For much of recent memory, Chinese food was largely the domain of restaurant kitchens or behind the closed doors of Chinese households—foreign at times even to younger generations wanting to recreate the tastes of home.
Category Archives: Chicago Foodways Roundtable
From ‘Peanut Weddings’ to ‘Beef Stands’: The Socio-Culinary History of Chicago’s ‘Italian Beef’
Italian beef sandwich from Al’s Beef in Chicago, a picture courtesy of Dominic Armato.
Italian Americans have contributed a considerable number of portable fast foods to regional and local cuisines around the United States, some of which have become extremely popular at the national level. One such food which, despite its frequent discussion in recent food-related media, has remained very much a local dish is Chicago’s ‘Italian beef’. Continue reading
The Turkey, An American Story
“Talking turkey” about the bird you thought you knew.
Fondly remembered as the centerpiece of family Thanksgiving reunions, the turkey is a cultural symbol as well as a multi-billion dollar industry. As a bird, dinner, commodity, and as a national icon, the turkey has become as American as the bald eagle (with which it actually competed for supremacy on national insignias).
Fool’s Gold: A History of British Saffron
Presented by Sam Bilton
Saffron has allured us with its golden hues throughout time. It was the darling of the Medieval kitchen, the saviour of the apothecary’s chest and gave cloth a regal glow. Unlike many spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, saffron can be successfully grown in England. Continue reading
Eat Your Heart Out: Iconic Chicagoland Foods
Join Us on Saturday, August 20th, 2022 at 3:15 PM LIVE!, Yes, Live!
Whether it’s thin crust or deep dish, Italian beef dipped or not, or mustard on your hot dog — there’s no doubt Chicagoans share a passionate appetite for iconic foods from the Windy City. Explore the history of many favorite Chicagoland specialties and the restaurants that served them, from corner hot dog stands and greasy spoons to pizza parlors.