Lookytasty Adventures in Food new York City Chicago

Food is an essential part of any travel experience, and two of the most popular destinations in the United States for food lovers are New York City and Chicago.

Both cities have a rich history and diverse cultural heritage that is reflected in their food. In this article, we’ll explore the lookytasty adventures in food new york city chicago, from the classic pizza and hot dogs to lesser-known street food and ethnic cuisines.

New York City

A. Pizza

When it comes to pizza, New York City is famous for its thin crust pizza, which is crispy, chewy, and delicious. The classic New York-style pizza has a hand-tossed crust, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. However, there are several variations of pizza available in New York City that are worth trying.

Neapolitan Style

Neapolitan-style pizza is a softer, chewier pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. This pizza has a thin crust that is cooked quickly in a wood-fired oven. The toppings on a Neapolitan pizza are simple and fresh, such as San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil.

Sicilian Style

Sicilian-style pizza is a square pizza that has a thicker crust and is often topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and other ingredients. This pizza is usually baked in a rectangular pan and is cut into squares.

Other Pizza Options

Besides the classic New York-style pizza, there are several other pizza options available in New York City, such as thin crust, coal-fired pizza, and artisanal pizza. Some of the best pizza places in New York City include Lombardi’s, Patsy’s Pizzeria, and Lucali.

B. Bagels

New York-style bagels are another food item that the city is famous for. These bagels are dense, chewy, and have a slightly sweet flavor. The traditional way to eat a New York-style bagel is with cream cheese and lox, but you can also try them with butter or jelly.

History of Bagels in New York City

Bagels have been a staple of New York City’s food scene since the early 1900s when Jewish immigrants brought their traditional bread-making techniques to the city. Bagels were originally sold in pushcarts on the streets of the Lower East Side and quickly became popular due to their affordable price and delicious taste.

Types of Bagels

There are several types of bagels available in New York City, including plain, everything, sesame, poppy seed, and cinnamon raisin. Some bagel shops also offer unique flavors like chocolate chip, blueberry, and jalapeno cheddar.

Best Bagel Shops in New York City

There are dozens of bagel shops in New York City, but some of the best include Ess-a-Bagel, Russ & Daughters, and H&H Bagels. Each of these shops offers a variety of bagels and toppings, as well as other baked goods like bialys and black and white cookies.

C. Deli Sandwiches

New York-style deli sandwiches are a must-try for anyone visiting the city. These sandwiches are piled high with meats, cheeses, and veggies, and are usually served on rye bread.

Classic Deli Sandwiches

Some of the classic deli sandwiches to try in New York City include pastrami, corned beef, and turkey. These sandwiches are often served with mustard, pickles, and a side of potato salad or coleslaw.

Best Delis in New York City

Some of the best delis in New York City include Katz’s Delicatessen, Carnegie Deli, and 2nd Ave Deli. These delis have been around for decades and offer a variety of sandwiches, soups, and other classic Jewish comfort foods.

Chicago

A. Deep Dish Pizza

Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a thick, hearty pizza that is loaded with cheese, sauce, and toppings. The crust on this pizza is flaky and buttery, and it’s baked in a deep dish pan.

History of Deep Dish Pizza

Deep dish pizza was invented in Chicago in 1943 at a restaurant called Pizzeria Uno. The pizza was created by Ike Sewell and Ric Riccardo, who wanted to make a pizza that was different from the thin crust pizzas that were popular at the time.

Different Types of Deep Dish Pizza

There are several variations of deep dish pizza available in Chicago, including stuffed pizza and pan pizza. Stuffed pizza has a layer of cheese and toppings between two layers of dough, while pan pizza is similar to deep dish but has a thicker crust.

Best Deep Dish Pizza Places in Chicago

Some of the best deep-dish pizza places in Chicago include Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, and Gino’s East. Each of these restaurants has its spin on the classic pizza, but all offer a delicious, cheesy slice that is sure to satisfy.

B. Hot Dogs

Chicago-style hot dogs are another must-try food item in the city. These hot dogs are all-beef and are served on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, and a pickle.

History of Chicago-Style Hot Dogs

Chicago-style hot dogs were first served at the 1893 World’s Fair, where vendors began selling hot dogs to hungry visitors. The hot dogs were a hit, and the recipe for the Chicago-style dog was born.

Components of a Chicago-Style Hot Dog

A Chicago-style hot dog is made up of several components, including an all-beef hot dog, poppy seed bun, yellow mustard, chopped onions, bright green relish, dill pickle spear, tomato slices, and a sprinkle of celery salt. Some people also add sport peppers to their hot dogs for an extra kick of spice.

Best Hot Dog Places in Chicago

Some of the best hot dog places in Chicago include Portillo’s, Superdawg, and The Wiener’s Circle. Each of these places offers a unique take on the classic Chicago-style hot dog and is sure to satisfy any hot dog lover’s cravings.

C. Italian Beef Sandwiches

Italian beef sandwiches are a classic Chicago sandwich that is made with thinly sliced roast beef that is slow-cooked in a seasoned broth. The beef is then piled high on a roll and topped with giardiniera, a mixture of pickled vegetables.

History of Italian Beef Sandwiches

Italian beef sandwiches are a classic Chicago sandwich that is made with thinly sliced roast beef that is slow-cooked in a seasoned broth. The beef is then piled high on a roll and topped with giardiniera, a mixture of pickled vegetables.

Ingredients of an Italian Beef Sandwich

The key to a great Italian beef sandwich is the beef itself, which is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth until it is tender and juicy. The sandwich is then topped with giardiniera, which is a mixture of pickled vegetables that adds a tangy, spicy flavor to the sandwich.

Best Italian Beef Places in Chicago

Some of the best Italian beef places in Chicago include Al’s Beef, Johnnie’s Beef, and Mr. Beef. Each of these places has its recipe for Italian beef, but all offer a delicious, juicy sandwich that is sure to satisfy.

Other Must-Try Food Items

A. New York City

1. Street Food

New York City is famous for its street food, which includes everything from hot dogs and pretzels to falafel and tacos. Some of the best street food vendors in the city can be found in Midtown Manhattan and around Central Park.

2. Ethnic Food

New York City is also known for its diverse range of ethnic food, including Chinese, Indian, Italian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Some of the best ethnic food neighborhoods in New York City include Chinatown, Little Italy, and Astoria.

3. Bakeries and Desserts

New York City is home to some of the best bakeries and dessert shops in the world, including Magnolia Bakery, Levain Bakery, and Dominique Ansel Bakery. Whether you’re in the mood for cupcakes, cookies, or croissants, there’s a bakery in New York City that has you covered.

B. Chicago

1. Chicago-Style Popcorn

Chicago-style popcorn is a delicious snack that combines caramel corn and cheese popcorn. The combination of sweet and salty flavors is addictive, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting the city.

2. Garrett Popcorn Shops

Garrett Popcorn Shops is a Chicago institution that has been around since 1949. The shop is famous for its Garrett Mix, which is a combination of caramel corn and cheese popcorn.

3. Other Chicago Specialties

Besides deep dish pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches, there are several other Chicago specialties worth trying, including Chicago-style steak, Polish sausages, and jibaritos, a Puerto Rican sandwich made with plantains instead of bread.

Conclusion

New York City and Chicago are two of the most iconic food destinations in the United States, offering a diverse range of cuisines that reflect their cultural heritage. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, hot dogs, or ethnic food, both cities have plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

So, the next time you’re in New York City or Chicago, be sure to try some of the must-try food items on this list, and explore the food scene to discover new and exciting flavors. From classic deli sandwiches to unique Chicago-style popcorn, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So, don’t hesitate to embark on a lookytasty adventure in food in New York City and Chicago, and experience the culinary delights that these cities have to offer.