Chicago Pizza

Snookie,

It's been some years since I worked downtown, but you can start with Pizzaria Uno or Pizzaria Due.  They are just North of the Loop on Rush st.  There's also Gino's East & Lou Malnati's.  I still have 3 of Malnati's in the freezer we got by delivery.

It almost sounds as if you're staying at the Palmer House.  If you are or not, doesn't matter.  If your hotel has a concierge, that's your best source of information.  While you're there, go north on Michigan just across the river you'll see two white buildings one, with a clock on top.  that's the Wrigley Building.  On the lower level of the North building, you'll find the Billy Goat Tavern made famous by John Belushi on Saturday Night Live.  Further north on Michigan, you will come across "Big John,"  The John Hancock Building has a criss cross pattern, is rust colored,(by design) Two big anteneas on top.  You literally can't miss it.  It's one of the tallest in the world.  On its lower level is a restaurant called the Cheesecake Factory.  I highly reccomend it

Regardless of where you stay, you can pick up a restaurant guide to help  you.  Have fun & dress warmly.  Don't forget to see the "Bean."  JATFUR.

RichK

Chicago's Best!

Steven P Munsey A+, MCP, IASO Orange Park | Green Cove Springs munsey13@comcast.net

http://www.giordanos.com/

They are the best....bring one back for me

Thanks for the information.  This should keep me fed while there.

 RichK, you're right about the hotel.

Again, thank you.

Snookie,

Glad to hear that my memory hasn't fallen apart or departed the premises & was able to help you out.  Have a great time.  Speaking of time......if you have some & are interested, you might want to catch one of those guided bus tours that go around the "Loop," & general downtown areas.  Once again, check with concierge, they will be a very valuable asset.  Just for the heck of it, you might want to check out the history of the Palmer House itself & the original owner, Potter Palmer, the castle he & his wife Bertha built on LSD, (Lake Shore Drive,) & his association with the original Marshall Field, whose store is now Macy's. It's @ 2 blocks north of where you'll be staying.

Enjoy the Windy City, you lucky puppy & dress warmly.  It's still winter up there.  Hint.  I don't know whether you're flying into OHare, (NOT O'HARA,) or Midway, but you'll have the choice of taking public transportation downtown.  Cabs are convenient, but costly.  JATFUR.

RichK

... for a slice of fresh Gino's East deep dish! The sauce makes my mouth water. It's been almost four years since I was back in Sweet Home Chicago -- far too long!

If you get the chance, my other personal pick of Chitown pizza is Home Run Inn. They have a delicious, buttery crust and some of the best meats and cheese around. The best part is that you can literally feed your addiction here in the south: Costco carries two-packs of large Home Run Inn pepperoni and sausage pizzas. I consider it a shopping necessity!

If you're in the mood for other foods, you should try the following:

* White Castle (vastly better than Krystal, but same concept)

* Vienna sausage

* Eli's (a classic establishment known for their cheesecake)

* Ed Debevik's (family fun '50s diner where the abusive waitstaff dance on the counters -- my childhood plan was to work my way through college there!)

* Weiner Circle (only at 2 a.m. and only if you're up for non-family-friendly discourse -- it's part of the "charm")

* Fannie May chocolates (some of the best are the vanilla cremes and the pixies)

Don't leave the state without trying a true pork tenderloin sandwich. If the pork isn't breaded, twice as big as your bun and served with mustard and dill pickle slices, forget it, it doesn't count.

Hey SoloVoce: don't tell me I'm the only one left who remembers Mister Misty Suicides?

Have a blast, Snookie - and send me a postcard!

Chanel,

What a pleasant surprise on this Friday morning to find another kindred spirit from back home.  From what part of Chitown do  you hail?  I was born & raised in Bucktown/Wicker Park area around Damen & Armitage.  My wife is from the Austin & Lawrence area.  Speaking of...On our first date, I took her out to dinner at Gino's East when it was still at 166 E. Superior.  That was way back on the second Sunday of March, 1967.  I understand it has moved.

Favorite eateries.  Where does one start.  Judging from your picture, you look young enough to be my grand daughter, so you might not have heard of some of the places I'll mention.  When I was in high school (Weber High, no longer there) I worked part time at the old Sun Times-Daily News at 401 N. Wabash.  I used to go to Angelo's & a place across the street from it (I forget the name.  They were at the intesection of E. Wacker Wabash & Water St.  I loved Bob Elfman's on State Street a few doors away from the Chicago Theater.  Old time deli at its best.  The Billy Goat, naturally.  Back in late '79/'80, I was managing a men's clothing store in Water Tower Place & my favorite place for peace & quiet on Fridays was The Chestnut St. Grill, unfortunately, no longer there. The Cubby Bear & Murphy's are a favorite at Wrigley.  Eli's-YES & don't forget the Cheesecake Factory at John Hancock.  I'd kill & maim for a Chicago style Vienna dog.  White Castle-  AHHHH, Sliders.

I was always fond of the neighborhood eateries & those have gotten better.  Back in my old hood, it went through"gentrification/yuppification."  I've been back a few times & have to admit that I love it.  Would love to move back.

I also have to admit that I never heard of Mister Misty Suicides.  Probably after my time.  Where were they?  But here's a good one for you.  Remember Italian Beef Subs?  Mention it down here & people never heard of them.  My wife has the recipe & makes them ocassionaly.  Let me know if you want it.  My wife already said she'd be happy to provide.  

Thanks for the trip down memory lane.  I was back in Chicago in November of '06.  I drove up there to bring my mother in law back here for the winter.  She had a few health problems so we convinced her to winter with us & we had a great time.  While there, I went to one of the authentic Polish neighborhood stores & brought back a cooler full of fresh & smoked suasage & a case of Old Style beer.  I still have a couple cans left.  I was looking forward to doing the same this past winter, but mom said she was doing fine. Even after grovelling & sniveling, two things I can do well, so I could bring back even more sausage, mom still said no, she was just fine.  RATS!

The memory trip was great.  What a great way to start a weekend.  Let me know if you want that recipe. JATFUR.

RichK

Another senior moment to remember.

How could I be so remiss to forget the venerable Chicago style hot dog?  First & foremost, steamed bun only please.  From there, the only limit is ones imagination.  I prefer the basic with cucumber slices & a touch of celery salt.  Slaw or kraut is great also.  I also maintain the the very best are found either at any number of cart pushing vendors or the shack like buildings found on many corners of the city.  In any of those places, you can get a dog, Italian beef sub or a gyro.  All with fries.  It is especially wonderful in the coldest part of winter when the frigid wind lofts the aroma from these places around the neighborhood.  The closest I've come to that nirvana like experience is living near a Woody's.  When the wind is right & in my direction, I start to behave like one of Pavlov's dogs.  Darn.  Now I'm getting hungry.

RichK

My mother ordered an Eli's cheesecake for Christmas dinner dessert as a surprise this year. Unfortunately, it wasn't packaged properly and was DOA -- more like yogurt than cheesecake. She had to throw it away. Being refunded did not help her heartbreak.

I lived in Westmont for a while, and later St. Charles, so far-west 'burbs mostly, but the city was my first world education. My grandfather and great-grandfather were both named Otto Jelinek and they did quite a bit in the city (including the development of our beloved Lake Shore Drive), so I was raised loving dear Chitown. The Shedd was like a second home; I wanted to live in the Art institute and may as well have had mail forwarded to me at the Field Museum. There's such a great feeling of connection there, from the Miracle Mile to Huntley to NIU. You don't live in Chicagoland, you LIVE Chicagoland. Cornfield parties and concrete jungle -- that is a great way to grow up. :)

I am always in the market for recipes -- thank you very much! You can send it to me at chanel.martin@jacksonville.com. Did you ever go to Al Capone's Hideaway? It's in the tri-city area (West suburbs) and was actually a secret home of the gangster himself. The house is haunted, the food is incredible and you are greeted by a pair of 'cement shoes' when you walk in the door. Awesome.

As for Mister Misty Suicides, they are a delectable Misty Misty drink (tiny balls of ground ice, almost like a Sonic drink) comprised of every single flavor syrup Dairy Queen has to offer. I tried to order one at the drive-through when I first moved back to the south; I might as well have been speaking Portugese.

Chanel,

I just e mailed the recipe to you on the address you provided.  It has the subject listed as: SoloVoce Recipe.  Hope you enjoy.

My wife & I moved to OP in 1981 from Glendale Heights so we're practically neighbors.  I've been back a couple times & yes, many changes along North Ave. (64) Have you ever been to Portillos hot dogs?  One of the best.

I would have loved to hear the stories from your grandfather & great grandfather & LSD.  I learned that my grandfather helped to build the Wrigley Building.  A little history in both of our families.

I've never been to Al's Hideaway.  I think it started after I left.

My wife got her Masters degree from NIU on the old GI bill.  She also worked in labor & delivery at Northwest Community in Arlington Hts.  After that, whe started at a new hospital in Glendale Hts.  After a short stint there, she looked at the opportunities for nurses & went back in the Navy.  She retired in 2000 after 25 years.

I know what you mean @ speaking Portugese.  Same thing when I mention Italian beef subs.  I hope you enjoy the results of the recipe.  Just remember, it's flexible for taste.  Enjoy.

RichK

PS.  If any of my fellow bloggers would like the recipe, I'll be more than happy to post it.

RK