Chicago Eats: Portillo’s
Whether you enjoy Italian beef, hot dogs, or burgers; Chicago’s famous Portillo’s is the fast food restaurant for you. The restaurant is the prime example of Chicago culture from the presentation of the food to the ambience of the restaurant. Here are a few tips on what to order (and look like a local while doing so):
- The Chicago Hot Dog: This Chicago staple seems to have everything in it. On a poppy seed hot dog bun, the weiner is dressed up with tangy French mustard, chilled relish, sweet chopped onions, plump sliced red tomatoes, a pickle (that happens to be kosher), and a blend of peppers. This is truly a mouthful! Just a tip on the hot dog: DO NOT PUT KETCHUP ON YOUR HOT DOG! When in Chicago, do as the Chicagoan does. It is considered a grave sin to put ketchup on your dog and you will immediately be labeled as a tourist and not a true foodie. Regardless, this is a must eat. Having French fries or onion rings is always a nice addition to compliment this meal.
- Italian Beef: Just like the signature hot dog, Italian beef is equally popular in Portillo’s. Here are the two most popular ways to eat this treat. Some people enjoy eating the beef and cheddar croissant which is beefy, cheesy goodness! All packed onto a flaky French croissant. Then, there is the “combo”. On a French roll, the combo is the best of both worlds: a juicy bratwurst and of course, Italian beef. This is also available with the sandwich dipped in its own sauce. Regardless, be sure to try the sandwich with either sweet peppers or spicier giadiniera peppers. I would highly recommend either of these!
- Chocolate Cake Shake: This decadent dessert seems to be the college student’s invention. As the name implies, a piece of chocolate cake is shoved in a blender with both milk and vanilla ice cream. I find this dessert to be a good way to “wash down” the greasy yet tasty food. In order to successfully consume this shake, it is more useful to have a spoon handy, as it practically impossible to use a straw.
