An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
There are many rules to living in Chicago, and the way we eat is one of them. you don’t want to get caught making these food mistakes in the city. People might look at you funny, and they’ll definitely know you’re not a true Chicagoan. From dinner to dessert, this list of food faux-pas will keep you on the straight and narrow as well as prevent you from eating anything icky. Scroll on for more details.
It's tradition in Chicago to have your sandwich dipped in the juices that cooked off from the meat. This flavorful stew is a delicacy to many people here, so don't pass it up.
This is an easy one to get right. Everyone knows the only condiment that is allowed on a Chicago hot dog is mustard. You can also get it "dragged through the garden," a classic Chicago way of getting your veggies.
Found at festivals (and at its Western Avenue creamery) this iconic Chicago ice cream is what dreams are made of. It features five incredible flavors that are amazing on their own and dynamite when eaten together.
Cheddar popcorn plus caramel corn equals the best snack in the city. It is definitely one of the biggest food mistakes you can make if you neglect to even try this magical combination. Remember, they thought peanut butter and jelly was crazy at first too.
Chicago is an oasis of fresh seafood, so eating at a place that doesn't serve it up fresh is just a waste. There are also many stores that sell seafood fresh by the pound, so why would you ever by it like this?
7. Pizza with cheese that doesn't stretch to the ceiling.
It's for sure a food faux-pas in Chicago to make or eat a pizza that doesn't have the max amount of cheese. Places like Gioradno's know what's up, and that's why their deep-dish pies are made with so much cheese, you could stretch it the length of your wingspan.
If it started in Chicago, then it must be good. While you may think you only want to eat at little hole-in-the-wall restaurants, places like Superdawg and Portillo's are true gems in this city. This one of those food mistakes you'll definitely regret.
The whole point of this festival is to feature restaurants you may not be able to get to in your neighborhood. If you go here and only order from the vendors whose restaurants you've eaten at before, you're missing out on a great opportunity.