Last month, Kalie and I had the opportunity to visit Chicago for a business trip. We didn’t stay in the heart of the city, but we did have fun exploring a new place. Of course, while we were there, we got to taste some of the delicious local cuisine. As employees of the Mr. Food Test Kitchen we have our own hearty love of food. Chicago cuisine knows how to handle big appetites!
So, while we worked and trained hard in hopes of bringing Mr. Food fans bigger and better things, in the evenings, we enjoyed some of the local Chicago cuisine–and we were not disappointed.
Chicago Dog
If you’re unfamiliar with the Chicago Dog, it’s traditionally an all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun, topped with mustard, onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, tomato slices, sports peppers, a dill pickle spear, and a little bit of celery salt. I know, it sounds like a lot. The flavors combine perfectly, rolling over your tongue in a taste-filled explosion that is one of a kind and absolutely delicious! If you want to try it, but can’t get to Chicago anytime soon, check out our City Hot Dog Guide. It’ll tell you exactly how to make it, and after the first bite, you’ll feel like Chicago has come to you.
While we thoroughly enjoyed an authentic Chicago Dog, there was definitely one other type of food we had to try before heading back to sunny Florida. No doubt you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Chicago Deep Dish
The other traditional Chicago-style food you made have heard of is deep dish pizza. While I tip my hat to all the other delicious recipes we were able to try, the Chicago-style deep dish blew just about everything else out of the water. The first bite is so delectable that you just sit back in your chair and wonder how you’ve gone so long without ever having it. The cheese stretched for miles! The topping-loaded pizza quickly disappeared. We couldn’t contain ourselves.
Moderation is key, folks, but if you ever get to Chicago, definitely make the time to try this amazing local cuisine. We lucked out when our fantastic shuttle drive from the hotel suggested Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta. After being introduced to Mike, the manager of the Glenview location, we received the 5-star treatment! Mike is the kind of guy who makes sure all of his patrons are taken care of–and I can’t brag about the food enough. Everything that you hear people rave about when it comes to Chicago-style deep dish was present in the beautiful pie on our table. Trust us, if we get the chance we’re going back.
Oh, and by the way, when you do get the chance to visit, make sure that you save room for dessert. You have seriously got to try Holly and Little Rudy’s Chocolate Chip Cookie! A decadent chocolate chip cookie in a deep dish pan with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup. It’s so rich and creamy, you will not be able to resist.
Our first trip to Chicago was a wonderful work experience and we learned a lot of new skills. The food though, well that was definitely our favorite part. Tasting Chicago cuisine should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s well worth it! We know for a fact that Chicago is definitely the place to go for delicious cuisine.
What’s Your Favorite Chicago-Style Cuisine?
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