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.

Au Cheval

(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

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

Beer Flights

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

Chicago Dog

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

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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. 

Foodimentary.com has the full September schedule. Have some more recommendations for those wishing to partake in these holidays? Let me know on Facebook or Twitter

Planning Ahead: Upcoming National Food Days

I love the social media driven National Food days. They give us something to look forward to. They encourage us to go out and grab something good to eat. I also just really like having a reason to try new places.

For instance, today is #NationalHotDogDay. I’m not the biggest fan of hot dogs (more of a polish sausage guy) but I am always interested in experiencing something different. For years I’ve heard people rave about Superdawg in the Chicago area, so it being a “holiday” seemed as good an excuse as any to try it.

Superdawg

Let me tell you what…the hype is REAL at Superdawg.

Who decides these “National Food Days”? According to Food Timeline, there are 4 different sources that plan the National Food Calendar.

– The Federal Government, either by Presidential proclamation or the Department of Commerce

– Industry Associations

– Companies promoting their products

– Charities and Not-for-profit organizations

WeeBae Ohhh

I know, right? Learn something new everyday.

So rather than waiting to see what advertisers and social media surprises us with next, why not take a look at the calendar and plan ahead for what’s to come.

July

July 24th 

National Tequila Day

Tequila Day

These National Holidays aren’t always just for food either. When it hits 5 o’clock (somewhere) tomorrow, find the nearest watering hole and have some fun.

Recommendation: Cesar’s Killer Margaritas on Broadway in Chicago. 

July 29th

National Buffalo Wing Day

Wings Day

Recommendation: Skoogs in Utica, IL (but I’d be happy to hear what your favorite is)

July 30th

National Cheesecake Day

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Apparently there’s a Cheesecake Festival in Chicago the next two days after this momentous holiday.

Recommendation: I say Eli’s, but you can never go wrong with Cheesecake Factory

August 

August 4th

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day

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Recommendation: I have yet to find any that beat my mom’s cookies, but I recommend making your own. 

August 16th

National Rum Day

Jack Sparrow Rum

(Insert your best Jack Sparrow impression here)

Recommendation: If you can find it, Kilo Kai is where it’s at. Don’t even need a chaser. 

August 19th

National Soft-Serve Ice Cream Day

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Recommendation: Your nearest ballpark…Soft-serve is best in a baseball helmet. 

August 19th

National ‘Bacon Lovers’ Day

Bacon Lovers Day

If you love bacon, you know exactly where to find it. If you’re feeling adventurous, Little Caesar’s has a treat for you.

Recommendation: Any Brazilian Steakhouse will do the trick. Texas de Brazil even has a bowl of thick bacon pieces in their salad bar to take care of you. 

Have your own recommendations? Let’s talk on Facebook or Twitter