Chicago holds a special type of magic for me. I moved to this city about 2 years ago and found a profound amount of peace while skipping through these city alleyways. To many this may just be another American metropolis, but to me this city has opened up a creative portal deep inside of myself. I think that’s how you know you are exactly where you are supposed to be. When you wake up, coffee in hand into the same alleyway over and over again and can’t help but say to yourself “I am so lucky to be here”… I think that is how you know you are exactly where you need to be.
Chicagos Quintessential Dish
Of course we cannot talk about the Chicago food scene without discussing the quintessential dish running the streets. The Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich without a doubt what this city is known for. Chicago is a city full of hustlers, hard workers, and loud mouths and the sandwich version of that person is a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich. Walk into any deli or The Bear like establishment and enjoy this city staple.
Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich is made with overflowing shaved roasted beef over a French roll, topped with giardiniera, and served with an au jus dipping sauce. I adore turning my favorite dishes from around the world into plant-based versions. I don’t think you have to give up those things because you are choosing not to eat animals. This dish is a prime example of how amazing and authentic these staple dishes still around while cooking with plants. For this dish I use one of my favorite mushrooms- a seared oyster mushroom shredded and then roasted in au jus.
Don’t Forget the Giardiniera
Giardiniera is an Italian relish of pickled veggies. This can be made sweet or spicy depending on the peppers you choose. Find a jar of this Chicago favorite at any local grocery store. If you are feeling really adventurous, consider making your own from scratch! Giardiniera is a mixture of pickled veggies and herbs- most commonly cauliflower, bell peppers, carrots, celery and pepperoncini peppers.
