“Come on, baby don’t you want to go
To the same old place, sweet home Chicago.”
-Robert Johnson

By Brooke A. Brown

I just returned from a trip to Chicago. It was my first visit to the Windy City, and the only reason I went was to hang out with my friend, Jeff. Oh… and to eat. A lot. Luckily for me, Jeff – a native Chicagoan – was up for the challenge.

Sure, I could mention the sausage-stuffed deep-dish pizza from Giordano’s; the amazing pork tacos from Rick Bayless’ Frontera Grill; the huitlacoche from what had to be the finest Mexican food stand at the New Maxwell Street Market; the uni from Bob San’s sushi; and even the deep milk-chocolate bacon bar (yes, real bacon) from Vosges Haut-Chocolat. I could go on and on about any one of these items as they’re each uniquely blog-worthy. But there’s one delicacy that, not unlike the Sears Tower, stood out from all the rest…

Duck fat fries! These fresh-cut tubers from the insanely popular Hot Doug’s Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium are only available on Fridays and Saturdays, and boy were they worth the wait that extended out the door and around the side of the building. Now, before I continue, let me just say to those of you currently going ‘Ewwww!‘ that you probably wouldn’t turn your nose to something that’s been cooked in bacon fat. (I know I wouldn’t.)

Anyway, and with all of that being said, these spuds were incredible. Each individual fry glistened with pride from being cooked in such an extravagant fashion. The flavor imparted from the duck fat was not overpowering at all. Actually, it was rather subtle with just a boost of richness enhancing an otherwise normal basket of fresh-cut fries. And not only were they the perfect accompaniment to the gargantuan Ribeye Sausage with Chimichurri Sauce that I happily devoured, but also a super-absorbent sponge that soaked up any lingering Old Style from the previous night’s festivities.

Somehow I avoided having three heart attacks a la Todd O’Connor of Bill Swerski’s Superfans fame. Perhaps it was all the walking along the Magnificent Mile, or the medicinal quality of the blackberry brandy at Ola’s, but I made it home safe and sound with a full belly, a warm heart and smile on my face. Thank you, Chicago.

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