Chicago as a destination

art institute of chicago got some famous paintings
if you are into art

@Os Trigonum

 

Do it at home. Take a piece of chocolate cake, shove it into a glass of vanilla ice cream, and blend. Yaaaywiiiiiin!

 

We used to stay at the Palmer House Hilton when we'd go there for work. It was pretty neat.

The best thing is when we'd go, the locals would always argue about what the best food was for: Chicago dog, pizza, and Italian beef, so we usually ended going to multiple places to "compare".

We also "accidently" found our way into Topolobampo and ate there before we realized it was Chef Bayless's place. It was on point.

 

I've had great Mexico-Mexican food in Chicago at everything from Bayless to hole in the wall.

Personally, I'd rate it pizza-Polish-Italian (beef and other) - Mexican - hotdog

 

Do the Bears still suck? That’s what my father-in-law says. Every. ****ing. Time. I. See. Him.

 

Chicago hot dog USED to be identical to JCI 10-15 years ago. They literally used the same vendors. No idea why they changed it. They are definitely worth a try.

Chicago Deep Dish (Invented by a Texan, btw) I wasn't incredibly impressed with. I prefer a Detroit pizza.

But to me the game changer was an Italian beef sandwich soaked in au jus with peppers. Much like the Lobster Roll, we need a legit place to make those down here.

 

Giardiniera is the key.

And not on a limp soggy roll with grey beef.

 

You can have it dry or doused in au jus. I loved the folks that had to lean at the bar to eat it so it didn't get on their clothes.

And the two videos above are considered two of the best in Chicago. Portillos is a chain. It's good, but it's a chain.

 

Remember when guys like this were considered fat? Now they just look like your regular guy in the suburbs.

 

I used to go visit my brother a lot when he lived in Chicago (now he's in the burbs in Hadley) and I loved going to Hot Doug's for their dogs. Man that foie gras hot dog was magnificent.

 

It's supposed to be limp and soggy.

 

It's summer time, people suppose to get horny.

 

This is why the Philly is superior: a little crunch on the outside, soft in the middle, meat bomb.

 

So I wandered into my local meat market earlier while getting a chingasa on my tailgate fixed, I now have a pack of Wagyu dogs.

How do you dress your dog? Personally I like kraut/swiss/mustard (real mustard) or sauteed peppers and onions and cheddar with a (I know) bit of ketchup and hotsauce.

What else should I try?

 

Au Cheval burger was kick ass, which i would of slapped on the thick piece of bacon that probably would of killed me on the spot.

High five ramen was some kick ass ramen as well. Chicago was a real cool city to visit. I went in April and it was pretty freaking cold that time.

 

Half these places are probably out of business, but maybe it'll help.

 

I copied this one because of the ads.

• 4 Double 8 Cattle Company Fullblood Wagyu Beef Hot Dogs
  
• 4 English Cut Hot Dog Buns
  
• 2 tablespoons Butter
  
• 1 teaspoon Poppyseed
  
• 1 teaspoon Celery Salt
  
• 2 tablespoons Yellow Mustard
  
• 1 Whole Pickle
  
• 1 White Onion
  
• 4 Pickled Banana Peppers
  
• 1/4 cup Relish
  
• 1 drop Green Food Coloring (if desired)
  
• Salt (to season)
  
• Black Pepper (to season)

And this link has plenty of options. I'd try the confetti corn dog first.

https://www.pastureprimewagyu.com/super-toppings-for-our-gourmet-hot-dogs/

 

I'll ixnay the food coloring and pickles and give it a shot. Pickles suck, dill is just a nasty flavor, pickled jalapenos (all peppers) are great.

 

Yeah, I'd just go with a quarter spear. The food coloring is just a Chicago dog thing.

 

Dill doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with pickles/pickling…
Sorry to nitpickle.