Chicago: A Food Lover's Paradise (or So They Say)
Let's talk about Chicago. The Windy City, they call it. But honestly, I think it should be renamed the Feed Me City because, wow, the food scene here is something else. I mean, sure, there's deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, but let's be real, those are just the tip of the iceberg. There's a whole underwater world of culinary delights waiting to be discovered.
| What Food Should I Try In Chicago |
Deep-Dish vs. Thin Crust: A Never-Ending Saga
First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: deep-dish pizza. It's like a casserole with a pizza crust. I mean, it's definitely food, and it's definitely filling, but is it really pizza? I'm open to debate on this one. On the other hand, there's also the thin-crust pizza, which is like the classic pizza you know and love, but with a Chicago twist. It's a bit more sophisticated, if you ask me.
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Beyond Pizza: Chicago's Hidden Gems
But let's not get too hung up on pizza. Chicago has so much more to offer. There's the Italian beef sandwich, which is basically a wet dream for meat lovers. It's a pile of thinly sliced beef on a crusty roll, drenched in au jus. You can get it "dry," "wet," or "dipped." I'm not sure what the difference is, but it all sounds delicious.
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Then there are the hot dogs. Now, Chicago hot dogs are a whole different ball game. No ketchup, ever. It's a strict rule. And the toppings? A symphony of relish, mustard, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and celery salt. It's a flavor explosion in your mouth.
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But wait, there's more! Chicago also has a thriving Mexican food scene. The tacos are incredible, and the tamales are to die for. And let's not forget about the Polish food. Pierogi, anyone?
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Where to Start Your Culinary Adventure
If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, here are a few suggestions to get you started:
- For the classic Chicago experience: Hit up a deep-dish pizza joint like Giordano's or Lou Malnati's, grab an Italian beef from Al's Italian Beef, and try a hot dog at Portillo's.
- For something a bit different: Explore the Mexican food scene in Pilsen, check out the Polish food in Avondale, or try some amazing tacos in Logan Square.
- For a real foodie adventure: Take a food tour. There are plenty of options to choose from, and it's a great way to sample a variety of different foods.
How to Navigate the Chicago Food Scene
- How to order an Italian beef: You can get it "dry," "wet," or "dipped." Dry means just a splash of gravy, wet means extra gravy, and dipped means the whole sandwich is dipped in gravy.
- How to eat a Chicago hot dog: No ketchup! The classic toppings are relish, mustard, onions, tomatoes, peppers, and celery salt.
- How to choose between deep-dish and thin-crust pizza: It's a matter of personal preference. Deep-dish is rich and filling, while thin-crust is lighter and crispier.
- How to find hidden food gems: Talk to locals, check out food blogs and social media, and be open to trying new things.
- How to avoid food coma: Pace yourself! There's so much amazing food to try, so don't try to eat it all at once.