Sunday, December 11, 2011

Italian Beef

Sounds unsuspecting enough, sure. However, I am quite surprised I had never even heard of it until moving to Chicago. I'm so surprised, because here it is a staple!! It's as significant as a cheeseburger & fries. Seriously! Most all fast-food restaurants have it on the menu. And everybody loves it! You can't, not love it!

It's Italian Beef, people!!

So, for any of you sheltered souls, as I once was, what is this beef I speak of? Well, here's a little preview...

It's thinly sliced beef, tasting similar to Arby's roast beef. I'm sure any true Chicagoan would be offended by that comparison, but that's the best I can come up with. The meat is nestled in a soft, hoagie-of-some-sort bun, adorned with sweet or hot peppers & "dipped" to perfection! Sure you can order it un-dipped, but how boring is that. They dunk the entire sandwich in some type of aun jus dip & it is all moistened & juicy to perfection.

There are a number of chains specializing in specifically italian beef. Al's Beef has been on the Food Network & makes a good sandwich. However, my favorite is Portillo's! Apparently, everybody who is anybody knows about the place, because when you're in there, you see pictures of every celeb you can think of from the last 30 years, posted on the wall, posing with the owner.

However, I do have to say, Al's has the coolest delivery vehicle...


Trust me, when in Chi, seek out some italian beef!!

1 comment:

Sarah said...

YUMMO!!! I can't wait for you two to take me around to all your great finds!