Counting the ballots…
Counting the ballots…
“Deep dish is for tourists and grandma’s birthday. Real Chicagoans eat tavern-style. There’s a lot of good places, but J.J. Twigs is the best.”
“The best version is D’Arcy’s Pub in Springfield! The Horseshoe was made in the heart of Illinois and attacks the heart of all Illinoisans! Pure, unbridled, American joy on a plate!”
“The pop of the vienna hot dog casing when you bite into it. The best version of this was an old hot dog stand called "Garden on a Bun" on the NW side that no longer exists.”
“My first or second job as an attorney was to figure out how to franchise Pizzeria Uno. Of course, I had to sample the goods. For years, it was my favorite.”
“While Deep Dish Pizza and Chicago Style Hot Dogs are more famous outside of Illinois, you will find Chicagoans actually eating Italian Beef. It is just very good and very Chicago.”
Illinois is Chicago arguing with downstate, and with itself. The city sends Italian Beef, the Chicago-Style Hot Dog, the Maxwell Street Polish, and the Jibarito from Humboldt Park, plus the pizza schism: Deep Dish Pizza against the Tavern-Style Pizza that Chicagoans actually order. Springfield counters with the Horseshoe Sandwich and central Illinois with the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. Dessert is city too, the Brownie from the Palmer House and South Side Atomic Cake. What Illinois is famous for depends on whether you fold the slice. So what is Illinois's official state dish? The ballot is open until November 1.