Eating my way through Chicago The Bear style: Lindsay on Location
Chicago is one of my favorite places to visit in the United States. It has something for everyone. And with the success of the TV show, The Bear, the city is hotter than ever. I was on a mission to do as those on The Bear do and eat my way through Chicago and learn the all the tricks along the way. All I want to do is say, Yes Chef! Let’s get lost, I am starving!
First stop is of course the place that started it all. The true inspiration of the show is Mr. Beef. Dating back to 1963, this simple sandwich shop is anything but simple. It is no frills, but with so much heart and soul. You enter to a simple counter where you order the steak sandwich with all the fixings. They take hoagie bread top it with shaved steak that has been marinated in “gravy” then topped with relish of celery and peppers. Then the magic happens with they dip the bun back in their sauce with is their version of aus jus. With Micheal, Jason and Jeremy behind the counter I not only had one of the best sandwiches, I also met some of the best people. I understand the charm and why they chose Mr. Beef as the inso of the show. They shot the pilot at that exact spot. I promise you the hype is worth it all.
In the show, Carmen sends cousin Richie to train at an upscale restaurant. I went to the exact same place. Ever is a two Michelin star restaurant with Chef Curtis Duffy and his business partner Michael Muser. You can choose from an 8-10 tasting menu. The epic experience takes around 2 1/2 hours and is pure magic. But I was not here to eat. I was here to work and learn the ropes. Just like cousin Richie, I polished silverware, learned to plate food, and ran expo. Running expo in a restaurant is intense. But this was next level. You are in charge of both the front and back of the house. You have to know all the things all the time. You are in charge of what gets fired, what is ready to go out, how fast or slow people are eating. All at the same time. It is amazing to watch and very stressful to do. But I had so much fun. I do not think I have a future in Expo, but I sure have a lot of respect. We also got to grab a bite at their place next door called, After. It is equal to quality but a little more casual. You can order a la carte. Make sure to get the duck wings!
Now that I know how to run a kitchen I need to learn how to cook. I headed to Avec. In The Bear, Sydney did a food tour around Chicago and stoped in Avec to meet Chef Dylan Patel and try his amazing food. The restaurant had a mediterranean focused menu with a unique wine list. I got in the kitchen with Chef to make their famous focaccia and help skewer their famous roasted chicken. The focaccia is not ordinary focaccia. It is rolled out to be paper thing, wood oven fired, then sliced in half, then stuffed with a ricotta mix and truffle oil, then cooked again. Pure magic! We also got to sit and enjoy an amazing meal. We started with dates stuffed with homemade sausage wrapped in bacon. One of the best things I have ever had. We also tried their famous roasted chicken. The spices take it to the next level. Avec is high quality but also affordable. I would eat here everyday.
Our home for the week was The Peninsula Chicago. This iconic hotel opened its door in 2001. It has a 5 star rating and that is well earned. Our room had walk around windows a double closet and a living room. They have art throughout the hotel that changes regularly. They are a favorite for the famous and The Rolling Stones just happened to be there during my stay. Make sure to check out their new Z Bar. It over looks Michigan Ave and has travel inspired cocktails. I got to learn out to make The Z. My new favorite drink. Its gin, cucumber mint and Italian aperitif.
Best views of the city are from above. Check out 360 Observatory. The best panoramic views of the Chicago skyline. You can even enjoy a cocktail or dare at the tilt from above. Also check out the amazing CAC River Cruise tours of the city. Seeing the city by water is always a good idea. But you also get to learn a ton of amazing things.
