So a little update after a recent trip to Chicago. When I lived in the NW suburbs, I frequently ate Chicago style pizza, especially Uno's/Due's (the real ones), Giordano's, and Edwardo's. But I had never made it to Lou Malnati's. When I was in the city last week, I stayed at a place across the street from Grant Park, and it so happens there is a Lou Malnati's within walking distance, so I was finally able to try it. My impression? Meh. Yea, it's good pizza, but I much prefer Due's and Giordano's, as well as my downstate favorite, Papa Del's (which I also sampled on my way home). Oh, and for the record, I detected no cornmeal. Have you tried my stuffed recipe yet?
PJ, Since you will be in the same area soon, I also highly recommend the tortas at Rick Bayless' street food restaurant, XOCO in the 400 block of N. Clark. A fantastic meal for under $15. I recommend the Ahodaga, a pork sandwich served with a spicy tomato broth for dipping. And the hot chocolates are amazing. If you go there and have any ideas how to clone the bread for the tortas, I would be forever indebted. The best meal I had in Chicago, even better than my lunch at the Frontera Grill.
Bought the tomatoes for the pizza yesterday, Jess - need to do some preparation (loading recipe into module, making sausage, etc.) REALLY looking forward to it - thanks again! Thanks for the info. on Lou Malnati's - maybe I'll try Giordano's instead. And I'll write down your torta recommendation - and consider it a gauntlet thrown down, as a cloning project. Thanks for the suggestions, as always - PJH
February 8, 2010 at 7:48pm