Chicago
Millennium Park's Bean in Chicago, Illinois
My mom grew up in Chicago so I've made the journey there plenty of times. She
doesn't particularly like the city, however she isn't a big city person in general
so there's a bias there. To me, the city is just a part of what I know and the
influence of it on my mom is a part of what made me who I am, so to describe Chicago
is difficult.
Like so many big cities, Chicago is for everyone and nearly anyone can find a place
here. Yet for others, it's just another big city with flashy lights, shops,
and restaurants, no different from New York, London, or Lagos. To me... it simply
is.
The city is contrast. There's great food, but you often times must dress up
to be let in the door, there is incredible architecture, yet at the expense of nature,
there is phenomenal entertainment, which is expensive and at times inconvenient,
there are great museums, but like all museums lacking the best learning method,
reality. The city feels sterile, yet alive, vibrant, yet ordinary.
To look upon the city from the Sears Tower is no different than seeing it first
hand, like a postcard. Chicago may have an incredible feel for some, however for
me that feel has been ingrained in me and is simply normal. My motivation for traveling
to Chicago is to see family and eat great food.
Wrigley Field as viewed from a rooftop across the street
Chicago's food is something to seek out. They are famous for their Chicago-style
hot dogs and deep dish pizza, however I substitute the hot dogs for Italian Beef.
Italian Beef is roast beef cooked in broth with a combination of Italian seasonings,
then thrown on a bun and I always top it with green peppers, and sometimes mozzarella
or an Italian sausage and dip the entire sandwich in the broth, fantastic. Eating
it is the biggest challenge and you really have to bring your mouth to the sandwich
instead of vice versa or the food will fall all over you.
My other favorite is the deep dish pizza. Gino's East is the best I've had
and nothing beats the Chicago (or supreme) pizza or spinach-occoli. The pizza has
a thick crust and is then built up-side-down, starting with cheese on the bottom,
then the toppings (Chicago has sausage, green peppers, onions, and mushrooms, but
I skip the mushrooms and the spinach-occoli has spinach and broccoli), then the
sauce, which is dominated by stewed tomatoes. This is what makes the trip worth
it every time.
Civic Opera House
Shop in Chicago