Chicago

The Food Element

‘We’re in Midwest’ is the most frequent answer I’ve received during my week in Chicago and it’s subject to wide and free interpretation, if I can add here.. Chicago is the third city in US, the beginning of the iconic Route 66, the destination for anyone deeply passionate about architecture and art and the crib of cultural and social progress, then if we want to open The Food Conversation, I've never felt more in America than here.

The city is full of classic and historical restaurants, bars and diners, however it’s keep developing and a young wave of food enthusiasts is running new businesses and filling up side neighbourhoods and suburbs. We didn’t have the chance to try a lot, but we’ve jumped from local and traditional spots to new hype restaurants and I feel to affirm that in Chicago you definitely need to put on pause mode your healthy lifestyle for a while.. food is incredibly tasty but quite heavy at the same time, portions are huge and I suggest an intense workout session every morning to avoid that guilty feeling and deeply enjoy the moment..

Here our favourites for a beginner experience in Chicago:

Au Cheval, the best cheeseburger I’ve ever tried.. an old diner-style bar, they serve good cocktails and have a huge selection of beers, no reservation accepted but you can put your name on the list and come back later.

Pizzeria Uno and Pizzeria Due, where the original Chicago Deep Dish Pizza was first served by Ike Sewell. They are both in the Loop, the locations are iconic and authentic and the pizza is cheesy and tasty, big suggestion: order cautiously..

Lou Mitchell’s Diner is perfect for your classic Saturday brunch. Family business runs from 1923, it’s the diner you’ve always dream of.

Doughnut Vault, the smallest and cutest doughnut place with a wide selection of classics and specials and queue outside. It’s perfect for a walking breakfast along Chicago River.

Lula Café, in a cozy location attached to Logan Square a boheme bistro belonging to the ‘farm to table’ movement in Chicago and offering tasty meals from brunch to dinner.

Last but important note: everyone we’ve met has been incredibly nice and open.. they really deserve that tip..

xx A.