smell, complaining that it violated the Clean Air Act.
What chocolate is Chicago famous for?
The city carries a big chocolate chip on its broad shoulders, thanks to a rich history of sparking and producing famous chocolate treats. Snickers debuted in Chicago, Milton Hershey learned about chocolate making on a visit and Marshall Field’s (now owned by Macy’s) popularized chocolatey Frango mints.
What snack food is Chicago known for?
The 15 Foods Chicago Natives Miss Most When They’re Out of State
- Lou Malnati’s Deep Dish Pizza.
- Garret’s Popcorn.
- Portillo’s Hot Dogs.
- Portillo’s Cake Shake.
- Doughnut Vault Doughnuts.
- Stan’s Donuts.
- Sprinkles Cupcakes.
- Walker Brother’s 49er Flapjacks.
What candy is Chicago famous for?
Chicago has been the “candy capital of the world” since the late 1800s. Tootsie Rolls, Brach’s, Frango, Wrigley Gum, Fannie May, and Mars Candy all have roots in Chicago.
Who buys Blommer Chocolate?
Fuji Oil Holding
Blommer Chocolate is being sold to Japanese ingredient company Fuji Oil Holding, ending three generations of family ownership of the iconic cocoa manufacturer.
What Chocolate is Toblerone?
Toblerone is a Swiss chocolate bar made with honey and almond nougat. Created in 1908 by Theodor Tobler, Toblerone is now available around the world and is instantly recognized thanks to its unique chocolate peak shape and unmistakable packs.
Is Chicago Safe?
Chicago is generally safe for travel. Even though Chicago is known for its relatively high average crime rate, this crime is mostly concentrated in certain neighborhoods. Typically, the south and west sides of the city are the most dangerous.
Who has the best tap water in America?
Emporia, Kansas is known for having clean, great-tasting water as it won the Best Tap Water prize at the 23rd annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting. Missouri: Missouri has some of the best drinking water not just in the U.S., but in the world.
Is water free in Chicago?
That means showering, using the toilet, cooking, and washing the dishes. With the 2021 Chicago water rates in mind, this would mean that a resident uses about $0.41 worth of water every day. As a result, the monthly water bill would be $12.50.
Is there poop in the Chicago River?
The truth is, this isn’t something unique to just the Chicago River. Fecal coliform is put into every river by both animals and humans, and occasionally worsened by severe weather events. “Extreme rain events can lead to something called combine sewer overflows,” Harkness explained.
What is at the bottom of the Chicago River?
Now to get all literal, at the very bottom of the river is rock — Niagara limestone, to be exact. According to David M. Solzman’s book The Chicago River, the ancient bedrock of the river was formed a few hundred million years ago when what’s now Chicago was covered by a salty sea.
Does Chicago treat its sewage?
In addition to its water supply system Chicago has an extensive wastewater treatment system. Wastewater is handled by an independent government authority, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD).