Last Week in Chicago

“Political Party”, Part Two. Plus: The DNC Menu at the CNN-POLITICO Grill

The start of the Balloon Drop of 100,000 biodegradable balloons at the DNC, August 22, 2024. Photo: Jolene

Hi everyone, hope you’re well.

So, I won’t bury the lede. On Thursday afternoon at 3pm, I received a last-minute invitation to attend the final night of the DNC here in Chicago. By 5pm I was all dressed up and on a shuttle bus en route to the already packed United Center.

To have had the opportunity to witness the moment in American history when Vice President Kamala Harris accepted her party’s nomination for President of the United States was really something.

It made me think about my mother, who I’d always watched the conventions with when I was growing up, and how she would be so happy I was in that hall on such a night. JH

In the hall. Photo: Jolene

Bi-Partisan Pop-Up: The CNN-POLITICO Grill

Last week I wrote about the CNN-POLITICO Grill that was in Milwaukee for the RNC in July. The restaurant served a menu of Wisconsin favorites (including the food of the gods, Butter Burgers) to politicians and guests (invitation only) while high-profile interviews were also taking place inside. CNN and POLITICO have been setting up these pop-ups at all the conventions since 2004.

The Grill in Chicago. Photo: Jolene

This week it was the DNC’s turn. Right across from the United Center and within the security perimeter was the Chicago edition of the Grill — again, invitation only — but I did snap a picture and do have a copy of the menu, courtesy of Ethan Alter in this piece in Adweek.

Chicago favorites —hot dogs and pizza— were there, but it’s Italian beef (the sandwiches at the Grill were Portillo’s) that I want to talk about today.

Italian Beef

Italian Beef photo courtesy of Al’s

As with many origin stories, this one is murky, but delicious.

While the exact origins of the Italian beef sandwich are unknown, it made its first appearance during the early 1900s in Chicago.

Italian immigrants slow-roasted tough cuts of meat in a spicy broth until it was tender, piling thin slices onto Italian bread. — the Skydeck

There is a big choice to be made with Italian beef: do you want it “wet” or “dry”:

Many Chicagoans order their Italian beef “dipped”, meaning the entire sandwich, bread and all, is dunked into the juice. — the Skydeck

The sandwich can be topped with sweet peppers, “hot” topped with giardiniera, or a “combo” with Italian Sausage.

The Italian beef menu started showing up on restaurant menus in the 1930s, and while many shops claim to be the original, Al’s #1 Beef on Taylor St. officially wears that crown. —the Skydeck

I’ve rounded up some links all about Italian beef, including an article about Mr. Beef which inspires the hit series “The Bear” and another link to the Italian beef recipe used for show. Also, below is a great video from Mike Hultquist of “Chili Pepper Madness” on how to make the best hot Chicago-style giardiniera.

Skydeck: HERE

Chicago Tribune: HERE

History of Al’s #1 Beef: HERE

Mr. Beef: HERE

“The Bear” Italian Beef Recipe: HERE

Portillo’s: HERE

Going home after the convention. Photo: Jolene

Last week felt exhilarating, anxiety producing and unforgettable in Chicago. Between the motorcades and helicopters, secret service presence and sheer amount of visitors on the streets, there was action everywhere. I feel both a sense of relief and lingering excitement now that it’s over.

One of my favorite posts this week, one that captures the excitement in Chicago and an appreciation for the city, came from actor and comedian Kalen Allen who was here for the convention.

As a native New Yorker I’m on thin ice here— but I agree with Kalen. In the spirit of this being an election year, I’m willing to debate my New York friends and family on this, but I’ll also be politic and announce here and now that I dearly love both cities.

Have a great Sunday, everyone. Here’s Kalen’s video post:

thekalenallen

A post shared by @thekalenallen