For comparison sake, I would say shake shack is the best chain fast food out here. Not waiting 2 hours for it though. Have you had and how does it compare if so?
The proper comparison would be if a Philly institution like Pat’s Steaks or whatever you consider No. 1 opened a Dallas location. That wait would also be LONG. That’s what getting a Portillo’s is like.
As a long-time Chicagoan but a semi-obnoxious born and raised New Yorker, when I first read your Portillo’s post I was about to go on a rant about the inferiority of Chicago hot dogs - but of course it’s really all about the beef.
Marc, I agree that all else being equal, grilled is better than boiled, and a Sabrett’s from a cart can sometimes be ghastly, but there is a crunch to a New York dog - even boiled - and a flavorfulness (is that a word?) that are not found in a Chicago dog. I find Chicago dogs to be insipid and gelatinous, and I tell people (making enemies in the process) that all that celery salt, hot peppers and whatever toppings are inherent to the Chicago hot dog are necessary to cover up the blandness of the basic product. I also feel compelled to add (sorry for the overlong post) that Chicago used to have a couple of decent brands of Kosher dogs - Best’s Kosher and Sinai - but Sara Lee acquired then and then I think within a year had the indecency to discontinued them, one of worst acts of corporate vandalism in the history of mankind. There - I’ve vented - now I feel better!
No apologies needed because this topic can't be covered enough. Three thoughts:
1. Nowhere I've found on the NBA map rivals the street cart options in Toronto, where they have wisely built grills into the carts and thus you get grilled deliciousness even outside the arena.
2. Bacon-wrapped goodness outside Staples in LA is second.
3. My Chicago go-to is a Polish and Portillo's has never let me down. Gold Coast Dogs at O'Hare is another gold mine in the AA terminal.
PS -- Obviously New York will have the best kosher products since that's what you specified.
Love the Portillo’s shout out. Live in Milwaukee and they’ve opened up two locations here and have partaken of their meaty goodness multiple times. I’ll have to get my fix one of these days. Love Chicago but Go Bucks!
Wiz is gross but no cheese at all?! To each their own.
Haven't had portillos or in and out but seriously, a two hour wait for a chain? Is Dallas that devoid of good food?
James my friend ... trust me. It's justified. And if In-N-Out opened in Philly, I suspect it would be an even longer wait
For comparison sake, I would say shake shack is the best chain fast food out here. Not waiting 2 hours for it though. Have you had and how does it compare if so?
The proper comparison would be if a Philly institution like Pat’s Steaks or whatever you consider No. 1 opened a Dallas location. That wait would also be LONG. That’s what getting a Portillo’s is like.
Ok well imo, pats and Gino's are 2 of the most overhyped places on earth. Cheese wiz is gross.
We have some alignment at last! I am also hugely anti-wiz and I'm that guy who comes to Philly and insists on ordering cheesesteaks with ZERO cheese.
As a long-time Chicagoan but a semi-obnoxious born and raised New Yorker, when I first read your Portillo’s post I was about to go on a rant about the inferiority of Chicago hot dogs - but of course it’s really all about the beef.
Ron ... are you telling me you prefer a BOILED hot dog off the Manhattan streets as opposed to a Chicago dog off the grill?
Marc, I agree that all else being equal, grilled is better than boiled, and a Sabrett’s from a cart can sometimes be ghastly, but there is a crunch to a New York dog - even boiled - and a flavorfulness (is that a word?) that are not found in a Chicago dog. I find Chicago dogs to be insipid and gelatinous, and I tell people (making enemies in the process) that all that celery salt, hot peppers and whatever toppings are inherent to the Chicago hot dog are necessary to cover up the blandness of the basic product. I also feel compelled to add (sorry for the overlong post) that Chicago used to have a couple of decent brands of Kosher dogs - Best’s Kosher and Sinai - but Sara Lee acquired then and then I think within a year had the indecency to discontinued them, one of worst acts of corporate vandalism in the history of mankind. There - I’ve vented - now I feel better!
No apologies needed because this topic can't be covered enough. Three thoughts:
1. Nowhere I've found on the NBA map rivals the street cart options in Toronto, where they have wisely built grills into the carts and thus you get grilled deliciousness even outside the arena.
2. Bacon-wrapped goodness outside Staples in LA is second.
3. My Chicago go-to is a Polish and Portillo's has never let me down. Gold Coast Dogs at O'Hare is another gold mine in the AA terminal.
PS -- Obviously New York will have the best kosher products since that's what you specified.
All three sound amazing. And I do love Polish.
I'm in Chicago. I'm awaiting a Whataburger expansion -- the company is now based here!
I went yesterday with no knowledge of the Chicago mystique. Wow what a sammich, don't let Luka find out about this until June please.
Mark,
Love the Portillo’s shout out. Live in Milwaukee and they’ve opened up two locations here and have partaken of their meaty goodness multiple times. I’ll have to get my fix one of these days. Love Chicago but Go Bucks!
Thanks Marc. Portillo’s Italian beef for lunch today. Worth the drive.
Mark, could you do a write up on the Nerlens Noel and Klutch settlement? Seems a bit strange that it ended up completely in Klutch's favor