Now that the Christmas frenzy has ended we’ve been able to spend some time with my parents here in Chicago. As much as I love Christmas eve and day, I truly savor the relaxation in which I’m able to bask after it’s all over. Today, a vital part of the relaxation agenda was lunch at Portillo?s. Portillo?s is a restaurant that as far as I can tell only has locations in the Chicago-land area. They serve a fairly wide variety of food including, but not limited to, Itallian beef, Polish sausage, ribs and fries. However, their flagship, their cremè de la cremè is their Chicago style hot dog. Here’s a picture of mine. It looks a little rough but what it lacks in visual aesthetics it makes up for in taste.
A true hot dog is a work of art for the palate. It involves a genuine Vienna hot dog, a poppy seed bun and a handful of other ingredients. Not just anyone can make it correctly. It takes skill, patience and perseverance. For your edification here’s a link for how to make a Chicago hot dog. Now, you too, can be a carnivorous snob.
If you’re ever fortunate enough to visit Chicago I highly recommend you eat at least once at Portillo?s. Along with Uno’s Pizzeria, Portillo?s embodies the taste of Chicago.
