Ep 11. Chicago

In season 1 episode 11 of The Zimmern List, host Andrew Zimmern travels to the city of Chicago to discover the city’s best culinary offerings. Known for its deep dish pizza, Chicago has much more to offer in terms of food culture.

Zimmern’s first stop is Portillo’s, a Chicago staple known for their Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs. Next, he travels to the Pilsen neighborhood to visit Carnitas Uruapan, a family-owned restaurant serving up traditional Mexican carnitas.

Moving on to sweets, Zimmern visits Garrett Popcorn, where he samples their famous caramel and cheese popcorn mix. He also stops by Margie’s Candies, a classic ice cream parlor known for their massive sundaes.

For a more upscale dining experience, Zimmern visits Chef Lee Wolen at Boka Restaurant. Chef Wolen prepares a delicious smoked Arctic char dish and a refreshing gazpacho soup.

Zimmern also checks out some unique food offerings in Chicago, including Mahalo, a Hawaiian-inspired poke restaurant, and Beatrix Market, a health-focused dining spot.

The episode concludes with Zimmern visiting The Publican, a European-inspired beer hall and restaurant. He enjoys a platter of oysters and shares his love for the communal dining experience.

Throughout the episode, Zimmern also highlights the diverse neighborhoods and cultures in the city, showcasing the vibrant food scene that makes Chicago a must-visit destination for foodies.