I knew about deep-dish (can’t say I’d ever had an authentic one); but that, the biting winds and Charlie Trotter’s were all I really knew about Chicago.
I’m embarrassed to admit that when an free trip to the Windy City was offered, I actually had to think about it and ask around for opinions. If you’ve ever been to Chicago, you can imagine the responses. Of course, every answer began with wild enthusiasm, but follow-up looks implied either “what’s-there-to-think-about?” or “Is-this-a-trick-question?” I must say, my first visit simply blew me away. Its architecture is striking; the arts, stunning; the food, surprising; and the culture/history, stirring. I had no idea.
For four days of constantly walking and constantly eating, I didn’t even crack Chicago’s shell. I got a glimpse, a general outlook, but four days is just a tease. I need to go back and get my hands dirty, so to speak, hit the really out of the way places, check out a few more slow-food delicacies in the 'burbs, take a peek at the little mom & pop eateries that make up the soul of the city - get to know Chicago intimately.
And if I’m ever offered a free four-star hotel room & round-trip ticket again, I’ll be all over that like wind through the Loop. In the meantime, I’m going to figure out to make a fabulous Chicago-style deep dish pizza pie.
Some helpful guidebooks (my usual suspects):
Zagat - Chicago Restaurants
The Slow Food Guide Chicago, Kelly Gibson & Portia Belloc Lowndes
Frommer’s Chicago Day by Day (handy map included)
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