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I've tried Old Chicago and coming from the city it's nothing like what I grew up with. Now if you're looking for Chicago style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches here I can steer you in the right direction...
So where's the Chicago beef around here!? Everytime I go to Chicago... I have to stop at Portillo's daily!! I'm dying to find some good food down here in NC.. Help!!
Misskatie, the sad truth is that if you want real Chicago Italian beef, you need to head west on I40 then turn right at Nashville. I too miss Portillos, I even dream about it sometimes. Its been 20yrs....
Do they grow cows differently in Chicago than they do here?
Chicago-Style Italian Beef is one of the best sandwiches In the World. Basically, the beef is slow roasted in the oven and then the juices and vegetables it was roasted with, usually an assortment of celery, onions, garlic, carrots, peppers (both sweet and/or hot), and maybe some colliflower. The juices and vegetables are then made into a relish with some vinegar and oil.
The sandwich is made by dipping the beef in the roasting juices (call it gravy, Au Jus, or whatever), then placed on the bread and topped with the relish. Most people have their sandwich dipped in the gravy (IMHO, the best way to eat it), but some don't. Also, some add cheese, but I don't like mine with cheese.
So, it's not that the cows are grown differently, but the way that the sandwich is prepared.
Interesting, sounds yummy! The cooking method is about the same as I do for oven braised beef & vegs. I never thought of putting this on bread...those clever Italian Americans
Hungry's in Clayton is the place to go! Hungry's of Clayton (http://hungrysofclayton.com/default.aspx - broken link) The owner, "J" is from the city and grew up in the business. She roasts the beef on the premises & it's great as well as the other Chicago style food. It's worth the drive if you want the real deal.
Also, Aldi's (yes, Aldi's) will have Vienna beef hot dogs briefly on June 2nd under the name "Parkview." They had some last year around the 4th of July & I stocked up.
Can you tell I'm from Chicago?!
Last edited by hula; 05-28-2010 at 09:19 AM..
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