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Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites
A BookRiot Most Anticipated Travel Book of 2023 Italian beef and hot dogs get the headlines. Cutting-edge cuisine and big-name chefs get the Michelin stars. But Chicago food shows its true depth in classic dishes conceived in the kitchens of immigrant innovators, neighborhood entrepreneurs, and mom-and-pop visionaries. Monica Eng and David Hammond draw on decades of exploring the city’s food landscape to serve up thirty can’t-miss eats found in all corners of Chicago. From Mild Sauce to the Jibarito and from Taffy Grapes to Steak and Lemonade, Eng and Hammond present stories of the people and places behind each dish while illuminating how these local favorites reflect the multifaceted history of the city and the people who live there. Each entry provides all the information you need to track down whatever sounds good and selected recipes even let you prepare your own Flaming Saganaki or Akutagawa. Generously illustrated with full-color photos, Made in Chicago provides locals and visitors alike with loving profiles of a great food city’s defining dishes.
160 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 27, 2022
I received a free copy of, Made in Chicago, by Monica Eng; David Hammond, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. A book about Chicago food, what could be better. From burgers to breaded steak sandwiches chicken vesuvio, to Chicago mix popcorn and so much more. This book tells you the history behing the food, the best places to get the food, and a recipes to make it at home. MMMM so good.
January 17, 2023
This one was so much fun! If you are from Chicago, like to travel, just like food, and if you like Chicago food then this is the book for you! Most of the eats are ones you’ll recognize but then there are a few that you won’t. Each of the thirty food items have a short history and then where you can get it, as well as a recipe to make it yourself and a full color image. It’s like a very digestible history book and a cookbook combined. Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!
March 18, 2023
What a fabulous and delightful book! As a member of a foodie supper club, I plan on buying this for each member! It's just a delightful history/recipe book, and I so appreciate the insights into Chicago cuisine (even though truthfully I won't eat half of them!) Great information presented in a very digestible (pun intended) way. Many thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, and much luck to the authors!
December 1, 2022
Oh, if I only had this book a week ago while we were visiting Chicago for a week! At least I have it for the next trip….I don’t really consider myself an ex-Chicagoan (my daughter still lives there in Malört-loving Andersonville and is a brewer at one of the city’s premier craft breweries; she was also part of the internet movement to have Apple add the hot dog emoji— with mustard only — to their collection), but since we went west 25 years ago, every trip back is a food pilgrimage. And, yes, Lou Malnati’s deep dish and Portillo’s or Vienna Beef hot dogs and Italian beef are usual staples. Eng’s and Hammond’s book goes further — into the unique neighborhoods that make Chicago a true smorgasbord. I had lived in Lincoln Square near New Greektown (flaming saganaki and gyros) and German cuisine. Growing up, you just don’t realize what's truly local until you can’t find it anymore (pepper and egg sandwiches around Lent? Make your own).
I really loved learning the origins of foods that were selected for the book and I had no idea that Shrimp deJonge and Chicken Vesuvio had Chicago origins (and, like Italian beef, are unknown past the Rockies). I guess I also assumed that gyros didn’t start in Chicago (since we have places like Mad Greek around). I’m keeping the recipes for Akutagawa and Taffy Grapes on hand for the next get-together with Chicago relatives.
The book is beautifully illustrated and organized. The photography is just scrumptious. The red headlines under the separate sections break up otherwise long stories into digestible ones. And the checkerboard border on the page edges remind you of the paper food tray liners you get with fast food.
But you missed pierogis! Time to explore the Polish neighborhoods of the North Side.
Also, there’s an excellent reason to write a sequel about local desserts (we had a Chicago mix ice cream bar at Pretty Cool Ice Cream and bought blueberry pierogis from Alexandra’s Factory Outlet). Eli’s cheesecake!
All in all, a great book, a quick read (but hold onto it as a reference during food-hopping), a great gift for Chicago foodies, and a reason to start ordering stuff from Taste of Chicago to quell my hunger pains. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to University of Illinois Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
I really loved learning the origins of foods that were selected for the book and I had no idea that Shrimp deJonge and Chicken Vesuvio had Chicago origins (and, like Italian beef, are unknown past the Rockies). I guess I also assumed that gyros didn’t start in Chicago (since we have places like Mad Greek around). I’m keeping the recipes for Akutagawa and Taffy Grapes on hand for the next get-together with Chicago relatives.
The book is beautifully illustrated and organized. The photography is just scrumptious. The red headlines under the separate sections break up otherwise long stories into digestible ones. And the checkerboard border on the page edges remind you of the paper food tray liners you get with fast food.
But you missed pierogis! Time to explore the Polish neighborhoods of the North Side.
Also, there’s an excellent reason to write a sequel about local desserts (we had a Chicago mix ice cream bar at Pretty Cool Ice Cream and bought blueberry pierogis from Alexandra’s Factory Outlet). Eli’s cheesecake!
All in all, a great book, a quick read (but hold onto it as a reference during food-hopping), a great gift for Chicago foodies, and a reason to start ordering stuff from Taste of Chicago to quell my hunger pains. 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to University of Illinois Books and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
March 21, 2023
A fun book of food and facts with great photographs.
Everything in this book is a Chicago made food. Each chapter includes the history of the dish, which was surprisingly detailed, plus a list of restaurants you can go to to try the dish, and some have the recipe for making the dish at home. Overall, a fun book to read.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
Everything in this book is a Chicago made food. Each chapter includes the history of the dish, which was surprisingly detailed, plus a list of restaurants you can go to to try the dish, and some have the recipe for making the dish at home. Overall, a fun book to read.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions expressed are
my own.
January 19, 2023
Chicago is a food city. Once famous for its stockyards and still a major transit point for the products of America’s breadbasket, the city is home to a diverse people, a gathering of migrants and immigrants who brought a wide variety of foods from their homelands and put the necessary twists on them to make them salable to Chicagoans while using available ingredients. This book features entries on thirty foods and beverages that are products of Chicago ingenuity, be they dishes that were wholly invented in the Windy City or one’s that have a distinctive Chicago-style variant. Foodies know exactly what is meant by Chicago-style hot dogs, pizza, or tamales.
If all you know about Chicago cuisine is that ketchup on a hot dog is considered a sin, you’ll learn about some colorfully named Chicago inventions such as: “the Jim Shoe,” “the Big Baby,” and “the Mother-in-Law,” as well as many others that are more prosaically named, if equally calorically dense. One also sees the mark of Chicago’s immigrant story in the Akutagawa, Flaming Saganaki, Gam Pong Chicken Wings, the Maxwell Street Polish, and Chicago Corn Roll Tamales.
Each chapter discusses the nature of the respective dish, its influences, the [often contentious] origin of each item, where one can obtain said dish, and (for most) includes a recipe for making one’s own home variant. So, it’s mostly food history, but with a bit of cookbook, as well. There are pictures throughout, of the foods and in some cases of the location that invented or popularized each dish.
Be forewarned, while Chicago is a city that loves food, it’s not a place that’s wild about nutrition or moderate serving sizes. In fact, I feel certain that many people attempting to consume every item in this book in, say, one month’s time would drop dead of a coronary shortly thereafter (if not during.) Most of these dishes are foods done fast and served with an allowance of fat, sugar, and / or meat suitable for a family (for several days.)
If you’re a traveler (or a Chicagoan) and want to know more about quintessential windy city foods and where you can sample them, you must read this book.
If all you know about Chicago cuisine is that ketchup on a hot dog is considered a sin, you’ll learn about some colorfully named Chicago inventions such as: “the Jim Shoe,” “the Big Baby,” and “the Mother-in-Law,” as well as many others that are more prosaically named, if equally calorically dense. One also sees the mark of Chicago’s immigrant story in the Akutagawa, Flaming Saganaki, Gam Pong Chicken Wings, the Maxwell Street Polish, and Chicago Corn Roll Tamales.
Each chapter discusses the nature of the respective dish, its influences, the [often contentious] origin of each item, where one can obtain said dish, and (for most) includes a recipe for making one’s own home variant. So, it’s mostly food history, but with a bit of cookbook, as well. There are pictures throughout, of the foods and in some cases of the location that invented or popularized each dish.
Be forewarned, while Chicago is a city that loves food, it’s not a place that’s wild about nutrition or moderate serving sizes. In fact, I feel certain that many people attempting to consume every item in this book in, say, one month’s time would drop dead of a coronary shortly thereafter (if not during.) Most of these dishes are foods done fast and served with an allowance of fat, sugar, and / or meat suitable for a family (for several days.)
If you’re a traveler (or a Chicagoan) and want to know more about quintessential windy city foods and where you can sample them, you must read this book.
February 3, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and University of Illinois Press for the advanced copy. 4.5 stars, taking half a star because this book does not include beer nuggets!
As someone born and raised in the Chicagoland area, and a big fan of the food scene there (though I relocated to the Pacific Northwest a few years back), I jumped at getting a copy of this! I knew going in that I would be familiar with some of the stories already but, luckily, Monida Eng goes deep into Chicago's food history and pulls out some surprised for even this local. And as a displaced local, I LOVE that it comes with recipes... not that I don't know how to make some of them already :)
Written in an engaging, conversational manner, Made in Chicago was easily and quickly devoured (wink wink), and very much enjoyed. Even though I just spent a month in the city over the holidays, I am now finding myself feeling nostalgic and homesick for it again after reading this. I just want a gyro, a Portillo's hot dog or Italian beef, tavern style pizza, and some beer nuggets (which, sadly, aren't included in this book)!
I think anyone who is a fan of food, food history, the impact of immigrants in shaping America's food history, or the city of Chicago, will enjoy this book immensely!
Highlights:
- bone-in pork chop sandwich (a favorite of my mom)
- Chicago style popcorn (another favorite of my mom's and the dish I've made most, thanks to my high school years at a local movie theater that offering it in concessions)
- flaming saganaki (and really, all of the Greek food, which is my absolute favorite! I still miss Parthenon!)
- tavern style pizza, my all-time favorite pizza. For the best, visit Pizza Villa in DeKalb, IL and order some beer nuggets to go with :) My favorite toppings are mushrooms, pepperoni, and onions. So good!
As someone born and raised in the Chicagoland area, and a big fan of the food scene there (though I relocated to the Pacific Northwest a few years back), I jumped at getting a copy of this! I knew going in that I would be familiar with some of the stories already but, luckily, Monida Eng goes deep into Chicago's food history and pulls out some surprised for even this local. And as a displaced local, I LOVE that it comes with recipes... not that I don't know how to make some of them already :)
Written in an engaging, conversational manner, Made in Chicago was easily and quickly devoured (wink wink), and very much enjoyed. Even though I just spent a month in the city over the holidays, I am now finding myself feeling nostalgic and homesick for it again after reading this. I just want a gyro, a Portillo's hot dog or Italian beef, tavern style pizza, and some beer nuggets (which, sadly, aren't included in this book)!
I think anyone who is a fan of food, food history, the impact of immigrants in shaping America's food history, or the city of Chicago, will enjoy this book immensely!
Highlights:
- bone-in pork chop sandwich (a favorite of my mom)
- Chicago style popcorn (another favorite of my mom's and the dish I've made most, thanks to my high school years at a local movie theater that offering it in concessions)
- flaming saganaki (and really, all of the Greek food, which is my absolute favorite! I still miss Parthenon!)
- tavern style pizza, my all-time favorite pizza. For the best, visit Pizza Villa in DeKalb, IL and order some beer nuggets to go with :) My favorite toppings are mushrooms, pepperoni, and onions. So good!
April 28, 2023
I cannot even pretend to be unbiased when it comes to Chicago, including the food scene. We have everything here, from Michelin-starred restaurants to every national chain to mom-and-pop spots. “Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites” by Monica Eng and David Hammond focuses on the local delectables, foods that were created or modified or popularized here in the city of big shoulders.
This is not for the faint of heart, you are in the Midwest in what used to be the meat provider for the nation, a town of hardworking immigrants. Our food is about being hearty and filling, a mix of different cultures and tastes, many are from the poorer sections of the south side. Yes, we have Italian beef, deep dish pizza, and Chicago style hot dogs, all of those are covered here. But we also have (among others) Chicago mix popcorn, Maxwell Street Polish sausage, Flaming Saganaki, gyros, Malort, mild sauce, pizza puffs, and so many, many more that will make you want to get out there and stuff your face (and finish it off with a Rainbow Cone!).
Ms. Eng and Mr. Hammond do a wonderful job of describing the dishes, along with a bit of history and background, often with the people who created the dish (or their descendants). Being an avid listener of the “Curious City” podcast, I have heard some of these stories from them already, but it’s great to have it all collected in one place.
This is a great reference not only for visitors, but for us living in the area who may forget the diversity available as we fall into our routines. I enjoyed this book so much that I have even forgiven the authors for not mentioning Superdawg, which is the perfect hotdog in this perfect city and the only major omission in this book.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from University of Illinois Press, 3 Fields Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
This is not for the faint of heart, you are in the Midwest in what used to be the meat provider for the nation, a town of hardworking immigrants. Our food is about being hearty and filling, a mix of different cultures and tastes, many are from the poorer sections of the south side. Yes, we have Italian beef, deep dish pizza, and Chicago style hot dogs, all of those are covered here. But we also have (among others) Chicago mix popcorn, Maxwell Street Polish sausage, Flaming Saganaki, gyros, Malort, mild sauce, pizza puffs, and so many, many more that will make you want to get out there and stuff your face (and finish it off with a Rainbow Cone!).
Ms. Eng and Mr. Hammond do a wonderful job of describing the dishes, along with a bit of history and background, often with the people who created the dish (or their descendants). Being an avid listener of the “Curious City” podcast, I have heard some of these stories from them already, but it’s great to have it all collected in one place.
This is a great reference not only for visitors, but for us living in the area who may forget the diversity available as we fall into our routines. I enjoyed this book so much that I have even forgiven the authors for not mentioning Superdawg, which is the perfect hotdog in this perfect city and the only major omission in this book.
I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from University of Illinois Press, 3 Fields Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
July 4, 2023
What a fun part of U.S. and rich history to read through and having a try at making all these recipes from popular, iconic restaurants in Chicago. I’d recommend this to anyone, for lovely recipes and historic value. I’ve already planned for adding to my cookbook collection and this will make a great gift as well.
I would like to thank University of Illinois Press for providing me with an advance readers copy via access to the galley for free through the NetGalley program.
The Story
I’m still making my way through all the dishes, but so far, so good! The famous pizzas, burgers, add-ons, to dessert.
This book has it all, including the historical context, even such debated creation origin to ingredients and import to business pivot.
Multicultural cuisine, adaptation, integration influences of 1st wave and generational styles, preservation, and celebration of some of the most iconic neighborhood restaurant favorites in Chicago.
Etymology of some of the named dishes, which was super insightful.
Original restaurants including physical address location, along with related chains and franchise for in-dining experience or where to find the products online.
Process and presentation of the dishes to artistic creation.
The Writing
I really enjoyed the organization, which included historical timeline, beautiful photos of dishes, as well as historic photographs.
Measurements are in U.S. standard.
Lovely, and I look forward to seeing a copy on my kitchen cookbook shelf.
Blog post
I would like to thank University of Illinois Press for providing me with an advance readers copy via access to the galley for free through the NetGalley program.
The Story
I’m still making my way through all the dishes, but so far, so good! The famous pizzas, burgers, add-ons, to dessert.
This book has it all, including the historical context, even such debated creation origin to ingredients and import to business pivot.
Multicultural cuisine, adaptation, integration influences of 1st wave and generational styles, preservation, and celebration of some of the most iconic neighborhood restaurant favorites in Chicago.
Etymology of some of the named dishes, which was super insightful.
Original restaurants including physical address location, along with related chains and franchise for in-dining experience or where to find the products online.
Process and presentation of the dishes to artistic creation.
The Writing
I really enjoyed the organization, which included historical timeline, beautiful photos of dishes, as well as historic photographs.
Measurements are in U.S. standard.
Lovely, and I look forward to seeing a copy on my kitchen cookbook shelf.
Blog post
December 5, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Opa!!! This is a wonderful book that gave me a taste of home!
The book was co-authored by two serious Chicago foodies. Monica Eng is a reporter for Axios Chicago, cohost of the Chewing podcast and worked at the Chicago Tribune where she was nominated for five James Beard Awards for writing. David Hammond is Dining and Drinking Editor for Newcity/Chicago magazine and regularly writes foodie stuff for the Chicago Tribune.
The authors take a look at the beginning and the history of some of the Windy City’s favorites, which are not haute cuisine. These are the foods loved by locals that define the Chicagoland foodscape. Yes, Italian beef and Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs are found in other regions, but you can’t export the ambiance of a Chicago beef or hot dog stand. And is the rest of the U.S. ready for Tom Tom Tamales, bone-in pork chop sandwiches or pizza puffs?
For me, this was a nostalgic look at some foods of my past, which I really miss! Anyone who has relocated from the area will enjoy this book. If you are traveling to Chicago, bring it along so you can experience some of the places outside the usual tourist-recommended eateries.
As for recreating them at home, it's never quite as good as the original. Pepper and egg sandwich is easily, but I guess it needs a flattop grill. You can find Vienna beef hot dogs here, but the bread isn't the same. As for tamales, I realize it is profoundly at odds with what is generally accepted here in Phoenix for a tamale, but there is something about a Chicago-style tamale boat with sauce on it that just takes me back!
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
Opa!!! This is a wonderful book that gave me a taste of home!
The book was co-authored by two serious Chicago foodies. Monica Eng is a reporter for Axios Chicago, cohost of the Chewing podcast and worked at the Chicago Tribune where she was nominated for five James Beard Awards for writing. David Hammond is Dining and Drinking Editor for Newcity/Chicago magazine and regularly writes foodie stuff for the Chicago Tribune.
The authors take a look at the beginning and the history of some of the Windy City’s favorites, which are not haute cuisine. These are the foods loved by locals that define the Chicagoland foodscape. Yes, Italian beef and Chicago-style pizza and hot dogs are found in other regions, but you can’t export the ambiance of a Chicago beef or hot dog stand. And is the rest of the U.S. ready for Tom Tom Tamales, bone-in pork chop sandwiches or pizza puffs?
For me, this was a nostalgic look at some foods of my past, which I really miss! Anyone who has relocated from the area will enjoy this book. If you are traveling to Chicago, bring it along so you can experience some of the places outside the usual tourist-recommended eateries.
As for recreating them at home, it's never quite as good as the original. Pepper and egg sandwich is easily, but I guess it needs a flattop grill. You can find Vienna beef hot dogs here, but the bread isn't the same. As for tamales, I realize it is profoundly at odds with what is generally accepted here in Phoenix for a tamale, but there is something about a Chicago-style tamale boat with sauce on it that just takes me back!
https://candysplanet.wordpress.com/
December 3, 2022
Sometimes cookbooks come out that are simply fun – they don’t have basic recipes, or aren’t there to teach special cooking skills. But these books are often ones that are good for gifts, or in the case of Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites a book of iconic foods from a location that may mean something to us. For those who dare go to Chicago (with the horrific political and crime climate), this book is delightful. There are many of us have spent a fair amount of time in Chicago, and have sampled the luscious dishes in the book.
Anyone who is planning a trip to Chicago will want to pick up this book and make sure they seek out the places where they can taste these different dishes that aren’t really found in other cities.
After each recipe, there is a recipe for making the dishes at home. This is helpful and the recipes are easy-to-follow and can be easily made by both beginning and seasoned cooks. There are also excellent photographs of every recipe. Even those who have never been to Chicago and tasted these dishes will be intrigued and will want to make them at home.
All told, this is not a serious cookbook, but it is a fun one to include in any cookbook collection. Cooks will have a enjoyable time getting acquainted with Chicago food and making it at home.
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
Anyone who is planning a trip to Chicago will want to pick up this book and make sure they seek out the places where they can taste these different dishes that aren’t really found in other cities.
After each recipe, there is a recipe for making the dishes at home. This is helpful and the recipes are easy-to-follow and can be easily made by both beginning and seasoned cooks. There are also excellent photographs of every recipe. Even those who have never been to Chicago and tasted these dishes will be intrigued and will want to make them at home.
All told, this is not a serious cookbook, but it is a fun one to include in any cookbook collection. Cooks will have a enjoyable time getting acquainted with Chicago food and making it at home.
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
December 26, 2022
*This book was received as an Advanced Reviewer's Copy from NetGalley.
When you think of Chicago food, a few things probably spring to mind; hot dogs, deep dish pizza, maybe a beef sandwich. And you'd be right of course, these are all iconic foods of the area. But apparently, there are so much more.
This book takes you through thirty of Chicago's homegrown dishes (or influenced from outside and made their own) and the history and possibly origins of all of them. Each of the thirty also has a recipe included, and a listing of places where you can get to as close to the original as possible to try if you're in visiting.
I learned about a lot of new things in this book (and want to try many of them). From the plethora of different types of beef sandwiches (it was a stockyard town, makes sense), to a syrupy-sweet lemonade, it's definitely not a book to follow for when you're on a diet. I liked learning some of the history behind the dishes as well; although sometimes it could get repetitive (indeed I think I saw one paragraph that was completely copy/pasted from another dish). But I think most people will use this as a reference rather than sitting down and reading cover to cover as I did.
I'm certainly prepared for any trip to Chicago now!
Review by M. Reynard 2022
When you think of Chicago food, a few things probably spring to mind; hot dogs, deep dish pizza, maybe a beef sandwich. And you'd be right of course, these are all iconic foods of the area. But apparently, there are so much more.
This book takes you through thirty of Chicago's homegrown dishes (or influenced from outside and made their own) and the history and possibly origins of all of them. Each of the thirty also has a recipe included, and a listing of places where you can get to as close to the original as possible to try if you're in visiting.
I learned about a lot of new things in this book (and want to try many of them). From the plethora of different types of beef sandwiches (it was a stockyard town, makes sense), to a syrupy-sweet lemonade, it's definitely not a book to follow for when you're on a diet. I liked learning some of the history behind the dishes as well; although sometimes it could get repetitive (indeed I think I saw one paragraph that was completely copy/pasted from another dish). But I think most people will use this as a reference rather than sitting down and reading cover to cover as I did.
I'm certainly prepared for any trip to Chicago now!
Review by M. Reynard 2022
January 23, 2023
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the authors for letting me read and review an advanced copy of this book.
One could say that every city has their signature foods, but being a former Chicagoan, I relished the opportunity to read this book. Many of the Chicago favorites that were listed brought back many fond memories of my youthful exploits in the city. Reading the background stories for these foods shows the varied ethnicities of the city and how different ethnic groups shared their food with the masses. The bonus of also having the recipes allows former Chicagoans (and anyone who wants to just enjoy good food) to eat some of their favorites wherever they are.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way this book featured these tasty bites, and many of the stories just made me want to grab a plate (or a plastic basket) and dig in. I liked the way it featured each food, the background story, where it could be found, and the recipe for attempting to recreate it on your own. The authors did a great job researching each dish, and it sounds like they had a great time taste-testing their favorites.
One could say that every city has their signature foods, but being a former Chicagoan, I relished the opportunity to read this book. Many of the Chicago favorites that were listed brought back many fond memories of my youthful exploits in the city. Reading the background stories for these foods shows the varied ethnicities of the city and how different ethnic groups shared their food with the masses. The bonus of also having the recipes allows former Chicagoans (and anyone who wants to just enjoy good food) to eat some of their favorites wherever they are.
I thoroughly enjoyed the way this book featured these tasty bites, and many of the stories just made me want to grab a plate (or a plastic basket) and dig in. I liked the way it featured each food, the background story, where it could be found, and the recipe for attempting to recreate it on your own. The authors did a great job researching each dish, and it sounds like they had a great time taste-testing their favorites.
December 1, 2025
Anyone familiar with Chicago knows that the city is known for its food. The Chicago-style hot dog, deep dish pizza, Garrett's popcorn, to name a few of the more well-known foods. And as a foodie, I really enjoy learning about these foods, which is why this book - which I found literally two days ago at Half Price Books and decided to read it because, once again, I hadn't even begun to read a book for the month - immediately piqued my interest. And it's a really great book! Each chapter highlights a well-known Chicago food and goes into a bit of history on each one. Where did it come from? Who created it? Where can you get it? In some instances, there's even a recipe listing for said food (I personally plan on trying to make my own giardiniera). Chapters vary in length - there are some that go on for five pages, while others are a single page without too much information - and you could argue that maybe some chapters go on a bit too long. Either way, though, I really enjoyed this book, and I can safely say that I'll be holding onto it and using it as a guidebook to try some of these foods that I've never had before...and maybe even rediscovering ones I thought I knew!
January 16, 2023
Awesome Combination
Made in Chicago is an awesome combination. It's a travel guide, history book and cookbook all rolled into one. Add some great photographs to that and you have a real winner! The collection includes many of Chicago's iconic foods that reflect the wonderful variety of cultures of the city.
Having lived most of my life just thirty minutes outside of Chicago, I spent many hours and days in the city. One of the things I've always enjoyed the most is trying the different foods that the city is known for. The authors have flawlessly taken those foods and provided their histories, recipes and some wonderful pictures which make this such a wonderful collection. Whether you're a foodie, a Chicago traveler, or just plain curious, this book is definitely for you. You won't be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and strictly my own.
Made in Chicago is an awesome combination. It's a travel guide, history book and cookbook all rolled into one. Add some great photographs to that and you have a real winner! The collection includes many of Chicago's iconic foods that reflect the wonderful variety of cultures of the city.
Having lived most of my life just thirty minutes outside of Chicago, I spent many hours and days in the city. One of the things I've always enjoyed the most is trying the different foods that the city is known for. The authors have flawlessly taken those foods and provided their histories, recipes and some wonderful pictures which make this such a wonderful collection. Whether you're a foodie, a Chicago traveler, or just plain curious, this book is definitely for you. You won't be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and strictly my own.
May 27, 2023
Two things I have to say about this book: even though it's only 160 pages, don't expect to breeze through in a day. There is so much to read and learn about Chicago food. I have visited in that area once so was familiar with a few things; the Chicago dog, the Italian beef sandwich, Giardiniera, and of course, the deep-dish pizza. BUT, I didn't know about flaming saganaki, Chicago corn roll tamale, or the sweet steak supreme sandwich. Or taffy grapes, or... well, just read the book.
There are recipes for some of these items; the ones can be easily replicated at home, but the main attraction is the stories behind these foods. If you like recipes and exploring food history, you will really enjoy this.
Oh, and the second thing? Expect to get hungry while reading about these delicious dishes and looking at the photos. Actually, three things. Reading this will make you want to make a trip to Chicago, book in hand to hunt down and try all these delectable offerings.
There are recipes for some of these items; the ones can be easily replicated at home, but the main attraction is the stories behind these foods. If you like recipes and exploring food history, you will really enjoy this.
Oh, and the second thing? Expect to get hungry while reading about these delicious dishes and looking at the photos. Actually, three things. Reading this will make you want to make a trip to Chicago, book in hand to hunt down and try all these delectable offerings.
April 24, 2023
I have lived in Chicago for many years so this was a great trip down memory lane as well as letting me know where I can get some of my favorite foods even if the original restaurants no longer exist. I love that there were photos (some looked really delicious and some did not look tasty to me at all!). But don't read this if you are hungry unless you are close by one of the places mentioned. There are recipes as well which is a nice touch and there is a section on the history of the dish. A common theme is a tale of immigrants or the great migration bringing their own regional tastes up to Chicago to create delicious combinations -- one of my favorites is Akutagawa (hamburger, egg, onions, peppers and bean sprouts) as well as rib tips, pizza and hot dogs. This is a fun read with a great index to articles they used for research. I recommend this book.
January 20, 2023
Before picking up this title, the main thing that I knew about Chicago food was Deep Dish Pizza. Clearly there is so much more.
This book is about that pizza and twenty-nine other dishes. Some of these include Akutagawa, Chicken Corn Roll Tamale, the Chicago Hot Dog, Jibarito, Jim Shoe, Maxwell Street Polish, Mother-in-Law and many more. This book will be so enjoyed by those lucky enough to live in, or who can travel to Chicago, or foodies in general. The pictures and text will make readers hungry. Luckily there are mentions of restaurants where the foods are served. There are also recipes.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the University of Illinois Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book is about that pizza and twenty-nine other dishes. Some of these include Akutagawa, Chicken Corn Roll Tamale, the Chicago Hot Dog, Jibarito, Jim Shoe, Maxwell Street Polish, Mother-in-Law and many more. This book will be so enjoyed by those lucky enough to live in, or who can travel to Chicago, or foodies in general. The pictures and text will make readers hungry. Luckily there are mentions of restaurants where the foods are served. There are also recipes.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the University of Illinois Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
March 12, 2023
Ever wonder the origins of the Chicago Deep Dish Pizza vs. Chicago Tavern Pizza and how to make it at home then this is the book for you. Chicago is an eating town and known for the food in the ethnic neighborhood grab and go spots. The authors interviewed owners and families to determine the birthplace of iconic sandwiches such as the Jim Shoe. Really interesting to read and the descriptions make your mouth water. They even give addresses for the restaurants where you can eat them. Even if you don't live near the suggested locations to get the menu items, the recipes and details can help you make at home.
March 26, 2023
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
This was a light, easy read about all of the unique foods you can find in Chicago. Having lived my entire life in Illinois, I was familiar with all 30 of these, but it was still nice to learn about the history of each one. I also liked the recipes included for you to make your own version. I think this would make a great guidebook for tourists, as well as a nice coffee table gift for a Chicagoan in your life.
I would recommend this to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and University of Illinois Press for the ARC!
All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
This was a light, easy read about all of the unique foods you can find in Chicago. Having lived my entire life in Illinois, I was familiar with all 30 of these, but it was still nice to learn about the history of each one. I also liked the recipes included for you to make your own version. I think this would make a great guidebook for tourists, as well as a nice coffee table gift for a Chicagoan in your life.
I would recommend this to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and University of Illinois Press for the ARC!
August 30, 2023
This book has lots of trivia about Chicago area food. It really shows the variety of regional dishes that Chicago is known for, however, it does have an abundance of fast foods that highlight meat. Having lived here all of my life it's hard to imagine not having access to deep-dish pizza, saganaki, Italian beef sandwiches, gyros, and pizza puffs. Chicago is definitely the junk food capital of the world. However, some of the highlighted dishes were so hyper-local that I had never heard of them before. This is a fun quick read for Chicagoans and a menu for future tourists, but not one to be read on an empty stomach or you will be headed to the nearest non-chain fast food restaurant.
January 25, 2023
A very good choice for Chicago residents or even visitors to the Windy City, this book features foods that are popular Chicago dishes. Not surprising since Chicago is a multi-cultural city, the foods are from a variety of cultural backgrounds. There’s a short history of each dish, where to find it, and there are even some recipes. My favorite chapter is Deep Dish Pizza because I’ve gobbled up Lou Malnati’s pizza many times. These foods are tastier when they are served fresh from the oven, so hang out at the restaurants whenever it’s possible.
January 29, 2025
What a fun roam through 30 famous and not so famous Chi-town grub spots to discover the back story histories and legends of all sorts of eats that make Chicago the great food town it is. The next time I visit the grand dogs, I need to shoot on over to one of the Rainbow Cone locations to see if they're all they're cracked up tp be. I might even try my hand at Chicken Vesuvio in my Ohio kitchen, but I'm still not drinking Malort, no thank you very much. Thanks to the grand dogs parents for showing us a fabulous time discovering food in Chicago whenever we head their way.
December 28, 2022
What a great look into Chicago history and restaurants. This provides a historical look at some of the most iconic recipes of the Chicago area as well as a way to bring those favorites home to introduce the foods of Chicago to your neighbors. This provides a great historical perspective and recipes. I would recommend this for those loving the city.
Thank you to Netgalley, publisher and author for the opportunity..
Thank you to Netgalley, publisher and author for the opportunity..
March 22, 2023
What a great informational book about Chicago and it’s food! There are a few things that make this book great for me. #1 - the recipes are in there, every single one of them! #2 - the places where you can find these dishes are in the book as well. So whether you’re from Chicago or just visiting, now you know where these dishes can be found.. and #3 - I love how the stories of where these unique dishes came about are included. It just adds something special to the food.
March 22, 2023
A solid book about various different foods developed in and beloved across our great Windy City! Come for famous classics like giardiniera, deep dish, and Italian beef, stay for the stories behind really interesting dishes like the Jim Shoe, jibaritos, and the akutagawa! My only complaint is I wish the book was longer and had more restaurant recommendations! A must have for any Chicagoan who wants to explore our city's amazing culinary history.
April 30, 2023
This was such a fun book! I live in Chicago and have wondered about a lot of the food in this.
The recipes and stories and where to find the food were all fun, informative and interesting. I’m making the Saganaki recipe tomorrow. I’m definitely trying more of them soon.
This was written in a light and breezy tone. I’m going to be buying this for more than a few people! I highly recommend this one!
Thanks to NetGalley for the free copy. The opinions are all mine.
The recipes and stories and where to find the food were all fun, informative and interesting. I’m making the Saganaki recipe tomorrow. I’m definitely trying more of them soon.
This was written in a light and breezy tone. I’m going to be buying this for more than a few people! I highly recommend this one!
Thanks to NetGalley for the free copy. The opinions are all mine.
May 4, 2023
An insightful guide to local Chicago cuisine, and the delicious delights that sprung from its streets. Be prepared for a LOT of pickles and peppers - Chicagoans seem to love anything steeped in vinegar!
This tasty tome covers everything from the more famous hot dogs and deep dish pizzas, to less widely-known treats such as pizza puffs, Gam Pong chicken wings and the evil wormwood spirit, Malort.
Each delicacy gets its own chapter, with full colour images, a history of where the food started and how it evolved, as well as restaurants that currently serve it and even recipes to recreate it at home.
A great guide for both locals and visitors alike - I added a bunch of eateries to my wishlist of places to visit next time I'm in the Windy City.
This tasty tome covers everything from the more famous hot dogs and deep dish pizzas, to less widely-known treats such as pizza puffs, Gam Pong chicken wings and the evil wormwood spirit, Malort.
Each delicacy gets its own chapter, with full colour images, a history of where the food started and how it evolved, as well as restaurants that currently serve it and even recipes to recreate it at home.
A great guide for both locals and visitors alike - I added a bunch of eateries to my wishlist of places to visit next time I'm in the Windy City.
June 1, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I dare you to read it and not want to take a road trip to Chicago to try all the foods in this book! I appreciated the pictures of all the different foods, the origin stories tracked down by the authors, and especially the recipes included for some of the foods. (I've got those bookmarked!)
Thank you to NetGalley and University of Illinois Press for the ARC. I didn't finish it before the publication date, but that just means it's available for you to read too.
Thank you to NetGalley and University of Illinois Press for the ARC. I didn't finish it before the publication date, but that just means it's available for you to read too.
August 18, 2023
Really 3.5. I enjoyed reading about the different foods, but don’t see much appeal if you’ve never lived in Chicago. I also think they could’ve done a much better job with the photography in this book. Some of the photos don’t show off the foods well & some foods don’t even have pictures. Also - and I never say this about books - it felt like the font was unusually small. It definitely effected my reading pace.
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley.
I received a free ARC of this book from NetGalley.
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