Taste of New Zealand — no... it's not Australia.

If you were around downtown Chicago on Friday, you might have seen the incredibly long line on Michigan Ave.  The occasion? It was a chance to see the New Zealand All Blacks up close and personal. The team — fresh on there way to Saturday’s match at Soldier Field were signing autographs and offering a Taste of New Zealand fare at Howells & Hood in the Tribune Building. Hundreds showed up. Generously sponsored by Air New Zealand, the even was to commemorate the first time in 34 years that the New Zealand team has played on US soil. It was the fourth time they played the US Eagles. The Eagles recently qualified for the Rugby World Cup for 2015.

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 31: Air New Zealand celebrates New Zealand with the All Blacks in Chicago at Howells and Hood on October 31, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photos by Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for Air New Zealand)




Air New Zealand flew the All Blacks in special. Chicago is not on their regular travel route but this was an event that was worth a stop over. Fans at the Howells & Hood luncheon learned the famous New Zealand Haka Dance as well has get a chance to snap a selfie or get an autographs from All Blacks players. On the menu was lamb meatballs, mini-burgers, fish and chips. New Zealand is also known for great wines which was provided by Nautilus and Fire Road. The All Blacks are the reigning World champions. The November 1st game was a sell-out at Soldier Field with 61,500 people in attendance — three times what the Eagles usually get in attendance. For rugby fans, Taste of New Zealand was a chance of a lifetime… as was the game itself. The All Blacks barely broke a sweat as the trampled on the Eagles 74-6. Ouch. The All Blacks have claimed two World Cup Championships and are virtually undefeated with 34 wins, 2 losses and 2 draws since 2012. Guess the Eagles need a little more practice before going to the World Cup. They are also hoping to make it to the 2016 Olympics. Good luck with that.