Guinness World Record: Naples Chefs Make World’s Longest Pizza

Stretched 1.5 miles across the seafront between the U.S. consulate and the Castel dell’Ovo in Naples (Sunday, May 15th 2016), was the World’s Longest Pizza. Over the course of 11 hours, 250 chefs worked in shifts of 100 to construct the 6,082 foot Margherita style pizza.

To build this delicious Neapolitan behemoth, it took

  • 4,400 pounds of flour
  • 3,500 pounds of tomatoes
  • 4,400 pounds of cheese
  • 52 gallons of olive oil

Take THAT, Pinterest!

The record breaking pizza in Naples surpasses the former one that was made just less than a year ago in Milan, where 250 pizza-makers met to make a pizza that was less than a mile long (1.6 km). However, the world’s longest pizza shouldn’t be confused with the World’s LARGEST Pizza, which covered 2 soccer fields in Rome.

All ingredients were locally sourced from the Campania region, which Guinness has dubbed “The Home of Pizza”.

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Once the record was officially confirmed by Guinness, spectators and chefs were welcome to grab themselves a slice. All leftovers were donated to those in need.

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If you are a frequenter to MichaelPiff dot Com, then you know we have quite the affinity for pizza. Check out last year’s #PizzaChallenge list, which will be updated to 60 Chicago-Area pizza places by this Summer.

Follow for more on Facebook or Twitter. You can subscribe to The Piffcast on iTunes too.

#NationalGrilledCheeseDay: Send Me Your Grilled Cheese Pics

If there’s one thing I make as well as anyone, it’s a damn good grilled cheese sandwich.

I imagine you make a mean one as well, or have a line on tasty item from somewhere and I’d love for you to send a pic of it my way for a #FoodPornParty.

Send your Grilled Cheese photo my way via Facebook or Twitter and I will include it here, giving you a shoutout as well.

For reference, and strong recommendations for you to pick a sandwich up today…

The Fat Shallot

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Follow them on Twitter and to see where they are next

 

Cheesie’s Pub & Grub (and truck)

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For info on their restaurants and trucks, follow on Twitter.

 

Jack’s Fork in the Road

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See where they are next on Twitter

 

Toasty Cheese

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If you’re in the Northwest Chicago suburbs, you’ll want to check and see where they are at on Twitter.

 

Chicago White Sox

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From last year’s U.S. Cellular Field menu: bacon, guacamole grilled cheese. See what’s on this year’s docket here. 

 

From Facebook

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Be sure to submit your Grilled Cheese pics on Facebook and Twitter. Then check back to see your photo included here!

Ballpark Foodie: Hot Doug’s and Portillo’s Join Cubs at Spring Training

Whether you’re visiting Arizona for some Cactus League Spring Training baseball or a midwestern transplant just living in the area, you’ll get to taste some real Chicago delicacies at Sloan Park in Mesa, AZ. During their 15-game home exhibition schedule, the Chicago Cubs will feature sausages from Hot Doug’s and Italian beef from Portillo’s at their concessions like they do at Wrigley Field.

As many ‘encased meats’ enthusiasts know, Hot Doug’s owner Doug Sohn closed his fine Avondale gourmet sausage establishment back in 2014. However, Sohn has frequently brought Hot Doug’s back in pop-ups, on top of pizzas at Piece, and at a stand in the Wrigley Field bleachers.

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At Sloan Park, Hot Doug’s will rotate different selections that reflect the “favorites” from Wrigley. Up first starting Friday, will be the spicy polish and jalapeno-cheddar sausages that are named after Champ Summers and Steve Trachsel. The selections will change after every 5 games, so there will be 3 different pairings during Spring Training.

The Cubs’ newer Arizona facility has featured Italian beef in the past, but this time they have teamed up with Portillo’s because c’mon…it’s Portillo’s.

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There are two Portillo’s restaurants in Arizona already, Tempe and Scottsdale, and that reflects the Chicagoan presence living in the area. Now residence and tourists can get some more of a taste of Chicago while watching Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber jack home runs out of the desert.

If you attend Spring Training this year, please share your ballpark food porn pics with us on Facebook and Twitter!

The Piffcast! Episode 1 – The Super Bowl One

The Piffcast is back…rebooted!

With “The ’85 Bears” 30 For 30 debuting this week, we talked to Mark Grote from 670 The Score about following the team as a fan and their legacy in football history.

We also get you prepared for the weekend with the commercials to look forward to, the halftime show, prop bets and more going into Super Bowl 50. Listen for how to win the first Piffcast giveaway too!

Listen and react on Facebook or Twitter

 

Chicago Restaurant Week 2016: The Full List of Participants

It’s actually 2 weeks (January 22nd – February 4th, 2016), but who’s complaining?

For 14 days, 350+ restaurants in downtown Chicago and the suburbs participate in the annual event with great deals and prix fixe menus starting at $22 for lunch, then $33 and/or $44 for dinner (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity).

Below you can navigate the full list of participants in alphabetical order, with websites and menus included. Whatever you have a taste for, it’s probably on the list.

[A-F] [G-L] [M-R] [S-Z]

And please do share your pics from Chicago Restaurant Week with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Chicago Restaurant Week Spots (A-F)

 

[A-F] [G-L] [M-R] [S-Z]

Italian
Loop
 
 
American
Magnificent Mile
 
 
American
South Loop
 
 
Italian
West Town
 
 
Italian
Hyde Park
 
 
Italian
Loop
 
 
American
West Town
 
 
American Contemporary
Loop
 
 
American
Magnificent Mile
 
 
 
American Contemporary
River North
 
 
Japanese/Sushi
Lakeview
 
 
American Contemporary
Andersonville
 
 
American
Lincoln Park
 
 
Japanese/Sushi
West Town
 
 
Latin
Lakeview
 
 
GastroTavern/Pub
Northwest Suburbs
 
 
American
West Suburbs
 
 
American
Loop
 
 
Mediterranean
West Loop
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
Italian
Lincoln Park
 
 
Wine Bar
Lakeview
 
 
Italian
West Loop
 
 
Latin
West Loop
 
 
Italian
Magnificent Mile
 
 
Latin
West Suburbs
 
 
Mexican
Lakeview
 
 
American Contemporary
Streeterville
 
 
American Contemporary
River North
 
 
American
Bucktown/Wicker Park
 
 
 
Asian Fusion
West Loop
 
 
Steakhouse
River North
 
 
 
Southern
Andersonville
 
 
French
Lincoln Square/Ravenswood
 
 
French
River North
 
 
French
Gold Coast
 
 
French
Gold Coast
 
 
American
West Loop
 
 
American Contemporary
River North
 
 
French
Lincoln Park
 
 
American Contemporary
River North
 
 
German
River North
 
 
American
Lincoln Park
 
 
American Contemporary
River North
 
 
American Contemporary
Irving Park
 
 
American
Bucktown/Wicker Park
 
 
BBQ/Ribs
River North
 
GastroTavern/Pub
River North
 
 
Spanish/Tapas
Lincoln Park
 
 
 
Italian
Magnificent Mile
 
 
Mexican
River North
 
 
Steakhouse
West Suburbs
 
 
Steakhouse
Streeterville
 
 
American
O’Hare
 
 
Italian
Gold Coast
 
 
Latin
West Loop
 
 
 
Seafood
Loop
 
 
Italian
Lakeview
 
 
GastroTavern/Pub
West Loop
 
 
American Contemporary
Loop
 
 
French
Little Italy/University Village
 
 
French
Lincoln Park
 
 
Seafood
South Loop
 
 
BBQ/Ribs
Gold Coast
 
 
Soul Food
West Loop
 
 
American
Bucktown/Wicker Park
 
 
Steakhouse
South Loop
 
 
American Contemporary
Magnificent Mile
 
 
BBQ/Ribs
Southwest Suburbs
 
 
BBQ/Ribs
West Suburbs
 
 
Seafood
Loop
 
 
Mediterranean
West Loop
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
French
Loop
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
Italian
Streeterville
 
 
Pizza
Bridgeport
 
 
Pizza
Gold Coast
 
 
American
Gold Coast
 
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
American
Gold Coast
 
 
Steakhouse
River North
 
 
American
West Town
 
 
 
International Fusion
Lincoln Park
 
 
 
 
Seafood
River North
 
 
American
West Loop
 
 
Steakhouse
Gold Coast
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
American Contemporary
Bridgeport
 
 
American
Lincoln Park
 
 
American
Lincoln Park
 
 
Seafood
Streeterville
 
 
 
Spanish/Tapas
West Suburbs
 
 
Bakery/Café/Deli/Diner
Dunning
 
 
Asian Fusion
West Loop
 
 
Wine Bar
River North
 
 
Japanese/Sushi
Bucktown/Wicker Park
 
 
American
River North
 
 
GastroTavern/Pub
River North
 
 
American
North Suburbs
 
 
Mediterranean
Gold Coast
 
 
 
Wine Bar
West Suburbs
 
 
American
West Loop
 
 
Italian
Gold Coast
 
 
American
Northwest Suburbs
 
 
Italian
Edgewater
 
 
 
Italian
Little Italy/University Village
 
 
 
Italian
Lakeview
 
 
 
American Contemporary
River North
 
 
Mexican
River North
 
 
American Contemporary
West Town
 
 
American Contemporary
West Loop

Chicago Restaurant Week Spots (G-L)

GastroTavern/Pub
Loop
 
Indian
Magnificent Mile
 
 
Fondue
Lincoln Park
 
 
American
Lincoln Park
 
 
Steakhouse
River North
 
 
 
GastroTavern/Pub
Old Town
 
 
GastroTavern/Pub
Lincoln Park
 
 
Bistro
West Loop
 
 
American
West Loop
 
 
Greek
West Loop
 
 
Vegetarian/Vegan
West Town
 
 
American Contemporary
River North
 
 
Steakhouse
Magnificent Mile
 
 
American
Northwest Suburbs
 
 
 
Seafood
River North
 
 
 
American
North Suburbs
 
 
American Contemporary
Magnificent Mile
 
 
 
American
River North
 
 
American Contemporary
River North
 
 
Steakhouse
Loop
 
 
 
American Contemporary
Lincoln Park
 
 
Mexican
Albany Park
 
 
Japanese/Sushi
Bucktown/Wicker Park
 
 
Japanese/Sushi
Gold Coast
 
 
Seafood
River North
 
 
 
Indian
Southwest Suburbs
 
 
American Contemporary
West Town
 
 
French
River North
 
 
Seafood
River North
 
 
Steakhouse
River North
 
 
American
Lincoln Park
 
 
Mediterranean
South Loop
 
 
American
North Suburbs
 
 
French
West Loop
 
 
Latin
River North
 
 
 
Italian
Gold Coast
 
 
French
South Suburbs
 
 
Steakhouse
Magnificent Mile
 
 
Vietnamese
Gold Coast
 
 
 
Bistro
Streeterville
 
 
 
American
Gold Coast

Chicago Restaurant Week Spots (M-R)

 
Japanese/Sushi
Lincoln Park
 
 
Vegetarian/Vegan
Bucktown/Wicker Park
 
 
American Contemporary
River North
 
 
Latin
Pilsen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chinese
Gold Coast
 
 
Mexican
River North
 
 
Spanish/Tapas
South Loop
 
 
Italian
Gold Coast
 
 
Mexican
West Town
 
 
Italian
Lakeview
 
 
Steakhouse
Magnificent Mile
 
 
American
Loop
 
 
American
Magnificent Mile
 
 
American
River North
 
 
French
Lincoln Park
 
 
French
West Suburbs
 
 
GastroTavern/Pub
Lincoln Park
 
 
Italian
West Loop
 
 
 
 
Steakhouse
Northwest Suburbs
 
 
Steakhouse
Northwest Suburbs
 
 
Steakhouse
Southwest Suburbs
 
 
 
Latin
River North
 
 
American
River North
 
 
Latin
Bridgeport
 
 
Italian
Bucktown/Wicker Park
 
 
Italian
West Loop
 
 
Mediterranean
West Loop
 
 
 
Italian
Gold Coast
 
 
American Contemporary
Magnificent Mile
 
 
Seafood
North Suburbs
 
 
American
Streeterville
 
 
American Contemporary
Old Town
 
 
American
Old Town
 
 
American Contemporary
Loop
 
 
Italian
Old Town
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
Italian
Logan Square
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
Seafood
Lincoln Park
 
 
GastroTavern/Pub
River North
 
 
American
Loop
 
 
American
Lincoln Park
 
 
Steakhouse
West Suburbs
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
Italian
West Town
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
American
Streeterville
 
 
American Contemporary
Old Town
 
 
BBQ/Ribs
West Loop
 
 
American Contemporary
Bucktown/Wicker Park
 
 
Steakhouse
Loop
 
 
American Contemporary
Hyde Park
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
American
River North
 
 
American Contemporary
Gold Coast
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
American
Lincoln Park
 
 
American
River North
 
 
GastroTavern/Pub
Bucktown/Wicker Park
 
 
American
Loop
 
 
American
Edgewater
 
 
 
Italian
Lincoln Park
 
 
Italian
Lincoln Park
 
 
Seafood
Streeterville
 
 
American
River North
 
 
Wine Bar
West Loop
 
 
American
River North
 
 
Steakhouse
River North
 
 
Steakhouse
River North
 
 
American Contemporary
Loop
 
 
Italian
Little Italy/University Village
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
Steakhouse
Loop
 
 
Steakhouse
Gold Coast
 
 
 
Italian
Little Italy/University Village
 
 
Asian Fusion
River North
 
 
Italian
River North
 
 
Steakhouse
River North
 
 
Steakhouse
River North
 
 
Steakhouse
North Suburbs

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

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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

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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

BB-8 Thumbs Up

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

Cam Dance

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!

Ron Swanson rectangle

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

Twitter 101

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)

Pirate Piffcast

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

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

Style: "CCF-WhiteSet"

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