Chi-town

*snore, snore*

*nudge*

"Jen, you were having that dream again."

"Huh?"

"You know, about the perfect city."

"Oh yeah, the one with the four food groups."

"Yeah, I remember. Hot dogs, deep dish pizza, beer and beef."

"Yup. It was beautiful...but I froze to death."

"Yeah, Chicago can do that to you."

That was my dream - and it came to reality for a short 48 hours. Ladies & Gentlemen -- I give you Chicago.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Jen! You're a Baltimore girl! Born and bred!" Not entirely true, my friend. Let me explain.

When I was just a young bacon lover, my parents moved from Maryland to Alabama to Chicago. For one glorious (and freezing) year, we were locals. Back when metabolism was still working in our genes, we feasted on the local fare. I was too young to remember all this, but the impact was made - I became a foodie. Besides, I'm allergic to the local Baltimore fav, crabs.

So, my mom and I decided to go back to the place where it all began, foodie central.

We arrived in zero, as in 0, degree weather, on the hunt for prime rib. Lawry's met that need and exceeded it with accoutrements such as yorkshire pudding, mashed potatoes with gravy and a spinning salad bowl. Umm....yes!!! Despite the fact that the restaurant and poor servers are straight from the 50's, we had one incredible meal that kept us warm for the frigid four block walk back to the hotel. (It was so cold that we had to stop at the John Hancock building for a nightcap. Don't judge.)

The next day, we stopped for breakfast at a local favorite, Tempo cafe. My mom ordered a lovely three egg omelette with cheddar and asparagus. I ordered banana nut pancakes. Everything was incredible. The pancakes were incredibly fluffy and the skillet that came with my mom's food had perfectly crispy home fries. When you sit, you are greeted with a prune and orange slice, homemade orange marmalade and an over-enthusiastic waiter desperately trying to serve you coffee. It was local, fast, clean and delicious. It was so good that we decided to go here for breakfast both days.

When walking to or from Tempo, stop in More Cupcakes, located right down the street on Delaware Ave.

A good recommendation for deep dish pizza? Pizano's Restaurant. I ordered

a classic with sausage and fresh mozzarella. Pair it with a Fat Tire beer, and you, my friend, have the perfect meal. The sauce was incredible and really fresh. New York pizza has NOTHING on this.

And how could we leave without hotdogs? We feasted on chili-cheese and Chi-town dogs with crinkle fries and an antacid shake.

*Sigh*

I thought I could only dream about such a place, but I'm glad it exists and is only a short plane ride away.

Much thanks to the greatest tour guide, my momma!