Ep 5. Chicken Vesuvio and Maxwell St. Polish

In Sandwich King season 1 episode 5, Jeff Mauro, also known as the Sandwich King, takes on Chicago-style cuisine with two classic dishes: Chicken Vesuvio and Maxwell St. Polish.

The episode begins with Jeff heading into the kitchen to whip up his take on Chicken Vesuvio, a beloved Chicago dish typically made with chicken, potatoes, and peas cooked in a garlic and white wine sauce. Jeff puts his own spin on it by creating a Chicken Vesuvio Sandwich, featuring sautéed chicken breast, crisp potatoes, and freshly-made aioli, all stacked between two slices of crusty bread.

Next up is the Maxwell St. Polish, a popular sandwich named after the bustling street on Chicago's south side. The sandwich is traditionally made with Polish sausage, onions, peppers, and mustard, all stuffed into a hoagie roll. Jeff amps up the flavor by adding in some roasted red peppers and giardiniera, a spicy pickled vegetable medley, to create his own signature Maxwell St. Polish.

Throughout the episode, Jeff takes viewers on a tour of Chicago's iconic sandwich spots, including Al's Italian Beef and Portillo's, to give some context to the history and culture of the city's sandwich scene. He also shares some fun facts about Chicago's food scene, such as the origin of the Chicago-style hot dog and what makes Italian beef sandwiches so unique.

As always, Jeff brings his boundless energy and humor to the show, keeping viewers engaged and entertained throughout. He provides plenty of cooking tips and tricks along the way, demonstrating how to perfectly sauté chicken and roast vegetables for optimal flavor. With its fun and informative approach, Sandwich King season 1 episode 5 is sure to leave viewers with a newfound appreciation for Chicago-style cuisine and the art of sandwich-making.