Chicago - The Food

It's the start of a new month, and time to get off my @$$ and start writing again! And, after much delay and anticipation, here goes the second post on my Chicago trip; The Food.


After a week of living in Chicago, it's easy to see why obesity is a problem in America; they just don't do small portions! Whenever we ate out somewhere, every meal seemed like a meal for two to me, and by the end of the week, I'd pretty much given up on the idea of a belt.

So, onto some of the highlights:

Hot Dogs
Naturally, I had to try at least one hot dog while I was over there, and although I didn't find any of the stereotype hot dog stands like we see on so much American TV, I did find somewhere with a pretty good selection of dogs on offer. I decided to go for the chilli dog, since this is something familiar to me, but what was handed to me was a far cry from the chilli dog I know! Back here, the local snack van brings round chilli dogs, which are a large sausage with chilli inside, topped with chilli sauce for added bite. The American version I tired was basically a Frankfurter, covered in chilli con carne and cheese, which although quite a bit different from what I'm used to, still rates very highly!

Pizza
Going to Chicago and not trying authentic pizza would be rather like going to Paris and not bothering to see the Eiffel Tower*; it's just not right. Fortunately, I was taken to Ginos for some proper Chicago style pizza, and to put another inch on my steadily expanding waistline. I have to say, this was great pizza; quite a bit different to the style I'd normally go for, as I usually favour a thin crust myself, but I'm always open to trying new things. Again, size got the better of me. When ordering, I was surprised to hear that we'd be sharing two medium pizzas between five of us, after all, I'll happily get through a medium Domino's pizza by myself back home. Still, I decided to stick with the advice of the locals, and was glad I did, as it was some of the most filling pizza I've had, and at best, I made it through about two and a half slices before I couldn't take any more! If you're in Chicago, Ginos is a must!

Peanut Butter Jelly Sandwich
Sadly, this is not something I had a chance to actually try while I was over there, despite us getting all the ingredients in. However, I did take note of how to make it, and decided I would give it a go when I get home. I've since tired it, and I'm just left wondering how Americans can possibly stomach that mixture. I did get through about two mouthfulls before the gag reflex decided I wasn't having any more. Sorry America, you can keep this one!

Greek Town
On the last night, Classy was kind enough to drag me into Greek Town to try out some of the fine eating that was to be had there. Now I can't remember exactly what it was I ordered, but I was impressed to be presented with a plate of nothing but meat, and rare as it is, I think I actually found my meat intake limit. All the food we ordered there (of which there was plenty), was excellent, and I could quite happily have eaten in Greek Town each night!

Melrose Diner
During my week in Chicago, I managed to become somewhat of a regular at the Melrose Diner, stopping in for breakfast or lunch, or even for an end of the night feast after the St Patricks Day celebrations. This was also my first experience of the never ending coffee; I'm not usually much of a coffee drinker myself (stereotypical English tea drinker), but I thought I'd go give it a go, and it seemed every time I looked away, the waitress would whisk in a top it back up for me, forcing me to move the coffee cup out of reach to prevent a caffeine overdose. But the burgers there were great, and the huge omelette's where an excellent start to the day.

So overall, I don't think I can honestly say I had a bad meal while I was over there, and I've been on a strict diet since I've been back to try and regain my former waistline. If you're going to America to sample the food, leave the belt at home!

Next up; Chicago - The People


*I'm running low on metaphors.