Chicago is the “largest city of the American Midwest” and “the third largest city” in the U.S. Founded in 1830, the city was “Established as a water transit hub; the city evolved into an industrial metropolis, processing and transporting the raw materials of its vast hinterland.” 

With almost 3 million people today, Chicago has 100 neighborhoods, 36 annual parades, 40 annual film festivals, 250 live music venues, 600 parks, 29 beaches, more than 7,300 restaurants, 7 AAA Diamond-rated restaurants, and even 144 dog-friendly eateries. It’s definitely a destination for foodies. This great city also has 26 Michelin-starred restaurants and 40 James Beard Award-winning restaurants as well.  

The Sights

Chicago is renowned for both its stunning architecture and home to famous architects who’ve made a name for themselves in the Windy City. A great way to enjoy the awe-inspiring landmarks such as the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the Old Chicago Post Office while remaining comfortable year-round is a Chicago Premier Plus Bottomless Mimosa Architectural Brunch Cruise on the Chicago River. This upscale experience on the Chicago River is complete with bottomless mimosas and a fully stocked cash bar, light architectural narration, masterful DJ entertainment, and exceptional service. This is a great way to see Chicago’s iconic sights from the water and enjoy a cozy brunch enviornment.

What’s Old is Now a Trendy Foodie Spot

In a city that was known as the meatpacking capital of the nation, things have certainly changed in Chicago. In 1971, the famed Union Stockyards were closed while “Fulton Market’s slaughterhouses have been replaced by food halls, swanky cocktail bars, and gastropubs, the city’s steakhouses remain bustling, mostly due to tourists, as well as businesspeople and conventioneers armed with buoyant expense accounts.”

Today the area that is known as the West Loop is a haven for foodies. “A former meat-packing district, the West Loop has become one of the most dynamic dining destinations in the city.” The area is now filled with some of the city’s most popular restaurants. Here, you’ll find Restaurant Row and Greektown. When you’re not eating your way through the area, you can check out art galleries, boutique hotels, and fun shops.

Tour Chicago for All of the Hype as well as the Food

Get Up Close and Personal with Chicago’s Deep-Dish Pizza

When you’re in Chicago, you have to try the deep-dish pizza. The city is known for it, brags about it, and the classic is just about everywhere you go. This Chicago-style pizza, cheesy and tomato-filled, was put on the map in the fall of 1943 when Pizzeria Uno opened and is known as the birthplace of deep-dish pizza.

The deep–dish pizza style was inspired by the towering, bold architecture in its home city and uses varying cooking techniques:

• Lots of cheese and a thick, sweet pastry shell crust
• High oven temperatures when baking “with plentiful amounts of cornmeal sprinkled in the pan to help insulate the bread”
• Very long cooking times

History was made and many a mouth watered. The pies spread not just in Chicago but eventually all over the country. So, when you’re in Chicago, deep-dish pizza is a food you must indulge in.

Getting to the Heart of a Corned Beef Sandwich

The history of corned beef in Chicago, like in many other places, is intertwined with immigration patterns and cultural influences. Chicago has a rich culinary history shaped by the diverse communities that have settled in the city including both the Irish and Jewish communities.

In the mid-19th century, a significant wave of Irish immigrants arrived in Chicago, particularly during the Irish Potato Famine. These immigrants brought with them culinary traditions, including the preparation of corned beef. Corned beef and cabbage became a staple dish among the Irish community, and it remains a popular association, especially during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Jewish immigrants also played a crucial role in shaping Chicago’s food scene. Delicatessens, or delis, run by Jewish families became widespread, serving traditional Jewish foods, including corned beef sandwiches. The Jewish-style corned beef, often served on rye bread with mustard, pickles, and coleslaw, became a beloved dish in the city.

Chicago has developed its own take on corned beef, often served in delis and diners throughout the city. Chicago-style corned beef sandwiches are renowned for their generous portions of tender, thinly sliced corned beef piled high on rye bread.

If you’re looking for inspiration, The Chicago Tribune lists an abundance of delis and restaurants famous for their corned beef delicacies!

A Taste of Greece

The West Loop is home to Greektown, which has the third-largest Greek population in the US. Chicago has a diverse culinary scene that includes a wide range of international cuisines, and Greek food is no exception. The city has a notable Greek community, and as a result, you can find numerous Greek restaurants and eateries offering authentic dishes. Greektown features several restaurants that serve traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka (layered casserole with eggplant and minced meat), souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), gyros (rotisserie-cooked meat, often served in a flatbread with vegetables and sauce), and spanakopita (spinach pie).

In addition to restaurants, you can find Greek bakeries and cafes in various parts of the city. These establishments offer a selection of pastries, desserts, and coffee, providing a taste of authentic Greek sweets like baklava, kataifi, and koulouria.

The annual Taste of Greektown 2024 showcases a variety of Greek dishes, live music, and traditional dancing, providing locals and visitors with a chance to experience the vibrancy of Greek culture. If you’re visiting Chicago during August 23-25th, you won’t want to miss this exciting festival.

Chicago Desserts with a Flavorful Twist

While not a traditional dessert, many Chicago pizzerias offer a deep-dish chocolate chip cookie baked in a pizza pan. This gooey and indulgent treat is often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. One can only think the deep-dish pizza was the inspiration for this delightful dessert!

Chicago-style cheesecake is known for its dense and creamy texture. It typically features a thicker crust and is often topped with fruit compote or a layer of sour cream.

Chicago is famous for its brownies, and many local dessert spots serve up indulgent brownie sundaes. These often feature warm brownies topped with a scoop of ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and nuts.

Chicago’s Italian bakeries are known for their delectable tiramisu. This classic Italian dessert features layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, often dusted with cocoa powder.

Do-Rite Donuts is a popular Chicago-based donut shop known for its high-quality, small-batch creations. They offer a variety of flavors, including classic glazed, cinnamon, and sugar, and more unique options like pistachio-meyer lemon.

Chicago truly never tasted so good. After you’ve done your share of weaving in and out of the neighborhood, and tasting the savory and the sweet, you might be ready for a nap. But you’ll dream of the deliciousness that Chicago has to offer, and you’ll want to come back yet again.

Original Post Date: October 11, 2022