Travel Guide: Savoring the Delights of Food in Illinois
Welcome, to this delicious journey through Illinois! As we explore the state’s gastronomic wonders, we’ll dive deep into the local eateries, unearth historic food traditions, and experience contemporary culinary innovations. Pack your bags, bring your appetite, and get ready to savor the rich diversity of food in Illinois.
Introduction to Illinois Cuisine
Illinois, often referred to as the ‘Prairie State,’ offers a broad range of cuisine that reflects the state’s rich agricultural heritage, diverse cultural influences, and a knack for innovation. Whether it’s Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, Southern Illinois’ barbecues, or the heartwarming pies found in countless farm stands, there’s something for everyone in this food-lovers’ paradise.
Chicago: A Foodie’s Heaven
Any culinary journey in Illinois would be incomplete without exploring the food scene of Chicago. The city offers a gastronomic extravaganza, ranging from street food to fine dining.
Chicago’s Signature Dishes
No visit to Chicago would be complete without indulging in its most famous dishes. First, there’s the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza – a pizza revolution started by Pizzeria Uno in 1943. Its buttery, thick crust filled with heaps of cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and your choice of fillings is more akin to a pie than a traditional pizza, but undeniably delicious. Places like Lou Malnati’s and Giordano’s are must-visits to experience this local delicacy.
Equally iconic is the Chicago-style hot dog. This culinary masterpiece includes a beef frankfurter on a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, bright green relish, chopped onions, juicy red tomato slices, a crunchy dill pickle, sport peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt. No ketchup, please! That’s a cardinal sin in the world of Chicago dogs. Head over to Superdawg Drive-In or Portillo’s to get your hands on this loaded delicacy.
Fine Dining in Chicago
Chicago also boasts a spectacular high-end dining scene. It is home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, like Alinea, where chef Grant Achatz offers a multi-sensory culinary experience. Another notable mention is Oriole, a hidden gem in the West Loop, where Chef Noah Sandoval’s exquisite tasting menu truly shines.
Central Illinois: Farm-to-Table Delights
As we move towards Central Illinois, the food reflects the agricultural richness of the area. Here, you’ll find plenty of farm-to-table restaurants that serve fresh, locally sourced dishes.
In Springfield, the Cozy Dog Drive-In claims to be the originator of the “corn dog”, known locally as a “cozy dog”. A trip to this charming city wouldn’t be complete without sampling their famous horseshoes – an open-faced sandwich featuring a base of thick-cut toasted bread, a choice of meat, and a generous pile of French fries, all smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce.
Southern Illinois: Smoky Barbecue and Apple Delights
The southern region of Illinois brings a unique mix of flavors. Here, barbecue reigns supreme. 17th Street Barbecue in Murphysboro is famed nationwide for its mouthwatering smoked meats, particularly the ribs and pork shoulder.
Legendary Pitmasters of Southern Illinois
Mike Mills, often referred to as “The Legend,” runs this establishment. Mills’ unique blend of spices, meticulous smoking process, and tangy, sweet sauce have earned 17th Street Barbecue numerous awards and a place in the hearts of BBQ enthusiasts.
Another Southern Illinois institution is The Dixie Bar-B-Que in Jonesboro. The Dixie has been serving its hickory-smoked barbecue since 1947, and the classic pulled pork sandwich remains a crowd favorite.
Apple Orchards and Sweet Pies
When fall rolls around, Southern Illinois becomes a hot spot for apple picking. It’s home to countless apple orchards, like Eckert’s Country Store & Farms in Belleville and Rendleman Orchards in Alto Pass. But more than apple picking, these orchards also serve delightful apple treats. Be sure to try their homemade apple pies, cider doughnuts, and apple butter – they’re the epitome of comfort food, particularly in the crisp autumn air.
The Illinois Wine Trail
Don’t forget about the wine! Illinois may not be the first place you think of for winemaking, but it’s home to a flourishing wine industry. Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in Southern Illinois is a must-visit for wine lovers. It includes 11 family-owned wineries nestled in the rolling landscape of the Shawnee National Forest.
Here, you can sample award-winning Illinois wines, from dry, full-bodied reds to sweet, crisp whites and everything in between. Enjoy a picturesque drive, and stop at each vineyard for tastings, tours, and unique events. The region is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves turn to hues of red and gold.
Food Festivals: The Heart of Illinois Food Culture
Food festivals in Illinois are a testament to its food culture, uniting communities and celebrating the state’s rich gastronomy. Some of the most popular ones include the Taste of Chicago, the largest food festival in the city offering a feast of local cuisine, music, and arts.
The Illinois State Fair in Springfield is another annual extravaganza with culinary contests, live cooking demonstrations, and a wide array of food stands serving everything from ethnic cuisine to traditional fair foods. Also, don’t miss the Naperville Ribfest for some of the best BBQ ribs you’ll ever taste.
In Illinois, food is not just sustenance, but a form of expression, a storytelling medium, and a way of life. As you traverse the state and sample its culinary offerings, you’re not just eating – you’re experiencing a piece of Illinois itself, woven through its rich farming history, vibrant cities, and the diverse communities that call it home. So come hungry and leave with a full belly and an enriched understanding of the Prairie State.