Chicago Food Giveaway Contest
Readers, you’ve given us so much over the last year, so now it’s our turn to give something to you! We’d like to present our very first Chew on That giveaway contest!
Through our continual Top Chef Chicago coverage and our video on How To Make a Chicago Hot Dog, you may have guessed we’re just a little bit proud of our Chicago heritage. So now, in order to give you a REAL Taste of Chicago we’re giving away a Lou Malnati’s™ “Tastes of Chicago” Ultimate Chicago Taste Combo with a value of $89.95!
To enter, simply post a comment to the bottom of this post telling us about YOUR favorite local food or restaurant. Remember to include where you are from!
*Contest has been extended one more week*
On May 14, On May 21, at 10 a.m., we’ll choose a winner at random and announce the winner on the blog.
US residents may enter contest. No purchase necessary. For alternative method of entry and privacy policy, visit the official contest rules.
Good luck! Can’t wait to read everyone’s comments!
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Tags: chew on that, chew on that blog, chicago contest, chicago food, chicago food contest, food giveaway, free food, giveaway contest, lou malnati's
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My local favorite food from Kansas City is Smokehouse BBQ, they have great BBQ and wonderful beans. Its hard not to have BBQ on the list in KC!
Posted by Courtney Foster at April 30th, 2008, 10:40 amMy favorite restaurant is called the Little Dipper. It is a local fondue joint in Wilmington, NC. You can sit there for hours, just dunking your food…cheese, chocolate…I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
Posted by Sarah at April 30th, 2008, 10:53 amI live and work in Boston, and while there are literally hundreds of great restaurants and everyone goes crazy over local sea food, one of my favorite places to eat is the Brown Sugar Cafe. Since it’s right next to my office I have their Masaman Curry at least once a week and it’s so delicious!
Posted by Erin at April 30th, 2008, 11:32 amhttp://www.brownsugarcafe.com/
I live in Dublin, Ireland and I love Yamamoris, a Japanese restaurant that has a large selection of vegetarian food and some vegan. It’s great for going out with large groups of friends.
Posted by Victoria at April 30th, 2008, 11:43 amDel Friscos is my favorite midtown (New York, NY) steak place. Dramatic views, specious dining room, great service. http://www.websterinfo.com
Posted by Bobby Ro at April 30th, 2008, 12:32 pmI live in NYC, and I love to eat at Lassi in the West Village. The food is awesome, plus the people that work there are very attractive.
Posted by Mason at April 30th, 2008, 1:18 pmi like this place b/c it is local, unique, and most importantly, open 24 hrs. I don’t eat scallops (which my friends say are great there), but I would only recommend one product; the fried shrimp. Good sized shrimp are coated in a batter and served with an amazing tangy&spicy hot sauce. I liked the sauce so much, I bought a bottle and keep it at work for sandiwches and such. It’s a great alternative to the post-bars burrito/pizza options. One negative is that it’s in a bit of a sketchy neighborhood (not too far form china town). Just don’t go alone!
Posted by Stu at April 30th, 2008, 2:04 pmI live in chicago, and for sure my local favorite is the chicago style pizza. From anywhere really, they’re all amazing in their own way!
Posted by Jamie at April 30th, 2008, 3:09 pmI live in Champaign, Illinois and I enjoy the steak sandwich at Guidos!
Posted by JDebs at April 30th, 2008, 4:31 pmI’m from Chicago and I love Chicago style hot dogs! One of my favorite places to get a hot dog is from Superdawg because they bring the food to your car and the hot dog comes surrounded by French fries!
Posted by JAR at April 30th, 2008, 4:58 pmI live in Greenwood TX and my fav place is the Greenwood Grill & Grocery. It’s basically a gas station/diner with state recognized hamburgers. YUM!
Posted by Brandy Davis at April 30th, 2008, 5:35 pmI like the Italian Beef at Portillos, but Chicago Hot Dogs are on the top of my list. Superdawg is a great choice.
Posted by Dennis at April 30th, 2008, 7:28 pmI really love Chicago style pizza, tons of cheese and great crispy crust—it can’t be beat!
Posted by Julia at April 30th, 2008, 8:08 pmI’m originally from Chicagoland, but have recently moved to the San Francisco bay area. I definitely miss the comfort of food back home, but there are some great restaurants out here too! I recently came across a great paella/tapas place called Cascal in Mountain View, and I’ll definitely be back there. Keep up the good work with the blog!
Posted by Alice at April 30th, 2008, 9:49 pmMy favorite roast beef or meatball sandwich is from Al’s Roast beef on Taylor in Chicago. I’m in Lemont a Chicago western suburb
Posted by bearpair99@comcast.net at May 1st, 2008, 7:08 amI live in the Chicagoland area and I swear by the restaurant Cozy in Evanston (and Chicago), the most perfect little thai place in Illinois! The pad thai is unbeatable and the cucumber salad is somehow vinegar-ized to perfection. Oh, and the decor is so much fun!
Posted by Monica at May 1st, 2008, 7:21 amA displaced Chicagoan, I now live in NYC. As a newly-minted Upper West Sider, I’ve got to say: Gray’s Papaya is the ultimate hot dog stand for late night munchies, Barney Greengrass sets the standard for lox and nova, Magnolia’s cupcakes are totally deserving of their “Sex and the City” cachet and Patsy’s offers up a great NY-style pizza. But when it comes time for a real slice (i.e. Chicago style), nothing makes up for the fact that the only option in my ‘hood is Uno Chicago Grill!
Posted by Omar at May 1st, 2008, 8:18 amChicago native here. Right now, one of my favorite places is Poor Phil’s in Oak Park. Everyday from 2-6:30 they have 50 cent peel-and-eat-shrimp and raw oysters in the half shell. They oysters are extremely fresh. It also has one of the best beer selections that can rival any of the brew-pubs in the city. They have had many Three Floyds(Muster, IN) and Two Brothers(Warrenville, IL) brews on tap that I cant find at other places.
Posted by Erik at May 1st, 2008, 12:04 pmI can answer this two ways (as usual with me!) because my feeling is I want to comment on a truly local food but at the same time mention a local place that has something you can’t get most other places in the U.S.
for local flavor, it’s fish tacos all the way. san diego, oc (where I live), riverside, LA - they all have great ones. but the best, in my opinion? a little shop called los cotijas #2, about a half mile from my house. just realized it was there this past year when I read they had the best fish tacos in all of southern california. and they do.
my other favorite thing here is authentic ramen. there’s a place in costa mesa, ca, about 10 minutes away, a marketplace called mitsuwa that has a chain restaurant in it called santoka. they serve ramen straight outta japan and it’s a revelation.
I just looked it up and there’s 8 locations in socal, 1 in jersey and 1 in CHICAGO!!!
hillary, get thee to mitsuwa and try santoka ramen!!
Posted by melissa at May 1st, 2008, 1:03 pmJust moved from Chicago and I must say that I MISS the small, neighborhood BYOB joints. Noodles in the Pot was great. Also miss Think Cafe. I live in San Diego now and have fallen in love with the fish tacos at South Beach Grille. It’s impossible to get a table, but worth the wait.
Posted by sharon at May 1st, 2008, 2:51 pmI’m in Philadelphia, and my favorite restaurant is called Friday-Saturday-Sunday. It’s the most fantastic atmosphere, and the best steak I’ve ever had!
Posted by Becca at May 1st, 2008, 3:34 pmI live in Astoria, New York, capital of Greek America. My favorite local food is a perfectly grilled lamb kebab at Uncle George’s Restaurant.
Posted by Moriah at May 1st, 2008, 3:52 pmI grew up in Chicago and now live in Madison. My favorite place in the world is the Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co. on North Clark Street in Lincoln Park.
Why? Three magic words:
Pizza Pot Pie.
Posted by Christopher at May 1st, 2008, 7:30 pmI love Mexican food. My favorite place in San Diego is El Comal. The food is delicious, they have a full bar and the servers are really nice.
Posted by Joanne at May 1st, 2008, 9:05 pmI live in Chicago and my favorite local restaurant is Dunlay’s on Clark. They have an amazing salad made with goat cheese, roasted red peppers, avocado, corn, and other tasty ingrediants that make it absolutely delicious! Their portions are generous too, so I usually have leftovers to enjoy. And they have a huge selection of wine to pair with your meal. I go there all the time!
Posted by Jonina at May 3rd, 2008, 10:35 amOh how fun! We live in Southern California and there are so many delicious ethnic specialties down here. We’d have to say that one of our favorites is a Japanese pub called “Honda-Ya” where they serve all types of skewered Yakitori!
Posted by White On Rice Couple at May 4th, 2008, 3:46 pmPortillos is good in chicago. They have hot dogs, itallian beef, and other good food.
Posted by david at May 4th, 2008, 5:42 pmThere really is nothing like a Murphy’s burger and fries (with malt vinegar!) from Champaign, IL during my college years. Oh how I miss those days!
Posted by Kris at May 4th, 2008, 7:52 pmAnother Chicagoan checking in!
My fav local/comfort food is meat pierogi from any number of authentic Polish delis scattered about the NW side.
Posted by Janet at May 6th, 2008, 2:48 pmI am a former Chicagoan. I really miss going to Partillos every Friday. Sure wish I could get some Chicago cuisine down here in Tucson Arizona.
Posted by Amy at May 6th, 2008, 4:46 pmI live in Hawaii and my favorite local place to go for ono (Hawaiian for delicious) food is Highway Inn. I always get the beef stew combo…so good!
View Highway Inn food pics
Posted by Lori at May 6th, 2008, 7:43 pmPortillo’s is great and has many stores in the suburbs. My favorite is any of the Chicago style pizza places. Gino’s East, Pizza Uno and Due, Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder. I like checking out the local neighborhood places.
Posted by Cheryl at May 6th, 2008, 8:05 pmMy favorite food comes from a local Chinese Resturautn called New China. However I nicknamed them Chinese Nazi after the Soup Nazi on Seinfeld.
They make excellent food, no matter how angry you and or they get then we can’t understand eachother. My favorite is either there Sesame Chicken Dinner Combo or Sweet and Sour Chicken dinner combo. Both are made fresh everyday and come with Pork Fried Rice and a freshly rolled Egg Roll (rolled that day). They have excellent food.
Posted by Trevor Haworth at May 6th, 2008, 9:45 pmI have a lot of favorite restaurant’s in Chicago!! Church’s chicken is the best,then there is Alice’s bar-be-bue yum, Giovanni’s pizza is to die for,Kenny’s barbecue wow!!! i am getting sooo hungry.The Hot Dog place’s two and three on every corner why do i live in minnesota??? I need to be back home in chicago,But i have changed my eating habit’s so much i dont eat like i used to,but who know’s every time i go to the chi watch out!!! man i eat Italian beef,Vienna Hot Dog’s, Chinesse,Corn beef sandwich with extra pickle’s and mustard LORD Have Mercy on me. Minnesota need’s CHURCH’S CHICKEN bad!!!! we had a Harold’s Chicken and that dident last i guess the restaurant wasent greasy enough(lol) we do have a Vienna Hot Dog place the food is good, but it cost a arm and a leg,5.00 for a hot dog frie’s 2.99 and you still leave hungry.Hat’s off to chicago the best eatery in the WORLD!!!!
Posted by felicia harmon at May 6th, 2008, 11:25 pmI’m from San Francisco and my favorite local food is probably burritos or this crazy Indian pizza I’ve never seen anywhere else.
Posted by Amy Sherman at May 7th, 2008, 12:06 pmI live in Washington DC, near the Chesapeake Bay, and have to say the first softshell crab sandwich of the season is my favorite local taste! Preferably eaten on the water at Cantler’s Riverside Inn.
Posted by FoodieTots at May 7th, 2008, 12:14 pmI live in Portland, Oregon, and there are so many contenders for fave local food! But right now (today) my favorite is Hannah Bridge Heritage cheese from Ancient Heritage Dairy. it’s made in the style of manchego, with toasted curds, but is utterly unique and delicious.
Posted by sarah gilbert at May 7th, 2008, 12:46 pmHere in Gainesville, Florida we have a local pizza joint called Satchell’s, which is just fantastic. Fresh, local ingredients, and every crust is hand-made with a pinch of love.
Posted by Greg Turner at May 7th, 2008, 12:55 pmOk, I have several different favorite Chicago foods. I love Portillo’s! Excellent beef. I will have to mention (not for brownie points) that I also love Lou Malnati’s pizza. I’m always recommending out-of-town guests to try Lou’s. I’m out in Aurora, so whenever I go into the city, a favorite Thai restaurant of mine is the Banana Leaf. I believe the name has changed though. I also really love Viand’s Thai Kitchen.
Posted by Amy Mueller at May 7th, 2008, 1:13 pmI’m from Des Moines Iowa and my fav food place is Yanni’s..Great food and small enough that the chef comes out to ask how your dinner is :)
Posted by Ronda Garnett at May 8th, 2008, 8:37 pmI live in Madison County, Iowa and I’m sorry to say there isn’t one outstanding restaurant here. About 50 miles away in a tiny town called Attica is an un-assuming place called Kin Folks. It has wonderful food slow cooked using real wood. I love their brisket done this way.
Posted by Kathi Bryan at May 8th, 2008, 10:58 pmI live near Harrisonburg Virginia, which is home to James Madison university. As a college town, they have a variety of restaurants. But my all time favorite is Texas Roadhouse. The steaks are awesome, and the atmosphere is fantastic!
Posted by Sandra Alfred at May 9th, 2008, 1:24 amThe local pizzeria. We live in a tiny town in central NY but these guys are from NYC and really know how to work that dough! We love them!
Posted by Kari Follett at May 9th, 2008, 3:04 amThe best place for a fantastic burger is John Barleycorn near Childrens Hospital. I have been going there for years and it is always worth the drive there. The place is warm and welcoming to all. Also, some years back my friend from Australia came to visit, I took him there and he fell in love with their Chili. Still talks about till this day.
Posted by Linda at May 9th, 2008, 3:49 amKudos to John Barleycorn.
I’m from Albany NY and the best seafood here is Real Seafood company..the best oyster bar and the bread is to die for!NYNY
Posted by Starr at May 9th, 2008, 4:02 amWhat a way to spread the word about my ALL TIME FAVORITE restaurant….Wing City Grille, in Estero Florida…Yummy. The biggest and best wings with 28 different sauces, Beef on Weck, Italian style beef sandwich, the Chicken Lips are FANTASTIC. You gotta try the Buffalo Wing Dip…so creamy and cheesey…The owners are from Bemus Point and Fredonia New York and are greatest people! When the staff is as great as the food, why go any place else…I eat there 6 times a week (I am not an employee, just a very satisfied customer!
Posted by Brenda at May 9th, 2008, 4:25 amI’m from High Bridge,NJ…we don’t have a whole lot of great restaurants in the area, but there is a local pub that’s been around forever that makes the best thin crust pizza, and that’s really hard to find anywhere in NJ….
Posted by Ann Babenco at May 9th, 2008, 4:42 amababe28 (at) hotmail (dot) com
In our hometown of Carbondale, PA, there is a quaint little bistro (Corner Bistro) that offers great food, but also a dinner theater. All of their food is homeade. One of my fav’s is the turkey club served on flat bread, fresh turkey and the size of a 16″ hoagie. Soups are fantastic also. Great atmosphere and very inexpensive.
Posted by diane constantine at May 9th, 2008, 4:47 amI am from Wisconsin- a place not exactly known for it’s fine culinary cuisine and I honestly can not think of one restaurant that I would consider my favorite. For local food, however, the classic Friday fish fry is a must try!
Posted by Kam A at May 9th, 2008, 5:28 amI live on Long Island, NY and love the local pizza - I would say it is as good as in NYC proper. Especially good is Umberto’s of New Hyde Park.
Posted by Linda McGuffie at May 9th, 2008, 6:14 amIn Washington, DC area, you can get just about anything as we are very ethnically diverse - personally I love the mexican choices at Chipolte’s.
Posted by Johannah B at May 9th, 2008, 6:59 amTommy V’s in MI has the best foods. The pizza is to die for. They do not add the sauce on the pizza, it comes on the side. its a special sauce they make. yummy
Posted by Michelle Simons at May 9th, 2008, 7:18 amI’m in Arizona and the local specialty would be Mexican food. One of my favorite items is the absolutely yummy warm bean dip that is served with chips at Serranos which is a restaurant we like a lot.
Posted by Judith G. at May 9th, 2008, 8:23 amIn Denver, the best Chinese food around comes from The Great Wall. The freshest ingredients, quality of preparation, and delicious taste without use of MSG just begs you to keep going back. My mouth is watering just thinking about their food!
Posted by Marilyn R. at May 9th, 2008, 8:41 ami’m originally from chicago and i MUST have portillos every time i go back home..
in LA, i think my favorite local restaurant is a small cafe called Peach Cafe in Monrovia. It’s amazing food and amazing, warm service. As someone who couldn’t find decent breakfast food in LA for 8 years, this is quite a find!
Posted by caroline kim at May 9th, 2008, 8:49 amI live in southern Indiana and can’t find my favorite Chicago style pizza anywhere. Papa Murphy’s is pretty good. My favorite restaurant would be Moon-lite Bar-B-Que across the river in Owensboro, Kentucky. The desserts are sinful.
Posted by Karen R at May 9th, 2008, 8:49 amI’m a Brooklynite born and bred and my favorite food/restaurant is Ferdinando’s Focaccaria Restaurant on Union St. It serves the best panelle’s, rice balls and potato croquets. And it is the only restaurant that I know of that serves Manhattan Special soda on tap (coffee soda for those who don’t know). Hmmm, the best!!!
Posted by Camille at May 9th, 2008, 8:56 ami live in necedah wisconsin,just a small place in juneau co.
Posted by marcella amell at May 9th, 2008, 10:41 amif you want the best broasted chicken in our area , just drop into the road house on state road 21 ,it is reeaally gooodd. it is thumbs up on this one.
an experance you will remmber for a long time .
marcella
Horray for Chicago! Being a fellow Chicago food blogger and Top Chef stalker / enthusiast, I’d have to say my fave Chicago joint is Mindy Segal’s Hot Chocolate. Best fine dining in the city for the best price. And the desserts are uniquely supreme - I still have dreams about the hazelnut ravioli. Mmmm. Here’s my review!!
Posted by Third Coast Toast at May 9th, 2008, 11:35 amhi my name is tracey i am from warsaw missouri. I live in south dakota now but sure miss my favorite mexican restraunt in warsaw called taco villa not only do they have the best tamales,but they have the best pork tacos in the world. That of course is my opinion.
Posted by tracey lynn at May 9th, 2008, 2:04 pmI’m originally from Chicago and I’d have to say it’s a three way tie between Chicago pizza, Chicago hot dogs (with celery salt) and Italian Beef. Live in NH now, and lobster rolls are my local fav here.
Posted by Julie at May 9th, 2008, 2:51 pmI live in Summerville, SC. The best restaurant hands down is The Mustard Seed. The scallops are divine…melt in your mouth. The desserts never fail with the Hummingbird Cake leading the pack. They have something for all tastes.
Posted by Mary Beth at May 9th, 2008, 4:58 pmI LIVE IN NAPLES FLORIDA. MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT IS A SMALL SEA FOOD PLACE WHERE THE GROUPER SANDWICH IS VERY DELICIOUS AND THE SERVICE FANTASTIC.IT IS CALL GULFCOAST GROUPER&CHIPS.
Posted by YADIRA GONZALEZ at May 9th, 2008, 5:12 pmI miss all the food from back east, from Ill. now in riverside ca. since 1980, I have some great places to go, but when I cant think of somewhere to go, I always get Popeye’s, it is the best fastfood chicken
Posted by barbie at May 9th, 2008, 7:24 pmI live a few blocks from the WI. state line in Zion, IL. My favorit place to eat is Casa Bonita in Gurnee, IL. Great mexican food.
Posted by Valerie Hanlon at May 9th, 2008, 8:00 pmMy favorite restaurant is Guidos in beautiful, downtown Ravenna, Ohio. Family owned and operated, they have the best pizza anywhere. Eat inside or out on the patio in nice weather. Awsome pizza, homemade bread baked there and served warm. Great salads and sandiches as well. The wait staff is super and since we are a small town, everyone is like family.
Posted by Nancy Powlowski at May 10th, 2008, 8:21 amWe live in Fairmont, MN. We have a special pizza place here called Jake’s pizza which is awesome. We watch trucks pull up every day with fresh ingredients.
Posted by Christie at May 10th, 2008, 8:59 amItalian sandwich - only at Amato’s in Maine.
Posted by Catherine Morris at May 10th, 2008, 8:59 amI live in a small town in Colonial Beach,Va. My favorite restruant is called The Happy Clam. It is on Monroe Bay which is part of the Potomac River.
Posted by Krista Kirby at May 10th, 2008, 9:11 amIt serves up fresh seafood and they have the best Scallops and crab dishes around.
It is a very relaxing atmosphere on the water where you can come by boat or car.
Would love to come viist Chicago and taste you delicious fare at your restruants.
Being a native Bostonian, it has to be seafood for me. And there is none better than what is served at the Summer Shack owned and operated by Jasper White. He makes clam chowder the way our ancestors did. And it is not so thick that you can eat it with a fork. Jasper is definitely the guru of seafood.
Posted by Addie at May 10th, 2008, 4:45 pmI’m from Los Angeles and my favorite local foods are probably the tacos at Paco’s and the cupcakes at Sprinkles!
Posted by Blair at May 10th, 2008, 8:53 pmAs a former Chicagoan, I still love Gulliver’s Pizza & Vienna hot dogs & hot beef sandwiches. I live in San Jose, CA now–there are so many good restaurants here. I really like Blue Sky for Chinese & Kazoo (right in Japan Town)for sushi.
Posted by Sandi at May 10th, 2008, 10:22 pmI live in Fresno California area and I love to eat at Yoshino’s. Its Japanese food and the food is to die for!
Posted by Gwen Tafoya at May 10th, 2008, 10:35 pmThe absolute best restaurant ever!-Grassi’s,Elyria OH-However,it suffered a bad fire a few years ago,and the owners(who were active working-biggest thing,the fantastic chefs that they are) unfortunately decided not to rebuild. They were getting up in years,and the 20 hour days were getting to them. The BEST place ever!!! ALL the food was the best you could hope to taste anywhere. It was the perfect place,for anything-you could go there w/your family & children,a very special date,any type of lunch,a very special occasion-perfect attmosphere! There was a basement,which was called “The Bird Room”. So called for the HUGE assortment of stuffed birds-I know it sounds weird,but was done in a respectful way to all their varieties,species and beauty. This room was completly open-good for anything-banquet,business,large family or friends get-to-gethers,etc. I miss it so much-can’t find anywhere to equal its quality,charm,food,prices,etc. Daisy in Ohio
Posted by Daisy E. Vipperman at May 10th, 2008, 10:45 pmThe pierogi is a Pittsburgh (via Poland) classic. You can get really good ones to go at “Pierogies Plus” in “the ‘rocks” a/k/a McKees Rocks, just outside of town.
Unless of course, you might prefer the homemade raviolis (in such flavors as artichoke/gorgonzola, lobster, etc.) made by the Italian speaking aproned ladies at Donatello’s Grocery in Bloomfield. Mix and match homemade sauce is also available to go.
Posted by Lindy at May 11th, 2008, 5:36 amUno’s pizza is my favorite food. The crust is stii orginal from day 1. The chunky tomato sauce is perfect. I could find Uno’s on Ohio et Wabash will my eye’s covered.
Posted by E. Halfman at May 11th, 2008, 7:03 amI love the food at Maggie Bells Soul Food Kitchen. Its located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Posted by Michelle Rosborough at May 11th, 2008, 7:45 amI live in TX and love bbq. Whenever I travel I try to seek a local bbq place.
Posted by Theo at May 11th, 2008, 8:24 amMy favorite retaurant in Columbus Ohio is Fabian’s-they sell Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas and strombolis. I recently had their “Pizza Rustica”(chicken,bacon,onions,garlic oil,mozzerella cheese)-a healthy alternative to what I usually have,with the cappacolla,salami,pepperoni,and sliced roast beef. I can heartily endorse Fabian’s!
Posted by Raymond Grant at May 11th, 2008, 4:53 pmI live in Port Clinton,OH. A little town on the south shore of lake Erie. For the best fresh fish sandwich, platter or basket you should stop here at a place called Jolly Rogers. That would be Perch and Walleye. There are other items on there menu, like shrimp and lobster bisque,but the fresh fish is the best.
Posted by Mike at May 12th, 2008, 5:28 amAs a former Chicagoan I love Portillo’s and eat it all the time when we get home to visit. I am now in Northern VA and still can’t find any local favorites!
Posted by Beth at May 12th, 2008, 7:53 ami live in lake providence la. i love the food at doe’s in nearby greenville ms. the steaks are wonderful and their famous hot tamales cant be beat.
Posted by jayb at May 12th, 2008, 11:34 amMy favorite local place is Hickory Park in my city of Ames, Iowa
Simple - but excellent fare, mostly bbq. Truthfully, I prefer to entertain and eat at home - and how can one not eat well now-a-days with so many glorious food blogs, recipes and detailed instructions and tips.
Love your reviews - they help me know what is best!
Posted by eko at May 12th, 2008, 11:50 amPennsylvania’s ethnic backgrounds are Dutch, Polish, & German to name a few. My favorite local food is halupkies( a.k.a. blind pigeons, stuffed cabbage rolls). It’s the time of year for church bizzares & block parties. Halupkies are always on the menu. The combination of cabbage filled with meat & rice mixture & smothered in tomato sauce is very delicious. I was raised on them all my life being my father is polish. I make them several times a year. My family asks me to make them all the time. We love them!!
Posted by Shauna Coolbaugh at May 12th, 2008, 11:56 amMy favorite local food are South Philly Cheesestakes followed by a Butterscotch Krimpet from Tasteycakes! Two South Philly (and South Jersey) foods that can’t be beat.
Posted by Cynthia at May 12th, 2008, 7:05 pmI live in nowhereville Utah and there honestly is not anywhere good to eat here. The best I’ve found was in our old home town of Cedar City and it was call Sully’s Cafe and they had the best prime rib! Yummy!
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Posted by Hillary at May 13th, 2008, 4:30 pmMy daughter and I love Woodfire ( northern suburbs of Chicago) They have wonderful BBQ chicken dinners and more. It is a great place to grab a quick dinner for carryout or eat in. I feel like a commercial.
Posted by Rochelle at May 13th, 2008, 4:42 pmI live in Manhattan, so there’s absolutely no shortage of good eateries. Here on the Upper East Side where I live, the Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen: everything from Tony Di Napoli’s great family-style dishes to Pintaile’s delicious thin-crust pizza.
What I find myself craving most often, though, is a departure from the commonplace pastas and pizzas: sushi from a tiny little place in Windsor Terrace (Brooklyn) near my boyfriend’s called Sushi Yama. The sushi is always delicious, fresh and beautifully presented, and the owners, a Malaysian man named Sonny and his wife, treat you like you’re part of the family. They’re expanding their menu soon, too, to include some other types of Asian fare, and I can’t wait to try what they have to offer!
Posted by Annie at May 13th, 2008, 5:17 pmI love The Bistro Montage in Portland Oregon.
Where else can you get linen table cloths, long tables linked together - so that everyone eats as if at the last supper; a moody atmosphere by candle light and cooks dressed in mechanic jumpsuits? The food is great — geared toward a down home Cajun cuisine theme and they even serve alligator. They have a good selection of wines and micro brews, and cocktails.
My favorite dish though is the Chicken Pesto Alfredo.If you can’t eat your portion they wrap it up into great tinfoil sculptures (like a swan or a squirrel). And they celebrate Fat Tuesday every February.
Posted by Amber at May 13th, 2008, 6:12 pmI live in Chicago, and I love that I can find just about any type of food somewhere in this city. My favorite is North Pond, but since it’s a bit pricey I’ve only been there once. For an everyday meal, I love Jin Ju in Andersonville for a great Korean treat.
Posted by Erin at May 13th, 2008, 6:32 pmVilla Beef in Elgin is my all time favorite place. The Italian beef sandwiches are to die for. I’ve never found anything like it since I moved to Oregon. I go there every time I come back to the Chicago area.
Posted by Julie Johnson at May 13th, 2008, 7:54 pmOur favorite spot in Omaha, NE is Hiro, which is a sushi/japanese restaurant. People don’t really associate Omaha with good sushi, but I’ve traveled across the country, and Hiro can hold it’s own or is even better than sushi places in California, Texas, Illinois, and Indiana. The fantastic thing is, if you’re not in the mood for sushi, their chinese and japanese dishes are flat out awesome as well. This is truly a gem.
Posted by TheCriticalWive at May 13th, 2008, 8:41 pmI love my local Vietnamese Pho restaurant - Pho Cali on Main Street in Sarasota.
They serve the most rockin’ grilled quail on fried rice!
Posted by steamy kitchen at May 14th, 2008, 8:09 amMaryland crab cakes of course. from Maryland
Posted by Diana Gervits at May 14th, 2008, 8:46 amBull’s Bridge Inn, Connecticut
Posted by Karen M at May 14th, 2008, 8:53 amI’ve been enjoying a sandwich place called Jerry’s Sandwiches in Wicker Park. Many customized ways to make a sandwich, several choices of bread. Their Tomato Foccacia Bread comes with bits of real tomatoes!
Posted by Dave T at May 14th, 2008, 8:53 am“Lea’s Mexican Restaurant” in Muleshoe, Texas, is my favorite place to eat. This family-owned eatery has been making unique Tex-Mex dishes since the 1950s and I judge all Mexican food with their dishes.
Posted by rose lee powell at May 14th, 2008, 9:11 amFavorite local food is Legal SeaFoods New England clam chowder.
Favorite local restaurant is Woodman’s of Essec
Posted by EValente at May 14th, 2008, 9:14 amEveryone’s restaurants sound wonderful. There aren’t many choices where I live, I have to drive about 70 miles to a Texas Roadhouse in Knoxville, TN to get the best steaks and ribs you can find anywhere! Thats the best we can do.
Posted by Sheree Warner at May 14th, 2008, 9:20 amI am from Duluth, MN and my favorite local food is a small pizza place by University of MN Duluth called Bulldog Pizza. Good stuff.
Posted by Steph at May 14th, 2008, 9:36 amNY pizza rules!!
Posted by Barbara at May 14th, 2008, 9:44 amCajun here from Louisiana…anything crawfish rules! We love etoufee, bisque, boiled, pie!
Posted by Louise Brouillette at May 14th, 2008, 9:52 amI’m originally from NW Indiana so this prize package would seem like home!
Posted by Steve Gordon at May 14th, 2008, 9:58 amI live in NJ and our pizza is the best, better than NY.
Posted by Carol at May 14th, 2008, 10:01 amI live in Florida and my favorite place is the Outback Steakhouse which is two miles away. I’m a native of Chicago!
Posted by Marilyn Wons at May 14th, 2008, 10:08 amI live in the Chicago area and my favorite Chicago food is from Portillo’s. They have great cheeseburgers, hot dogs, beef sandwiches and chocolate cake!
Posted by Beth at May 14th, 2008, 10:24 amHere in Pennsylvania my favorite local food is Philly Cheese Steaks! I try to get one anytime I’m in Philadelphia! Thanks.
Posted by mark s. at May 14th, 2008, 10:39 amI live in Evanston, Illinois. One of my favorite restaurants is Cozy, in Evanston. Although Cozy was previously mentioned, by some person named Monica, I feel it necessary to give it a second mention. Give it a try, or you’ll be sorry…
Posted by Josh at May 14th, 2008, 10:47 amMy favorite local food is Mary’s Pork BBQ. Yum…
Posted by Jennifer Barnett at May 14th, 2008, 11:15 amBorn and raised in Chicago and now we live in rural Indiana but I still crave wonderful Chicago Pizza Lou’s where else, great big juicy beef sandwichs Portillo’s, Chicago hot dogs, Portillo’s too and Manny’s corned beef sandwiches
Posted by Carolyn at May 14th, 2008, 12:07 pmTennessee BBQ.
Posted by margaret herrin at May 14th, 2008, 12:32 pmI live in Kansas City and my favorite food is barbeque ribs from KC Masterpiece
Posted by Susan Smith at May 14th, 2008, 1:04 pmMy favorite food is barbeque beef from Zardas. I live in Kansas City, MO
Posted by Dan at May 14th, 2008, 1:05 pmI’m from Maryland and my favorite local food is Maryland Crab cakes or just some delicious crabs with Old Bay sprinkled on top. Mmmm.
Posted by Shelley Johnson at May 14th, 2008, 1:24 pmI’m from the Southside and my favorite food is Italian.
Posted by Melissa C at May 14th, 2008, 2:03 pmmy favorite is called the Blue Canyon
Posted by Andrew Gordon at May 14th, 2008, 2:36 pmI’m from Minneapolis…….and our fresh walleye is the best!
Posted by janeh at May 14th, 2008, 2:36 pmI live in the Chicago ‘burbs. Tooooooo many faves to choose from! I love the Portobello grinders from Philly’s Best on Belmont.
Posted by Angie P at May 14th, 2008, 2:41 pmVancouver, WA is where I live now, but I’m from Alabama and I long for barbecue and peaches!!!
Posted by Mya Brooks at May 14th, 2008, 2:52 pmLove those Dogs I go to a place called Sammy’s.
Posted by Nicholas Karpen at May 14th, 2008, 2:58 pmThis is easy. I’m in Brooklyn, but my favorite local restaurant is in Queens. It’s a small and fabulous Mexican restaurant with the freshest guacamole, and the most delicately and deliciously prepared dishes. It’s called De Mole, and is located in Woodside. I highly recommend, if you’re in New York, that you take the 7 out there, however long the trek may be for you. It’s worth it.
Posted by cookinpanda at May 14th, 2008, 3:11 pmHaha, I’m from Upper Michigan, so we dont have many fancy restaurants here like they do in the big cities. My favorite place around here would have to be a restaurant called TK’s… Great food.
Posted by Bobby at May 14th, 2008, 3:30 pmMy favorite local (St. Charles, MO)restaurant is Tony’s on Main Street where everything is fresh and delicious (and they have great toasted ravioli too).
Posted by Gaye McGill at May 14th, 2008, 4:17 pmwow!
Posted by Erica C. at May 14th, 2008, 5:10 pmI’m from Maryland and of course our big thing is Blue Crabs! soooo delicious!
I live in Pensacola, FL and when you come to visit … you MUST go to the Fish House for the Grits a Ya Ya which is Spiced Gulf jumbo shrimp on top of a sauté of spinach, portobello mushrooms, applewood-smoked bacon, garlic, shallots, and cream over a heaping bed of smoked Gouda cheese grits!! It is to die for!!!
Posted by Dara Nix at May 14th, 2008, 5:30 pmI live in San Antonio, tx and you must try Pico de Gallo. Great Mexican food. Try the nachos so wonderful.
Posted by jannetg at May 14th, 2008, 5:49 pmI Live in Hayward WI and the best place to eat here is Coop’s Pizza. The pizza is great of course, but you have to try the lasagna.
Posted by Tonya Froemel at May 14th, 2008, 6:42 pmI live in NJ and my favorite local food is from a family run pizzeria.
Posted by Janet F at May 14th, 2008, 7:59 pmI don’t miss the traffic, the noise, the congestion. The rush, rush, rush to get somewhere and wait. But I do miss the pizza of Chicago! I have yet to find any pizza that comes close to the pizza I had while living there. (I have moved to three different states). Living in Wisconsin now, and haven’t been to many restaurants that I would rave about. But the state does have many local cheese makers and local beer that is fantastic!
Posted by toontz at May 14th, 2008, 8:26 pmi’m from north carolina and my fovorite resturant is red lobster.
Posted by janet lindsey at May 15th, 2008, 12:07 amI live in Tucson Arizona, where we have some of the best Mexican food around. My favorite restaurant is the Guadalajaa Grill.
Posted by Lindsay at May 15th, 2008, 12:25 amI’m from southwestern VA and I loveeeeeee the local bbq.
Posted by Stephen Saunders at May 15th, 2008, 1:20 amNOTHING GREAT HERE BUT GREW UP IN CHI TOWN NOM NOM
Posted by sandy at May 15th, 2008, 5:07 amI am from the far SW suburbs of Chicago and I recently did a temporary assignment in Naperville, IL, and had a chance to try Lou Malnati’s pizza. It is now my favorite!!!!
Posted by Sharon Groves at May 15th, 2008, 5:42 ami live in trussville,al and we lobe our bbq.
Posted by Vicky Boackle at May 15th, 2008, 6:16 amWould love to win this, my absolute favorite pizza and I either have to order or eat my full at the taste. No Lu’s way our here.
Posted by Sheryl Holden at May 15th, 2008, 6:27 amHello! I am OHIO raised and my favorite Ohio food is Grilled Corn on the Cob! I love it, especially at farmers’ stand where you can just make a meal of it! Smothered in Butter with spices and sometimes a hint of lime, Grilled Corn on the Cob is the best summer treat in the Midwest! :) Besides Lou Malnati’s of course!
Posted by Stephanie at May 15th, 2008, 6:46 amOoh! Fun!
I used to live outside Austin, about 6 miles from a town called Driftwood, which is very, very famous for a restaurant called The Salt Lick. People far and wide know this restaurant, but I was lucky enough to grow up eating there once every couple of months.
Alas, I now live in NC, and while people here have their own take on BBQ that is, itself, pretty well known, and is itself pretty well liked, I just haven’t been able to convince myself that pulled pork with vinegar should be in the same category with a perfectly smoked beef brisket. It’s all about what you grew up with, I guess, but I’ll just never get used to BBQ from around here.
Posted by kate at May 15th, 2008, 7:14 amnice
Posted by hazel hunt at May 15th, 2008, 7:14 amMy favorite local restaurant in Central NJ is Jose’s Cantina in New Providence. Terrific Mexican food. Their lunch specials are awesome — and very inexpensive. They serve the best chicken soup I’ve ever eaten.
Posted by Barbara at May 15th, 2008, 8:09 amLou’s is by far the best pizza in Chicago!
Posted by Jenny P at May 15th, 2008, 8:25 amI love all different types of food, but one of my favorite local restaurants here in Rhode Island is a place called Seven Moons. They feature all different types of Asian food including some pretty delicious sushi. Rhode Island is known for its clam cakes and chowder, but sadly I cannot partake in this local favorite, as I am allergic to shellfish!
Posted by HelloKit at May 15th, 2008, 8:34 amHere in texas my favorite food is the fajitas from Pappasitos. I grew up in northern Illinois and the thing I miss most from there is the Fannie May candy!
Posted by mattie at May 15th, 2008, 9:52 amI’m from Seattle and my favorite restaurant is Ivar’s Fish House. They have this grilled red pepper salmon sandwich that is just AMAZING. It has cajun grilled salmon, tartar sauce, crisp coleslaw, and a red pepper drizzle on a fresh baked keiser roll. I’m drooling just thinking about it.
Posted by Greg Lang at May 15th, 2008, 10:03 amI’m from New York City. My favorite at the moment is the honey-dipped chicken at Amy Ruth’s in Harlem.
Posted by Jennifer M. at May 15th, 2008, 10:31 amlive in chicago. give me ribs pizza hot dogs italian beef and a grilled polish.
Posted by joe s at May 15th, 2008, 10:39 amI’m in St. George, UT now, but haven’t been here very long, so I don’t really know the cusine here. I’m originally from NC, and my favorite dish from there is FRIED CHICKEN, COLLARD GREENS, GREEN BEANS, MASHED POTATOES AND FRIED OKRA!!
Posted by Rachel Fox at May 15th, 2008, 10:51 amI’m from Tampa Bay, Florida and my favorite food is Mexican.
Posted by Terri D at May 15th, 2008, 11:57 amHello, I live in Southern Illinois and I could name places that are on “The Hill” in St.Louis, but there is a mom and pop diner about 20 minutes from where I live. They make home made vegetarian spaghetti and I love it. Thanks,Cindi
Posted by Cindi at May 15th, 2008, 12:34 pmI’m from New York which has the best bagels in the world.
Posted by Felicia Shapiro at May 15th, 2008, 12:47 pmI love Shorty Lu’s Diner here in Golden, CO.
Posted by Bebemiqui at May 15th, 2008, 1:22 pmGreat giveaway! count me in. bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’m from Philly, and maybe my favorite food SHOULD be the cheesesteak. Pat’s Steaks & Geno’s Steaks are right down the street and I watch the lines extend down the street. But…I have to say Nick’s Roast Beef sandwiches. The original one in South Philly, with a pitcher of beer!
Posted by Dana Eckstrom at May 15th, 2008, 1:47 pmPalm Court in Arlington Heights is very consistent for just plain good food
Posted by Ken Werner at May 15th, 2008, 2:07 pmChi town
Posted by Alicia at May 15th, 2008, 2:12 pmI love the Rocky Mountain Pasta Company. We’re in Idaho!
Posted by claire at May 15th, 2008, 2:29 pmI’d love to try this food.
Posted by Patricia Schraier at May 15th, 2008, 2:58 pmI would love to win this prize.
Posted by MIldred PErez at May 15th, 2008, 3:28 pmI love Tucanos. It is a Brazilian restaurant where they come out and slice all this different delicious meat. SO AMAZING! I crave it daily.
Provo, UT
Posted by Lindsee at May 15th, 2008, 3:34 pmMY fave local food is Gumbo and I grew up just outside New Orleans!
Posted by amy mayer at May 15th, 2008, 3:52 pmPink’s Hot Dogs
Posted by Louis Huf at May 15th, 2008, 4:47 pmlove to cook and try new foods
Posted by djp at May 15th, 2008, 6:30 pmMy favorite local food is from where I grew up - Erie, Pennsylvania - Ox Roast sandwiches on weck rolls!
In the Buffalo, NY area this is commonly known as beef on weck - same thing, very tasty!
Basically it is Au Ju roast beef on a very hearty old country roll.
Posted by Vikki C. at May 15th, 2008, 7:10 pmI live in Chicago and love the authentic Mexican restaurants El Faro
Posted by cheryl at May 15th, 2008, 8:08 pmMy favorite restaurant is a sushi joint called Kabuki in the L.A. area. The spicy tuna salad is the best!
Posted by David Pollastrini at May 15th, 2008, 8:49 pmI love Chicagooooo!
Posted by Audrey at May 15th, 2008, 9:03 pmin Lansing, MI
Posted by java at May 15th, 2008, 10:32 pmmy fav place is El Oasis Antijos Mexicanos
In the summer, they have a trailer that is very convenient to my route!
TONY LUKES - KILLER ROAST PORK SANDWICH AND OTHER GREAT SUBS/STEAKS
Posted by SAM W at May 16th, 2008, 3:17 amActually, LOU MALNATIS is my favorite. I grew up in Chicago, but now live in Ohio, and have it shipped here a few times a year. It is the best!
Posted by Kirsten Rall at May 16th, 2008, 4:52 amMauro’s in Jeannette, PA is the best for Italian Cuisine. and there are alot of Italian restaurants in this town.
Posted by Lise Conte at May 16th, 2008, 8:03 amIn May every year, we have a Strawberry Festival. My favorite local food is the strawberry doughnuts! Troy, OH
Posted by holly k at May 16th, 2008, 8:28 amMy favorite restaurant is Hestons Supper Club in LaPorte Indiana. They have the absolute best prime rib. It’s amazing.
Posted by Tracey at May 16th, 2008, 9:20 amI’m from Xenia, Ohio, near Dayton. The BEST Chinese restaurant in the world is the Xenia China Inn. Excellent food, excellent wait staff, and great prices. Ya’ll come to see us.
Posted by Becky L. at May 16th, 2008, 9:56 amMy favorite is Tacos Al Pastor, a small hidden gem in San Jose, CA
Posted by sandi at May 16th, 2008, 11:27 amI live in a small town in Michigan. My favorite local restaurant is called London Grill. The food is British Indian, a take on colonial India.
Posted by Colleen at May 16th, 2008, 11:43 amWe live in a small town of 6,000 people.
So as you can imagine, NOT a whole lot of places to eat at lol.
We are a one income family, and cant really afford to go out to eat, only occassionally
because the prices are so high were we live, due to the college area and tourists attractions here on the coast.
BUT…. if I’d have my way, I’d say pizza or chinese food is definately my favorite
places to eat out at.
Thanks so much for the contest,
Posted by Susan Caldwell at May 16th, 2008, 11:47 amit’s made me HUNGRY now! :o)
I live in Indiana, just across the state line from Illinois. I love Chicago’s Oven & Pizza Grinder Company on Clark Street. The deep dish pizza is great! Also, for a little bit of history, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre took place right across the street from here.
Posted by Judi B. at May 16th, 2008, 12:57 pmMy best friend introduced me to Sweatman’s BBQ, right outside of Holly Hill S.C. Shortly thereafter, it was featured on the Travel channel, No Reservations. I tried it and loved it. Love the hash.
Posted by Red at May 16th, 2008, 1:24 pmMy favorite food from Lancaster County, PA, is whoopie pies. For those of you who don’t know what these are, they are decadent cake-like cookies that have a wonderful cream in the middle. My all-time favorite flavor is red velvet with cream cheese filling. Yum!
Posted by Terri at May 16th, 2008, 1:37 pmOne of my favorite Chicago restaurants is Star of Siam, it’s a thai restaurant on Illinois. The food is fantastic and the prices aren’t so bad. I started going there after trying it at the Taste of Chicago.
Posted by Rachel at May 16th, 2008, 2:36 pmMalnati’s pizza (any location) but especially the one in Schaumburg, IL has the greatest vegie pizza. Along with a cold beer, you can’t beat it.
Posted by Karen Mermel at May 16th, 2008, 2:55 pmI’m in Chicago and for the best dog around, handsdown it’s SuperDawg! On the pricey side but OH, SO, YUMMY! Good dog at a great price is definitley Gene & Judes. Nothing fancy here. The only thing on their menu is diogs, fries drinks and a tamale!
Posted by Claudia Dickinson at May 16th, 2008, 3:25 pmPlease enter me. My favorite Chicago food is Lou Malnati’s!!
Posted by Amber G at May 16th, 2008, 3:36 pmMy favorite is black and white cookies in New York City
Posted by Michele at May 16th, 2008, 4:37 pmI live just outside Chicago and I have to agree with many others who have commented before me there is nothing like a Chicago pizza or hotdogs I love the hot dogs from JR’s in the southwest suburbs and Geno’s Pizza
Posted by carol foster at May 16th, 2008, 10:14 pmI’m from the northwest Chicago suburbs and I never get downtown often enough to enjoy the great restaurants in the city.
Posted by Lisa Fosses at May 17th, 2008, 10:06 amIvanhoe’s in Upland, Indiana has the best selection of ice cream/shakes/sundaes, etc.
Posted by Emily N. at May 17th, 2008, 11:36 amI’m from the Detroit area in Michigan. My favorite food that is unique to the area is called ZIP SAUCE. Zip sauce is generally put on a filet mignon or other steak, and it is buttery and delicious. I think it may be starting to appear in other locales but it is a Detroit original!
Posted by Sarah Hirsch at May 17th, 2008, 12:00 pmI’m from from the NW suburbs of Chicago. Anytime I go downtown, I have to stop at Gino’s East. Amazing deep dish pizza.
Posted by Mikhail Kontorovich at May 17th, 2008, 12:47 pmMartini’s on the Rock river in Rock Island, Il is a great place to get just about any thing you would like to eat or drink. Great food, drink and service. Beautiful outside patio and cozy indoors. Go with a hearty appetite.
Posted by E. Halfman at May 17th, 2008, 2:05 pmAnother NYer here, how do I pick just one restaurant??? would love to sample the best of chicago!
Posted by Tracy Iglesias at May 18th, 2008, 12:22 amI live in Portland,Or and my favorite place is red robin,I just love their burgers.
Posted by Wanda Jones at May 18th, 2008, 1:15 amI’m from Colorado, and I love buffalo burgers!
Posted by Sarah Daniels at May 18th, 2008, 8:16 amChicago - fav food around Carsons Ribs mmmm
Posted by lac at May 18th, 2008, 10:19 amWest Virginia’s pepperoni rolls are great.
Posted by Jennifer Short at May 18th, 2008, 12:49 pmMy husband is of Polish and Lithuian descent and we love the kielbasa and krawkaska form our home town of Shenandoah PA
Posted by gloria gwiazdowski at May 18th, 2008, 1:36 pmLove Seafood, my favorite is lobster the largest one I can find !!!!!!!
Posted by susan chernesky at May 18th, 2008, 2:23 pmYummy !!!Red Lobster here I come.LOL
MY FAVORITE IS HUEVOS RANCHEROS FROM GRAN RANCHERO IN PARKERSBURG, WV.
Posted by ALVIN HARRIS at May 18th, 2008, 2:40 pmI am from New York but currently live in the DC area. So I crave New York Style pizza (of which I have finally found a transplated Brooklyite who opened a place and it’s great! Thanks Sal, in Ashburn) and cannolis. But in DC I’m always looking for a great crab cake.
Posted by Nycole Klein at May 18th, 2008, 5:00 pmMy husband is from Chicago. Now we live in Florida, so for Christmas last year we ordered from Lou Malnati’s Taste of chicago. The beef sandwiches are terrific!
Posted by Cynthia Lewis at May 18th, 2008, 8:10 pmWe have a local “small town” restaurant with great food.Its nothing fancy but deep fried walleye are great!!
Posted by Teresa Hoyt at May 18th, 2008, 8:16 pmI’m a New Englander, so I love clam chowdah and lobstah
Posted by Sarah Stern at May 18th, 2008, 9:05 pmAnother displaced Chicagoan here. Orange County, California (surprisingly?) has a lot of good eats, but for something close to a typical Italian joint back home you can’t beat Doria’s Haus of Pizza in Costa Mesa.
Posted by Frank4Cars at May 18th, 2008, 11:13 pmI live in Arizona. The best place to get authentic “mexican food” is at Filobertos in Wickenburg AZ. Sure it is a little hole-in-wall resturant sharing space with a gas station/ convience store. But the food is awesome, the prices reasonable and the portions huge! Be sure and get a few containers of thier pickled veggies at thier self serve condiment bar.
Posted by Philip Swearingen at May 18th, 2008, 11:32 pmI live in Maryland and my favorite local restaurant is Seaside Seafood Restaurant. Of course, Maryland is famous for blue crabs, and this restaurant is famous for their steaming techniques!
Our website is also running a contest giving away a Rachael Ray 10 piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set! Check it out! http://www.ravingrecipes.com/blog
Posted by Shannon at May 19th, 2008, 8:48 amWhile I am currently living in Missouri, my favorite restaurant is back in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I actually have two there, ReLi’s Vietnamese and Jamil’s Lebanese Restaurant..but between the two, I think the Deluxe Bun Chao at ReLi’s is the very best one dish meal a person could ever find anywhere. I tried the dish at a restaurant in St. Louis but it did not begin to compare with the one in Tulsa. If you are ever there, be sure to give it a try…you will be hooked! So full of meats (including shrimp), noodles, veggies, and yet each flavor stands alone and the sauce and peanuts add wonderful oomph and crunch!
Posted by Annie at May 19th, 2008, 10:03 amI live in Missouri and my favorite local place is Lambert’s - home of the throwed rolls.
Posted by Kathy Conley at May 19th, 2008, 11:02 amI just love my retro 50’s style burger joint called “All American Burger” located on Long Island, New York.
Posted by Tracy Tanner at May 19th, 2008, 1:51 pmlayton ut and i love authentic “mexican food” nothing beats it
Posted by jeanette malan at May 19th, 2008, 2:04 pmMy favorite restaurant in Marietta, Georgia is The Marietta Diner. They have a huge menu with anything you could possibly want to eat. They are open 24/7. Their desserts are all homemade and HUGE. The food is awesome.
Posted by Sally Baldwin at May 19th, 2008, 2:41 pmLive in Houston and can’t find good Chicago pizza anywhere here. We have Lou Malnati’s shipped to us. When we visit, any Chicago pizza will do. They’re all great.
Posted by mary p at May 19th, 2008, 3:55 pmI’m from Pennsylvania and my favorite place to get sauerkraut and kielbasa was Driesbach’s restaurant back in my hometown,
Posted by Valerie at May 19th, 2008, 7:02 pmI’m from Minnesota and I love cheese curds!
Posted by Chrysa at May 19th, 2008, 8:27 pmWe live in Chicago - It’s a tie vote: we love Mexican and our favorite Wholly Frijoles. We also love Vietnamese and love Pho and Goi Ga - lots of good options on Argyle Street - but we’re especially fond on Hoanh Long on N. Lincoln. Both are also BYOB.
Posted by Jessica at May 19th, 2008, 9:13 pmI’m from the suburbs of Chicago, and I like the chinese food at Yen Yen.
Posted by Carol at May 19th, 2008, 9:25 pmI live in Madison WI and you cannot beat a brat on a warm eavening listening to music on Union Terrace.
Posted by linda at May 19th, 2008, 10:11 pmI live in SW Michigan now but I moved from Schaumburg and we used to love Lou Malnati’s Pizza! Soooo good!
Posted by Elizabeth M. at May 20th, 2008, 5:09 amof course my favorite pizza is Lou Malnati’s, but my favorite seafood is in Puerto Vallarta at a local restaurant called Tino’s.
Posted by Michelle Hyde at May 20th, 2008, 7:08 amMy favorite local food is deep dish pizza…I’m from Chicago!
Posted by Rita at May 20th, 2008, 8:07 amI really miss Lou Malnati’s since moving away from Chicago 2 years ago. NY pizza is NOT the same.
Posted by Linda Stanley at May 20th, 2008, 8:18 amI’m from Oklahoma and I love both Indian Fry Bread and Indian Tacos.
Posted by Paula Strickland at May 20th, 2008, 8:25 amMildred’s Cafe in Laurinburg, NC. The best chittlins anywhere!
Posted by Jean Frink at May 20th, 2008, 9:33 amAnother Chicagoan here -
My favorite pizza place is Lou’s - or the long version Lou Malnati’s in Schaumburg. You can’t beat their deep dish pizza. For burgers you have to go to the Assembly in Hoffman Estates, they are to die for! Great place to have a beer and a burger.
Posted by Anna M at May 20th, 2008, 12:03 pmI’m from NJ and they have so many different cultures in my town, one of my favorite kinds of food is portugese - love it - and we have two great resturants right down the street.
Posted by Jodene Gildea at May 20th, 2008, 1:13 pmmy favorite place in chicago has got to be shaw’s crabhouse
Posted by Thomas Bethke, Jr. at May 20th, 2008, 1:44 pmLove e blo having grown up in Chicago and a huge Top Chef fas as well. I though have lived in Carlsbad New Mexico for the last 15 years. I love late night tacos and real tacos not taco bell style. Made with home made corn tortillas and fresh cilantro. We have a little restaurant here that makes the best called Mi Casita. Though your blog always makes me yearn for a really good pizza or great hot dog
Posted by Tracie A at May 20th, 2008, 2:21 pmI’m from Philly and Philly has really great eateries. I personally like the chicken cheesesteaks and pizzas.
Posted by Stephanie Adkins at May 20th, 2008, 3:33 pmI am from St. Louis, so I am partial to gooey butter cake! But of course the best pizza in town is Imo’s!
Posted by Megan B. at May 20th, 2008, 4:56 pmI am from Seattle and I love our local berries and coffee beans from Vivace.
Posted by Jennifer C at May 20th, 2008, 5:44 pmI am from Dallas, TX so I love Texas Barbecue.
Posted by Susan White at May 20th, 2008, 7:03 pmThanks so much.
My favorite place is Red Fish Grill on Bourbon St. in New Orleans, best sweet potato catfish and fresh oysters on the half shell shucked by Felix. Always a must when in the Big Easy. Great winter getaway when you live in Minnesota.
Posted by Laurel Miller at May 20th, 2008, 9:09 pmI live in a small farming community in Iowa. My favorite local food is a restaurant called Kin Folks that serves homemade barbeque. I also love our local bakery!
Posted by Lara Aleff at May 20th, 2008, 9:16 pmI’m on the southwest side of chicago and love Chicago style deep dish pizza, loaded with a lot of cheese.
Posted by Mary Byerly at May 20th, 2008, 11:07 pmFrom Arlington Heights, Illinois and its a tough choice, but the Italian Beef sandwich invented in Chicago is one of my favorites!
Posted by Joyce Pawlik at May 20th, 2008, 11:50 pmi live in holland mi and if you are ever in town the grand king buffet is THE place to go. it not only has chinese food but also american, mexican, and real ice cream you dip out with scoops.
Posted by tammy hemminger at May 21st, 2008, 5:28 amI am a new resident of Chicago Ridge and have not frequented enough restaurants in the area to pick favorites. But I do miss Hook’s catfish, Uncle Joe’s jerk chicken, Beggars Pizza in Blue Island and the appetizer platter from See Thru Chinese restaurant in my old neighborhood.
Posted by Sandra Bailey at May 21st, 2008, 5:49 amMY FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IS THE OLIVE GARDEN. I LOVE THE GRILLED CHICKEN WITH PENNE PASTA OVER CREAMY CHEESE SAUCE.
Posted by julia stokes at May 21st, 2008, 6:37 amMy husband and I are from Northwest Indiana, only 30 miles from Chicago, but we spend 6 months of the year in Peoria, AZ. One of our favorite restaurants in the Midwest is Taste of Italy, located in Calumet City, Illinois. Out here in AZ, one of our favorite restaurants is La Fontanella, which was originally based in Chicago.
We would really enjoy trying your restaurant, if we win this contest.
Thank you for a great opportunity.
Posted by Carol Lengyel at May 21st, 2008, 7:08 amCarol (and Tom) Lengyel
i’m from west central il (bushnell) my fav places to eat are olive garden and portilo’s(which is up by chicago) yummmy i want some now
Posted by Jessica Marie at May 21st, 2008, 7:26 amEntered with alternative method of entry.
Posted by Andrew Berg at May 21st, 2008, 8:16 amMy honey and I are in Central Texas. We travel as often as possible and recreate good food we enjoy on our trips. Some of our favs are spicy fish tacos and cerviche!
Posted by Lucy Neyens at May 21st, 2008, 8:17 amEntered with alternative method of entry.
Posted by Kathleen Simpson at May 21st, 2008, 8:18 amEntered with alternative method of entry.
Posted by Robert Ranieri at May 21st, 2008, 8:19 amEntered with alternative method of entry.
Posted by Kim Parrott at May 21st, 2008, 8:20 amEntered with alternative method of entry.
Posted by Diane Cavanaugh at May 21st, 2008, 8:22 amEntered with alternative method of entry.
Posted by John Eriksen at May 21st, 2008, 8:23 amEntered with alternative method of entry.
Posted by Jen Gersch at May 21st, 2008, 8:23 amEntered with alternative method of entry.
Posted by Donna Kelley at May 21st, 2008, 8:24 amAlternative method of entry.
Posted by Susan Simon at May 21st, 2008, 8:25 amAlternative method of entry.
Posted by Rebecca Gillard at May 21st, 2008, 8:26 amAlternative method of entry.
Posted by Brandy Coyne at May 21st, 2008, 8:27 amAlternative method of entry.
Posted by Kym Ellis at May 21st, 2008, 8:28 amAlternative method of entry.
Posted by Laura Ostrem at May 21st, 2008, 8:29 amAlternative method of entry.
Posted by Carissa Davis at May 21st, 2008, 8:30 amAlternative method of entry.
Posted by Elaine Prospers at May 21st, 2008, 8:31 amAlternative method of entry.
Posted by Jennifer Schroeder at May 21st, 2008, 8:31 amAlternative method of entry.
Posted by Geraldine Zwerling at May 21st, 2008, 8:41 amI am from the Bronx, NY and I love the seafood in City Island!
Posted by vanessa hunter at May 21st, 2008, 9:50 amI’m from El Paso, TX and we have the best TexMex!
Posted by Helen at May 21st, 2008, 9:52 amIn Eugene, OR I like Shojis, a Japanese teppan-yaki restaurant.
Posted by Kristin at May 21st, 2008, 9:59 amIt is now 10 am CST, meaning the contest is over. Any comments made after this one will not be entered into the contest.
Thanks everyone for your comments!
Posted by Hillary at May 21st, 2008, 10:01 amI grew up in Phoenix, but lived in Chicago for 5 years in my 20’s. I so miss La Pasadita’s burritos over on Asheland/Division!! The best!!
Posted by Sue Polovina at May 21st, 2008, 10:39 amI live in Seminole Florida and I dont know about local flavor but Hooters wings started here
Posted by joan o at May 21st, 2008, 10:40 amI live in southern New Jersey just outside Philly, and you cannot beat a real Philly cheesesteak. (Not) surprisingly, some of the best ones are to be found here in SNJ (must be those expats from South Philly).
Posted by Angie P. at May 21st, 2008, 12:11 pmi live in vt and my favorite restaraunt is the weathervane..awesome seafood :)
Posted by kathy pease at May 21st, 2008, 1:54 pmi live in vermont and my favorite place to eat is the weathervane :) awesome seafood..geeeeez now im hungry :(
Posted by kathy pease at May 21st, 2008, 1:55 pmI’m originally from Chicago, live in Florida and my taste runs towards Cajun or just plain Florida seafood.
Posted by Katt Lewis at May 21st, 2008, 2:03 pmI’m from Chicago. We have the best pizza in the USA, and, of course, Lou Malnati’s is my favorite. My friends that come to visit out of state can’t wait to go there and have some of Lous Malnati’s delicious pizza. I would love to win this contest! Pizza is my favorite food.
Please & Thanks!
Posted by Karin Valerius at May 21st, 2008, 3:21 pmPittburgh, PA
Posted by A Casson at May 21st, 2008, 6:55 pmLove Paolo’s Pizza & Pastaria
I’m from Elko, NV. (Don’t live there anymore though) I miss the Basque food. It’s absolutely awesome! Can’t get it anywhere else. Order your entree (filet mignon, breaded prawns, pork chops, etc.) then get salad and bread, soup, french fries, spaghetti, green beans, sometimes potatoes, and your entree. With the wine. Then dessert. Oh man, my mouth waters just thinking about it! Plus you have a Picon Punch before dinner. You have got to try Basque food!
Posted by Lanae at May 21st, 2008, 7:44 pmI live in Minnesota now, but just got back from a visit home to Syracuse, NY. Has to be the best food in the world! I ate pulled pork at Dinosaur Barbecue, and had to have a Heid’s hot dog. Had pizza 3 times, no bad pizza in Syracuse!
Posted by Julia Semans at May 21st, 2008, 8:34 pmOf course had to have Grandma Brown’s Baked Beans, Columbus Bakery Italian Bread, and salt potatoes. And a Haddock and pasta dinner at Steak and Sundae!
I’m crying now!
I’m Italian originally from Chicago but have lived in Rockford, IL for over 30 years. The best pizza in the world bar none is a local Italian restaurant named Lino’s on State St. Try it if you ever visit Rockford, Their pizza and special salad is my favorite. My sons who live out of the city, out of state and out of the country all want it when they come home to visit.
Posted by Rosanne Morrison at May 21st, 2008, 9:30 pmI am from jacksonville nc where Hilda’s restaurant is the place for great home cooking.
Posted by landa bethea at May 26th, 2008, 3:39 pmOnce a year I go to Windsor Locks in Ct and always get the Saltimbocca at Stellas it fantabulous but H&M sandwiches are a close 2nd
Posted by Dawn Samble at June 1st, 2008, 12:43 pmfrom chicago,but live by fort lenardwood in mo. now.miss the food in chi town.here i guess its ryans.always something good.
Posted by margaret palmer at June 29th, 2008, 6:16 ami’m from chi town south side i live in papillion NE. I NEVER ATE CARP BEFORE I MOVED HERE, IF YOU HAVE NEVER EATEN CARP MAN AT JOE TESS IT’S THE BEST.
Posted by mark deane at June 29th, 2008, 7:36 pm