Horseshoe sandwiches are ubiquitous in Springfield, Illinois, but no one eats them anywhere else. Like many folk foods, they’re hard to define, but all share a toasted bread base, a pile of some meat or other, a slathering of sauce, and, in place of the usual toast topper, a full spud canopy. A modern “shoe” … Continue reading A Really Big Shoe
A Really Big Shoe
August 20th, 2019 by Michael Stern
Popcornography
August 14th, 2019 by Lorelai Dunn
By Jane and Michael Stern Originally Published 2005 Gourmet Magazine The best caramel corn comes from butterflies combined with mushrooms. Some people use only mushrooms—the kernels that pop into smooth, round balls—but Sharon Yoder of Yoder Popcornsays butterflies—the kernels that sprout wings that extend far beyond the hull—make for better texture. For those who like extra-sweet … Continue reading Popcornography
Street Food
August 14th, 2019 by Lorelai Dunn
By Jane and Michael Stern Originally Published 2005 Gourmet Magazine CHICAGO Street food is often considered déclassé, but not in the Windy City. In fact, it is so cherished there that restaurants are designed for it. These brash canteens have no tables, just waist-high counters where you stand and unwrap your meal, then eat leaning … Continue reading Street Food
Drive Ins
August 14th, 2019 by Lorelai Dunn
By Jane and Michael Stern Originally Published 2005 Gourmet Magazine For two-lane travelers, pulling into a parking lot perfumed by hamburgers and hot onion rings is as satisfying as any four-star dining experience. At a true classic drive-in, you never even need to undo your seatbelt. Ensconced behind the steering wheel, you order from a … Continue reading Drive Ins
Best Supporting City
August 12th, 2019 by Lorelai Dunn
By Jane and Michael Stern Originally Published 2004 Gourmet Magazine From the shockingly priced cup of hot chocolate Tom Cruise drinks in the soigné Palm Court of The Drake Hotel in Risky Business ($4 in 1983) to the cheap eats Jim Belushi steals from Fluky’s hot dog joint in Curly Sue, Chicago’s restaurants have played an important supporting … Continue reading Best Supporting City
Live From Chicago
August 8th, 2019 by Lorelai Dunn
By Jane and Michael Stern Originally Published 2003 Gourmet Magazine By the time John Belushi was elected Wheaton (Ill.) Central High homecoming king, Bill Charuchas had already made his reputation at Chicago’s Billy Goat Tavern & Grill parroting owner Sam Sianis’s orders: “Cheezborger, cheezborger. No fries, chips. No Pepsi, Coke.” Charuchas had a fan club in Chicago, … Continue reading Live From Chicago
Top Dogs
August 7th, 2019 by Roadfood Team
By Jane and Michael Stern Originally Published 2001 Gourmet Magazine No introduction is necessary. These are America’s ten best hot dog joints By JANE and MICHAEL STERN 1 Walter’s is a pagoda-shaped roadside stand that has been serving incomparable hot dogs since 1919. A frank of beef, pork, and veal (made exclusively for Walter’s) is … Continue reading Top Dogs
The Past on a Plate
August 7th, 2019 by Lorelai Dunn
By Jane and Micheal Stern Originally Published 2000 Gourmet Magazine CHICAGO’S LIVELIEST culinary sport is rating city specialties. Food journalists and freelance eaters are forever debating whose Red Hots, deep-dish pizzas, Italian beef, and rib racks are the best. From street vendors to four-star dining rooms, untold numbers of food purveyors unblushingly tout their fare … Continue reading The Past on a Plate
Heartland Soda Fountain
August 1st, 2019 by Lorelai Dunn
By Jane and Michael Stern Originally Published 1998 Gourmet Magazine If Dr. Seuss had been a restaurant reviewer, he would have liked soda fountains best, for they are where Pink Elephant punch and rootbeer Black Cows line up alongside marshmallow Rocky Roads; where emerald-bright Green Rivers flow and Banana Boats are launched. Though customarily located … Continue reading Heartland Soda Fountain