Food
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Coming Soon To MichaelPiff Dot Com in 2016
For everyone who has followed along or checked in over the last year and a half, thank you so much for doing so. If people didn’t read, I wouldn’t write…Your encouragement for me to to keep doing so is more appreciated than you know.
The plan in 2016 is to continue covering everything in movies, music, sports, TV and food, but to generate more and more fun and entertaining content for all the topics this blog has become known for. Below is a list of things I look forward to featuring on the site and hope to get your input on. I am also always open to ideas and collaboration, so please feel free to reach out on Facebook, Twitter, or email me at piff.michael@gmail.com. I would like to include guest posts as well, so PLEASE let me know if you’re interested.
The Burger Challenge
Just like the Pizza Challenge a year ago, I’m looking for the Chicago area’s best burger! So far I have visited 10 burger joints and plan to have 40 ranked before summer. Above are some of the awesome items that I’ve tried and I’m always looking for recommendations. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram as the list grows, and let me know if you’d like to team up for an upcoming burger adventure.
Note: A Wings Challenge has been suggested as the next project. Stay tuned for that.
Movie/TV Madness Tournament
An annual tradition for those who have followed my work for the past few years, I’ve conducted a multi-week bracket tournament for both TV shows and movies. In the spirit of the NCAA Tournament, we list 68 competitors and break them up by region with appropriate seedings. Readers vote round-by-round on the winners of each matchup. The madness happens in March, but stay tuned to see if you’ll be voting on movies or TV shows this year.
Ballpark Foodie
Something I look for when visiting stadiums across the country is a unique and awesome food item I can’t get anywhere else. Starting this Spring, I’ll be reaching out to Major League Baseball organizations to see what baseball fans can look forward to at the concession stands for the 2016 season. I’ll be checking out as many ballparks as possible but if you happen to find something yourself, please send a photo my way on Twitter with the hashtag #BallparkFoodie and I’ll feature it here!
TV Show and Movie Power Rankings
I wrote up a few lists regarding my favorite TV Shows and movies from the past year (The 2015 Movie List will be complete after The Revenant finally hits theaters). Rather than wait months at a time for new lists, I’ll have an updated Power Rankings for new movies and favorite TV shows as I watch them every couple weeks. Look forward to how Batman v Superman stacks up against Captain America: Civil War, and House of Cards with Game of Thrones…There will also be a pre-season 6 ranking of all surviving (or speculated to be surviving) Thrones characters.
The 2016 Fantasy Football Draft Board
ESPN’s Todd McShay and Mel Kiper will be updating their NFL Draft boards up until the first pick is called…I’ll be doing the same this year with all Fantasy Football positions. If you’re like me, you’re already thinking about your first round pick for next year’s Fantasy draft. From the end of this season until draft time next year, I’ll have a regularly updated version of my Fantasy “Cheat Sheet” for you to prepare.
More Mixtapes!
The college radio DJ in me LOVES sharing music and giving people a look into what I’m listening nowadays. It also encourages me to check out new artists and tracks and see if they’re worth including in upcoming playlists. Here are the mixtapes from 2015, and lookout for what’s to come in 2016. Maybe we’ll finally get new Radiohead and Tool that we keep hearing about.
The #Twitter101
In 2015, I started a new tradition of keeping a list of my favorite follows on Twitter. I plan to update the list every year with new accounts and some of old reliables that make Twitter fun to be on. If you recommend anyone to follow or would like to nominate yourself for consideration, just say so here!
The New Piffcast 2.0 (Finally)
When I started writing this blog, I fully intended to relaunch my podcast and feature it here. This year I’m fully committed to bringing it back, discussing all the topics I write about here, getting YOUR thoughts and opinions on-air, interviews with people and experts who know way more than I do, etc. If you’re interested in contributing to the podcast or would like to even sponsor it, contact me via Facebook, Twitter or email me at piff.michael@gmail.com
These are just a few of the plans I have for this year, along with the columns and articles that help make this blog what it is. Looking forward to getting things rolling and to make big things happen in 2016! Follow along for all the fun on Facebook and Twitter!
National Food Days in December
It’s hard not to love this time of year. Holidays, decorations, an excuse to watch Elf and Love Actually without judgement…
It’s also an excellent month for food! You already have the dates circled for family traditions on your calendar. Now you can break out the marker once more and plan ahead for some more exciting National Food Days!
As you participate in each National Food Day, designated by a committee comprised of the federal government and corporate sponsors, feel free to share your photos with me on Facebook or Twitter!
December 8th
National Brownie Day
Did you know…
…that the brownie was actually invented in Chicago? At the behest of Bertha Palmer, whose husband owned the Palmer House, a “ladies dessert” was created to be served at the 1893 World Columbian Exposition held in Chicago from the Women’s Pavilion. The first printed use of the word “brownie” to describe it wouldn’t happen until 1896 Boston Cooking-School Cook Book by Fannie Farmer
On this day, the modern Palmer House Hilton is handing out free brownies to commemorate the birth of quite possibly my favorite sweet and the National Holiday. If you’re in Chicago, swing by 17 E. Monroe St. after 11:30 AM CT to get your complimentary brownie.
December 9th
National Pastry Day
In case brownies aren’t your style, you get to pick up your favorite baked dessert the next day! Otherwise, you have an excuse to stop by the bakery two days in a row…Not the worst thing.
As mentioned in my Food Truck Challenge, I personally recommend the Chicago Cupcake truck. Seriously unlike any kind of cupcake I’ve tried before . They also have store fronts in Wicker Park, if you’re not willing to hunt down the truck for adventure.
December 11th
National “Have a Bagel” Day
Bagels may sound like an everyday thing to most, but this seems like the perfect occasion to get creative and get something awesome. Every now and then, I get a craving for New York style bagels and luckily there’s an NYC Bagel Deli in Chicago with NY style pizza slices as well.
But if you want to be adventurous, I recommend Brobagel in the Wicker Park/Bucktown area, just next door to Piece Pizza and Brewery. Amazing bagel sandwiches and people with matching personalities to make them so.
December 14th
National Biscuits and Gravy Day
Some folks tell me that they or their moms make the best biscuits and gravy…If you are one of these people, please invite me over to try them because I LOVE BISCUITS AND GRAVY.
Whenever I go out for breakfast, my eyes usually search for biscuits and gravy right off the bat because my stomach has complete control of them. I have to say that in recent memory, the best biscuits and gravy I’ve had in Chicago is from a place with the perfect name…Brunch. They also have a perfect selection of mimosas to pair nicely.
December 16th
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
Nothing will be running through my head more than Gene Wilder serenading a tour of the Wonka Factory on that day…
This also happens anytime I walk into the Confectionery in downtown Long Grove. There’s a little old woman in a corner glass screen room, doing nothing but dipping strawberries in chocolate. From what I’m told, she has dipped over 2 billion strawberries in her time there…and they make an amazing gift as well.
December 20th
National Sangria Day
The bottom 3rd of the month is all about drinks.
12/24 (Christmas Eve) is National Egg Nog day. 12/31 (New Year’s Eve) is National Champagne Day. Those are pretty easy to remember and adhere to. However, why not kick the final stretch of the year off with a drink just as, if not more delicious than both.
I actually have out-of-town company coming in for the holidays, so I plan on treating them the way I normally do for most of my guests…with great food and booze.
For more National Food Holidays this month, check out the calendar on Foodimentary. If you’d like to team up for some food adventures, or just want to share your food porn, let me know on Facebook or Twitter.
Chicago Brewery Challenge: The Beer List
In an effort to promote the amazing brews of the Chicagoland area, I’ve begun devising a plan to visit and try more than 77 breweries in 18 hours.
A gentleman accomplished the feat in Portland, and the ultra-competitive midwesterner in me wants to top it.
(Reminder: The plan is try each brew with a one-ounce steins and just a few pints at milestone stops in order to drink responsibly.)
Thankfully, some fellow enthusiasts are game and so are some of my favorite breweries.
Now we’re identifying all potential breweries we can possibly visit before planning a route. Going off the Hop Review database, there are 67 breweries in Chicago and 87 in the areas around the season. While there are Illinois breweries listed as far north as Zion, I think Tighthead Brewing in Mundelein is where I’m willing to begin. There are a number of south suburb breweries as well but for time’s sake, going as far as the Northwest Indiana (notably 3 Floyds), sounds worth the finish.
The next steps will include plotting a route with 80 or so brewers chosen, and then reaching out to each one to see what’s good. For now, here is a preliminary list of where the #ChiBrewChallenge adventure could go!
In The City…
Alarmist Brewing 4055 W. Peterson Ave. – North Park 60646
Ale Syndicate 2601 W. Diversey Ave. – Logan Square 60647
Aleman (In Progress) 3304 N. Knox Ave. – Belmont Cragin 60641
All Rise Brewing Co 235 N. Ashland Ave. – West Loop 60607
Andersonville Brewing 5402 N. Clark St. – Andersonville 60640
Aquanaut Brewing 5435 N. Wolcott Ave. – Bowmanville 60640
Arcade Brewery 2601 W. Diversey Ave. – Logan Square 60647
Argus Brewery 11314 S. Front Ave. – Roseland 60628
Around the Bend Beer Co. 2601 W. Diversey Ave. – Logan Square 60647
Atlas Beer Company 2747 N. Lincoln Ave. – Lincoln Park 60614
Baderbräu (In Progress, Beer Available) 2515 S. Wabash – Bronzeville 60611
Band of Bohemia (In Progress) 4710 N. Ravenswood – Ravenswood 60640
Berghoff Brewery 17 W. Adams St. – Loop 60603
Begyle Brewing Company 1800 W. Cuyler St. – Northcenter 60613
Birreria Chicago 43 East Ohio St. – River North 60611
Bixi Brewery (In Progress) 2515 N. Milwaukee Ave. – Logan Square 60647
Bold Dog Brewing (In Planning) 1935 E Irving Park Rd. – Northcenter 60613
Breakroom Brewery 2925 W. Montrose Ave. – Irving Park 60618
Bucket List Brewing (In Planning) Chicago, IL 60641
Chicago Beer Company (Beer Available) 1140 W. Randolph St. – West Loop 60607
Corridor Brewery & Provisions 3446 N. Southport Ave – Lakeview 60657
Crooked Fork Brewing (In Planning) 4419 W. Montrose Ave – Mayfair 60641
Cruz Blanca (In Progress) 900 W. Randolph St. – West Loop 60607
Diversey Brewing Company (In Planning) – Logan Square 60647
DryHop Brewers 3155 N. Broadway Ave. – Lakeview 60657
Empirical Brewing 1801 W. Foster Ave. – Ravenswood 60640
Eris Brewery & Ciderhouse (In Planning) 4240 W. Irving Park Rd. – Old Irving 60641
Finch’s Beer Company 4565 N Elston Ave. – Avondale 60630
Forbidden Root 1746 W. Chicago Ave. – West Town 60622
Gino’s East Brewing Company 500 N. LaSalle St. – River North 60654
Goose Island Beer Company 1800 W. Fulton St. – Near West Side 60612
Goose Island – Clybourn 1800 N. Clybourn St. – Lincoln Park 60614
Great Central Brewing (In Planning) 1745 W. Walnut St. – Near West Side 60612
Greenstar Brewing Co 3800 N. Clark St. – Lakeview 60613
Half Acre Beer Company Tap Room 4257 N. Lincoln Ave. – Northcenter 60618
Half Acre Beer Company (In Progress) 2050 W. Balmoral Ave. – Bowmanville 60640
Haymarket Pub & Brewery 737 W. Randolph St. – West Loop 60661
Hopewell Brewing (In Progress) 2760 N. Milwaukee Ave. – Logan Square 60647
Hopothesis Beer Company 730 W. Randolph St. – West Loop 60661
Horse Thief Hollow 10426 S. Western Ave. – Beverly 60643
Illuminated Brew Works 415 N. Sangamon Ave. – West Loop 60642
Lagunitas Brewing Company 1843 S. Washtenaw Ave. – Douglas Park 60608
Lake Effect Brewing Company 4727 W. Montrose Ave. – Irving Park 60641
Like Minds Brewing 1800 W. Walnut St. – Near West Side 60612
Lo Rez Brewing (In Planning) Chicago, IL
Mad Mouse Brewery 724 Maxwell St. – University Village/Little Italy 60607
Maplewood Brewery & Distillery 2717 N. Maplewood Ave. – Logan Square 60647
Marz Community Brewing 3315 S. Halsted St. – Bridgeport 60608
Metropolitan Brewing 5121 N Ravenswood Ave. – Ravenswood 60640
Mikerphone Brewing (Beer Available) 3223 S. Kolin Ave. – South Lawndale 60623
Moody Tongue 2136 S. Peoria St. – Pilsen 60608
Motor Row Brewing 2337 S. Michigan Ave. – South Loop 60616
Off Color Brewing 3925 W. Dickens Ave. – Hermosa 60639
Piece Brewery & Pizzeria 1927 W. North Ave. – Wicker Park 60622
Pipeworks Brewing Company 1675 N. Western Ave. – Bucktown 60647
Revolution Brewing 3340 N. Kedzie Ave. – Avondale 60618
Revolution Brewing Brewpub 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave. – Logan Square 60647
Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery 1 W. Grand Ave. – River North 60610
SlapShot Brewing 3223 S. Kolin Ave. – South Lawndale 60623
South Loop Brewing Company (Beer Available) Chicago, IL
Spiteful Brewing 1815 W. Berteau Ave. – Northcenter 60613
Transient Artisan Ales (In Planning, Gypsy Brewer) Chicago, IL
Une Année Brewery 1638 W. Hubbard St. – West Town 60622
Veteran Beer Company (In Planning) Chicago, IL
Vice District Brewing 1454 S. Michigan Ave. – South Loop 60605
Whiner Brewery (In Progress) 1400 W. 46th St. – Back of the Yards 60609
Around Chicago/Suburbs
3 Floyds Brewing Company 9750 Indiana Pkwy., Munster, IN 46321
5 Rabbit Cervecería 6399 W. 74th St., Bedford Park, IL 60638
18th Street Brewery 5725 Miller Ave., Gary, IN 46403
51st Ward Brewing (Contracting – Beer Available) Westmont, IL
350 Brewing Company 7144 W. 183rd St., Tinley Park, IL 60477
Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company (In Planning, Beer Available) New Lenox, IL
Ancient Owl Brewing (In Planning) Lombard, IL
Banging Gavel Brews (Beer Available) Palos Heights, IL
Big Hurt Brewing 6801 W. Cermak Rd., Berwyn, IL 60402
Black Belt Brewery (In Planning) Lake Zurich, IL
Blue Island Brewing Company 13357 Old Western Ave., Blue Island, IL 60406
Blue Nose Brewery 6119 East Ave., Hodgkins, IL 60525
Brickstone Brewery 557 William R. Latham Senior Dr., Bourbonnais, IL 60914
BuckleDown Brewing 8699 W 47th St., Lyons, IL 60534
Bulldog Brewing Company 1409 119th St., Whiting, IN 46394
Byway Brewing Company (In Planning) 2825 Carlson Dr., Hammond, IN 46323
Cademon Brewing Company 217 W. Main St., Genoa, IL 60135
Cahoots Brewing (In Planning) Downtown/Lake St. – Oak Park, IL
Chain O’Lakes Brewing Company 3425 Pearl St., McHenry, IL 60050
Church Street Brewing 1480 Industrial Dr. Unit C, Itasca, IL 60143
Crown Brewing 211 S. East St., Crown Point, IN 46307
Crystal Lake Brewing 150 N. Main St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014
The Devil’s Trumpet Brewing Co. 8250 Utah St., Merrillville, IN 46410
Dry City Brew Works 120B N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187
Emmett’s Brewing Company 110 N. Brockway St., Palatine, IL 60067
Evil Horse Brewing Company (In Progress) 1336 Main St., Crete, IL 60417
Exit Strategy Brewing Co. 7700 W Madison, Forest Park, IL 60130
Figure Eight Brewing 150 S. Washington St., Valparaiso, IN 46383
Flapjack Brewery (In Planning) Berwyn, IL
Flesk Brewing 844 N. Ridge Ave., Lombard, IL 60148
Flossmoor Station Brewing Company 1035 Sterling Ave., Flossmoor, IL 60422
Four Fathers Brewing 1555 W. Lincolnway Suite 105, Valparaiso, IN 46385
Gordon Biersch 639 E. Boughton Rd. #100, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
Granite City Brewery – Naperville 1828 Abriter Ct., Naperville, IL 60563
Granite City Brewery – Orland Park 14035 S. La Grange Rd., Orland Park, IL 60462
Granite City Brewery – Schaumburg 801 Plaza Dr., Schaumburg, IL 60173
Hailstorm Brewing Company 8060 186th St., Tinley Park, IL 60487
Hofbräuhuas Chicago 5500 Park Pl., Rosemont, IL 60018
Hopvine Brewing Company 4030 Fox Valley Center Dr., Aurora, IL 60504
Hunter’s Brewing 1535 S. Calumet Rd., Chesterton, IN 46304
Imperial Oak Brewing 501 Willow Blvd., Willow Springs, IL 60480
Ironwood Brewing Co. 6 Roosevelt Rd, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Lake Bluff Brewing Company 16 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff, IL 60044
Light the Lamp Brewery 10 N. Lake St., Grayslake, IL 60030
The Lucky Monk 105 Hollywood Blvd., South Barrington, IL 60010
Lunar Brewing Company 54 E. St. Charles Rd. #11, Villa Park, IL 60181
Metal Monkey Brewing (In Progress) 515 Anderson Dr. #900, Romeoville, IL 60446
Mickey Finn’s Brewery 412 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048
Middle Brow Beer Company 2701 Deborah Ave., Zion, IL 60099
Miskatonic Brewing Company 1000 N. Frontage Rd., Darien, IL 60561
Nevin’s Brewing Company 12337 S. Rte. 59 #155, Plainfield, IL 60585
New Oberpfalz Brewing 121 E. Main St., Griffith, IN 46319
Noon Whistle Brewing 800 E. Roosevelt Rd., Lombard, IL 60148
Oak Park Brewing Company (In Progress) 155 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302
One Trick Pony Brewery 17933 Chappel Ave., Lansing, IL 60438
Only Child Brewing 1350 Tri State Pkwy, Ste 124, Gurnee, IL 60031
Peckish Pig 623 Howard St., Evanston, IL 60202
Penrose Brewing Company 509 Stevens St., Geneva, IL 60134
Pokro Brewing Company 311 North Broad Street, Griffith, IN 46319
Pollyanna Brewing Company 431 Talcott Ave., Lemont, IL 60439
Rock Bottom – Lombard 94 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL 60148
Rock Bottom – Orland Park 16156 S. La Grange Rd., Orland Park, IL 60467
Rock Bottom – Warrenville 28256 Diehl Rd., Warrenville, IL 60555
Route 2 Brews 141 Harding Dr., Lowell, IN 46356
Rude Hippo Brewing Company 5725 Miller Ave., Gary, IN 46403
Saint John Malt Brothers Brewing 9607 Wicker Ave., St. John, IN 46373
Scorched Earth Brewing Company 203 Berg St., Algonquin, IL 60102
Sketchbook Brewing 825 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60202
Small Town Brewery 1000 Brown St. #212, Wauconda, IL 60084
Smylie Bros. Brewing 1615 Oak Ave., Evanston, IL 60201
Solemn Oath Brewery 1661 Quincy Ave. #179, Naperville, IL 60540
Stockholm’s Brewpub 306 W. State St., Geneva, IL 60134
Temperance Beer Company 2000 Dempster St., Evanston, IL 60202
Ten Ninety Brewing 2701 Deborah Ave., Zion, IL 60099
Three Angels Brewing 10482 Ashley Rd., Yorkville, IL 60560
Tighthead Brewing Company 161 N. Archer Ave., Mundelein, IL 60060
Transient Artisan Ales (Brewing at One Trick Pony) 17933 Chappel Ave., Lansing, IL 60438
Tribes Alehouse Brewery 11220 W. Lincoln Hwy., Mokena, IL 60448
Two Brothers Brewing 30W315 Calumet Ave. W., Warrenville, IL 60555
Two Brothers Roundhouse 205 N. Broadway, Aurora IL 60505
Urban Legend Brewing Company 1115 Zygmunt Cir., Westmont, IL 60559
Village Vitner Winery & Brewery 2380 Esplanade Dr., Algonquin, IL 60102
Werk Force 14903 S. Center St., Plainfield, IL 60544
Wild Onion Pub & Brewery 22221 N. Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington, IL 60010
Wildrose Brewing 1104 E. Main St., Griffith, IN 46319
Windmill Brewing 2121 Gettler St, Dyer, IN 46311
ZümBier 3232 E. Monroe St., Waukegan, IL 60085
There are 154 breweries total listed but if you know or recommend others, please let me know on either Facebook or Twitter!
I can also be reached by email at piff.michael@gmail.com. Check back as the plan keeps coming together!
Chicago Brewery Challenge: The Beginning
Perusing one of my favorite sites this morning, Sports Illustrated’s Hot Clicks page, a certain story grabbed my attention…
In the words of Barney Stinson,
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
John Lovegrove had his first beer at 7:00 AM and his 77th at 12:55 the next morning. Here’s the timeline of every brewery he stopped at and all the fun his crew of 7 had. Lovegrove had a pint at his first brewpub and another at the 50th, then drank from his one-ounce stein at the 75 others…which is very responsible.
The #SpiritOf77Breweries Challenge was an awesome project to promote the amazing breweries of Portland. I’d love to do the same for the Chicago area. By The Hop Review’s count, there are at least 66 in the city, 85 around it. Let’s see if we can hit more breweries in 18 hours than Lovegrove did.
The Chicago Pizza and Food Truck Challenges were fun (and still ongoing). Those projects took months to execute, but this will take just a day…and a lot of time to plan leading up. You have to start somewhere though and that’s what this is…the beginning.
The date and route are still TBD. Any Chicago beer enthusiasts and breweries interested in helping out are welcome! Let me know on Facebook and Twitter, or email me at piff.michael@gmail.com with serious inquiries.
Updates on the of the Chicago Brewery Challenge plan will be posted here and on social media with the hashtag
#ChiBrewChallenge
Feel free to share this with anyone who wishes to partake.
Food Porn Party: National Sandwich Day
As a new foodie tradition, each National Something Delicious Day we’ll scour the interweb and try to find the best pics posted from the day of all that is good.
If you took pics of your sandwich today, share them on Facebook or Twitter and they’ll be added to the post!
So…
Let’s party!
1. Slate
2. Alton Brown
3. Chicago White Sox
4. Baltimore Ravens
5. Häagen-Dazs (It counts)
6. blogTO (Toronto)
7. Atlantic Station
8. Organic Sandwich Co.
9. Sweet Pea’s Pub
10. Edible Feast
11. Wilton Cakes (adorable)
12. Chicago Reader
13. LYFE Kitchen
14. Herb Nerd
15. Uptown Birmingham
16. More from the White Sox
17. And Cubs…
18. Randolph
19. Alidoro
20. Thrillist
21. Chicago Tribune
22. Leghorn Chicken
23. Yahoo
24. Lawrence Chan
25. FoodintheAir
26. FoodCravery
27. The Rabbit Hole
28. Calzone’s (San Francisco)
29. Inahollandaze
30. And some dessert
Again, share YOUR pics to the Facebook or Twitter pages and they will be added to the post!
McDonald’s Sits Upon Fast Food Iron Throne With 24-Hour Breakfast Menu
No longer must we relive that scene from Big Daddy, where deep inside we were all that kid who couldn’t get his breakfast after 10:30 AM.
(It was all downhill for Adam Sandler after that)
Imagine Ronald McDonald, with the Hamburgler and Grimace looking on, lining up the likes of the Burger King, the obnoxious Wendy’s spokesperson, and the Chick fil A cow on the deck, waiving a crispy golden hash brown in their faces saying, “I’m the captain now.”
…as soon as the clock hits 10:30 AM, of course.
I’m not saying we needed this. Do we really need anything that we can pick up in a drive-thru line that isn’t coffee? We want it though, and we sure do like it. You know, the perfectly barely melted cheese over your eggs and bacon on a biscuit. The odd but delicious flavor of that secret sauce on a bagel sandwich. Or the thing I can’t stress enough…the hash browns. *As you read this paragraph, do so with Homer Simpson’s drool voice in your mind*
By the numbers, McDonald’s already reigned supreme with their profits in America. Below are the Top 20 according to Business Insider and each chain’s U.S. systemwide sales in 2014.
- McDonald’s – $35.4 billion
- Starbucks – $12.7 billion
- Subway – $11.9 billion
- Burger King – $8.6 billion
- Wendy’s – $8.5 billion
- Taco Bell – $8.2 billion
- Dunkin Donuts – $7.2 billion
- Chick-fil-A – $5.8 billion
- Pizza Hut – $5.5 billion
- Panera Bread – $4.5 billion
- KFC – $4.2 billion
- Domino’s – $4.1 billion
- Sonic – $4.1 billion
- Chipotle – $4 billion
- Carl’s Jr/Hardee’s – $3.6 billion
- Little Caesars – $3.2 billion
- Dairy Queen – $3.2 billion
- Arby’s – $3.2 billion
- Jack in the Box – $3.2 billion
- Papa John’s – $2.7 billion
Not even Peyton Manning could raise “Papa John’s” smarmy face above the $5 Hot-N-Ready or Stuffed Crust pizzas, huh?
Wendy’s has shifted its strategy to overtake the burger franchises by targeting the Millennial foodie market by offering non-burger items like pulled pork sandwiches, Gouda chicken sandwiches, and loaded cheese fries. If you ask me, their advertising has been way more insulting toward millennials with dumb stereotypes as their focus. Burger King’s marketing approach has been to bring back the creepy “King”, and pay to have him at highly visible sporting events…
Like American Pharoah’s Triple Crown win…
…and in Floyd Mayweather’s corner against Manny Pacquiao.
The latter is exactly why I avoid Burger King at all costs, even if it means I can’t have their awesome french toast sticks.
The crown doesn’t belong to Burger King though. It doesn’t belong to Starbucks (where I’m actually writing this), nor Taco Bell and its weekly menu innovations…
It goes to the the place that first franchised in 1955 in Des Plaines, IL. Where the Coca-Cola tastes better for some reason and the french fries are widely regarded as the best among chains. It’s also the first place you go after the Chicago Bulls score over 100 points to claim your free burger…Sitting upon the Iron Throne with a Big Mac on top is McDonald’s, unleashing their All Day Breakfast menu like Daenerys Targaryen’s dragons upon their competition.
Follow along for more on Facebook and Twitter!
Food Truck Challenge: 30 Must-Try Chicago Area Food Trucks
Following the Pizza Challenge list (which is still ongoing) that I released at the end of spring, I was ready for a new foodie adventure. I wanted to focus on something that represented both the city and summer perfectly…What better than food trucks?
Food trucks have variety, they have personality, and they are all unique in their own way which makes it almost impossible to rank them. So here’s your first HEADS UP:
THESE ARE NOT RANKED!
With a little help from my friends and the Chicago Food Truck Finder, I made stops from Libertyville…to Palwaukee Airport…to Rosemont…to the middle of Daley Plaza, to try something new and delicious each week. I found trucks on street corners, outside suburban office buildings, on the perimeter at concerts and festivals, on an airstrip, and in front of the (Bruce) Willis Tower.
I’ll include the Facebook profile and Twitter handle for each truck, along with any available menus for you to peruse before diving into your own Food Truck Challenge. I’ll also keep adding trucks to this list to serve as a database, so any recommendations are more than welcome.
1. The Slide Ride
“The Bacon Baby Trio”
Angus beef, brown sugar bacon, melted cheddar and mustard onions on a sesame bun
Finding “The Pink Lady” truck was a priority for me to kickoff this challenge. Who doesn’t love sliders? Each slider is $3.50 or you can snag 3 for $9. Not just burgers either; pork, chicken and even tilapia make the rotation.
Facebook / Twitter / Menu
2. Gino’s Steaks Truck Chicago
“Steak and Cheese”
steak, onions, peppers, melted swiss, pickle, herbs and mayo
While “The Fatty” sounds amazing, which you’ll find on the menu, I had to go with a classic. What also struck me about this truck was how cool the guys were running it. Very personable and conversational, which is nice while you wait on your sandwich.
Facebook / Twitter / Menu
3. Toasty Cheese Mobile Eatery
“The Chef’s Choice”
Duck bacon, provolone, fresh spinach, baby arugula, Sicilian cherry tomatoes and aioli
Very prevalent in the northwest suburbs, you can find this awesome grilled cheese truck outside offices, town festivals, and even breweries. Don’t fear the Duck Bacon either. It’s so thick and the flavor is fantastic….and goes great on the cheese fries.
Facebook / Twitter / Menu
4. Beaver’s Donuts
“Reese’s Minis”
chocolate and peanut butter…what else?
An underrated food item in Chicago has to be THE DOUGHNUTS we have here. So many fantastic shops (some that run out before you even make it down from the burbs…looking at you, Doughnut Vault), and the trucks are no different…Beavers is by far the most unique though with their mini servings and fun toppings. 4 minis is just $2, 9 is just $4.
Facebook / Twitter / Menu
5. Haute Sausage
“Bacon Guacamole”
bacon sausage, roast poblano & corn guacamole, Merkt’s cheddar, and chipotle mayo
The Haute Sausage truck certainly makes it’s way around town. I’ve had it outside of my old work studio, at local beer festivals, and in the middle of the Daley Plaza food truck wagon circle. What’s very clutch with these sausages are the Texas toast style buns and homemade chips.
Facebook / Twitter / Menu
6. DönerMen
“The Döner Box”
fries and greens topped with roasted chicken, tomato/cucumber shirazi, onion, spicy harissa, and tzatziki yogurt sauce
Fittingly, I got to try this masterpiece for a concert at Montrose Beach. Forking threw each layer to the sounds of Mumford and Sons was a treat, as was the curry wurst.
Facebook / Twitter / Menu
7. Tamale Spaceship
“Complicate de Carne”
flank steak tamale with traditional Oaxacan black mole and sesame seeds
The best part of this food challenge for me was trying new things. Confession: I had never had a tamale before boarding the “spaceship”…and now I love them. Thank you for that, Spaceship.
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8. Best Truckin’ BBQ
“The Interstate”
hand seasoned pork shoulder, smoked for twelve hours, chopped and sauced on a pretzel bun
Another truck that you’ll find in the suburbs and the sauce is to die for…I’m not even kidding. Some of the best sauce I’ve had in the Chicagoland area.
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9. Cheesie’s
“The Melt”
American cheese, Chihuahua cheese, bacon, marinated chicken breast, 1,000 Island dressing, and tomato on Texas toast w/ pesto mayo dip
With pub locations on Belmont and in Evanston, this truck sparked my fascination with food trucks years ago at Riot Fest. Since then, I’ve found it outside of the Merch Mart, the Willis Tower, and regularly in line at Clark and Monroe. ALL THE SANDWICHES ARE PERFECT (All Caps necessary)
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10. Jerk Grill
“Jerk Chicken”
with Rude Girl sauce on toast
The hype is real on the Jerk truck, and I am dying to pickup a hat or t-shirt from them that just says “Jerk.” The food actually may be magical…Why? Sharing it got me on-stage to see Spoon at The Taste of Chicago.
Proof:
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11. The Happy Lobster Truck
“The Holy Guaca-Rolly”
Maine lobster, guac, and pickled onions
This made me a believer in lobster rolls, even after having it for the first time at Fenway Park.
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12. The Model Chef
“Jerk Chicken Tacos”
Burgers, tacos, and crepes…? Oh my. Really nice lunch portions and I’m in need of a second visit to try the peach cobbler.
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13. Ms. Tittle’s Cupcakes
“Turtle and German Chocolate”
Ms. Tittle’s was the first of 3 cupcake trucks I tried, each one different from the other. You can find her in both the city and out in the suburbs.
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14. Pierogi Wagon
“Braised Beef Pierogis”
w/ bacon and sour cream
As I mentioned before, THIS IS NOT A RANKING…however…
If I were to rank the trucks, the Pierogi Wagon is in my Top 3. I introduced it to some friends from California (half of which were Polish) and they loved it.
(They seem to be going through some rebranding with their online presence, but I have found the truck at Millennium Park, Clark & Monroe, and Wacker & Adams)
15. Yum Dum
“Pork Belly Baowiches”
slow braised with Taiwanese spices, topped with pickled mustard greens, crushed peanuts and cilantro
Another first for me…Baos. Delicious beyond description and the “Baowiches” were very original to me. Like a pancake tortilla shell, that I couldn’t get enough of.
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16. Windy City Patty Wagon
“Gouda Burger”
smoked gouda, bacon, chipotle aioli, red onions and fries
Awesome truck name. Very unique taste with the hand-pressed burgers which I enjoyed with their seasoning. Would love to try the “stuffed patty” too.
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17. La Cocinita
“Burri-Tacos”
with lechon, spiced cream and jalepeno salsa
One of the best Latin American trucks I’ve tried. Greatly appreciated the “build-your-own” style and more importantly…Mexican Coke.
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18. Chicago Pizza Boss
“Sausage Pizza Puff”
You may recall that Pizza Boss ranked fairly high on the Pizza Challenge list, and deservedly so. I had to go back and try the pizza puff..and it was TOP NOTCH!
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19. The Jibarito Stop
“Beef & Cheese Empanadas”
Amazing Puerto Rican food and another first for me…empanadas. Yes, I feel weak admitting that, but I’ve had quite a few since trying them over a month ago.
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20. More Cupcakes
“Salted Caramel”
Yes please…Great surprisingly whipped frosting (given it’s appearance). And who says no to cupcakes when offered?
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21. Blue Street Market
“Mushroom Braised Beef Sandwich”
with caramelized shallot and shroom sauce
Very nice variety of lunch selections and sandwiches with excellent sides. You can’t tell me that “bacon wrapped chorizo stuffed pork” doesn’t involuntarily make you make Homer Simpson drool noises…
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22. 5411 Empanadas
“Empanadas”
with dates & goat cheese and ham & cheese
Nothing does this truck justice like the webpage for the menu, so I’ll let you carry on to that immediately…You’re welcome.
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23. Bruges Brothers
“Oxtail Poutine”
oxtail braised in red wine and thyme, gravy, cheddar cheese curds and crispy leeks
Not only is it remarkable poutine and a beautiful mess, these may be some of the best french fries I’ve ever had. I’ve had a lot of fries in my day (*Grandpa Simpson voice*), and those fries truly stuck out to me. Hurray, superlatives!
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24. Fat Shallot
“Jumbo Polish”
with giardiniera, coarse grain mustard on a pretzel bun
Another truck I would place in my “Top 3” with incredibly cool folks working it, I’d love to go back and try everything. I got to enjoy this bad boy to the sweet rocking sounds of Motorhead at Riot Fest.
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25. Grill Chasers
“Skewer Taster & Bacon Beer Cheese Fries”
A pretty extensive menu of grilled chicken options like wings, sandwiches and skewers. The cheese fries make it well worth the feast, and I can imagine they pair great with any of the breweries they park out front of.
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26 The Cajun Connoisseur
“Lobster Po-Boy”
….cajun style.
I’m no expert on cajun food, but this truck did make me want to explore it more. Very cool folks running the truck as well.
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27. Chicago Cupcake
“Turtle and Peanut Butter Cupcakes”
These are my favorite cupcakes around Chicago. They taste like cheesecake in cupcake form, and they are perfect because of it. They are actually served at the Coalfire pizza place in West Town as well.
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28. Kate & Jan Hot Dogs
“German Oktoberfest Sausage”
There’s a sweet variety of selections beyond your typical hot dogs, like polish and even french sausages. It’s also sweet having the option to put on your own toppings outside of the truck as well.
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29. Aztec Dave’s
“Al Pastor and Skirt Steak Quesadillas”
Amazing design on the truck, super outgoing people serving, and delicious Mexican food. I think that sums it up nicely.
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30. Jack’s Fork in the Road
“Corned Beef Grilled Cheese”
with Guinness onions, aged english cheddar and whole grain mustard on dark rye
Capping the summer-long adventure was another favorite that I looked forward to trying the entire time. I could probably have these gourmet sandwiches for lunch everyday…and there are plenty to choose from.
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Send anymore Food Truck recommendations or just follow along as The Adventure Continues on Facebook and Twitter.
Planning Ahead: National Food Days in September
September is my favorite month.
It’s the start of football season, sweater weather, and the midwest is absolutely gorgeous as the leaves start to change. What we can also look forward to is another full month of National Food Days.
We did the same in July and August and today happens to be #NationalBurgerDay. So plan accordingly.
(Maybe stop by Au Cheval in Chicago, now that you’ve seen this photo.)
Usually people are caught off guard or feel like they may have missed out because they didn’t know about the social media driven holidays. Here’s your chance to get ahead of the curve and get the calendar ready for some awesome food and drink experiences.
Without further ado…
September 1st
National Gyros Day
Whether you pronounce it “yee-roh” or go full on Bridgeport and say “Jye-roh”, I take my gyros very seriously. It’s one of my favorite combos of rotisserie meat and sauce and goes perfectly on pita.
Recommendation: You could take a fun trip to Greektown, but here’s a nice list of other Chicago favorites. If you can get it homemade though…*Homer Simpson drooling noises*
September 7th
National Beer Lovers Day
Why yes, yes that is Labor Day. So you really don’t have an excuse to find a nice patio or crack a few on your back porch, and enjoy your favorite brews.
Recommendation: Find a nearby brewpub/brewery (like Revolution) or bar that specializes in beer options (like The Beer Market), and order an excellent beer flight to your liking.
September 10th
National Hot Dog Day
Before you ask, there was already a #NationalHotDogDay back in July…but who’s complaining about having to eat hot dogs again? Personally, I’m a polish sausage guy but that IS my birthday. So I’m down.
Recommendation: Go to Gene and Jude’s, trust me. And bring your own ketchup to apply in the car…because you’ll be shunned if you ask about it.
September 12th
National Chocolate Milkshake Day
Hard to find a good milkshake for less than $5 today, amirite…?
Recommendation: Oberweis. Go inside too and get one of those big fish bowl sized glasses too with a cookie straw.
September 23rd
National Pancake Day
The thinner the pancake, the better…in my world. I’m Swedish, so you can’t blame me.
Recommendation: Walker Bros Original Pancake House. If you also like thin pancakes, get the 49er flapjacks. The Apple Pancake is like the “deep dish pizza” of pancakes.
michaelpiff 