And I can attest, as a reviewer of sandwiches, that interesting and particularly photogenic sandwiches often receive undue praise because of the way they make the sandwich reviewer’s job easier, and are not necessarily rewarded for deliciousness alone. It did rank 12th in a 2012 Chicago magazine survey of top sandwiches, but I find it difficult to believe there are 11 other perfect sandwiches in one city. And that perfect sandwich failed to rank on Chicagoist’s list of top 25 sandwiches, or on a CBS Chicago list of best sandwiches in 2010 or 2012, or on top Chicago sandwich lists compiled by Thrillist and Zagat. Chicago’s a great sandwich town, no doubt - part of a holy trinity of American sandwich cities with New York and New Orleans.īut while many of the Windy City’s sandwich offerings are undoubtedly delicious, none of several I have sampled comes anywhere close to Ricobene’s breaded steak, which, again, is perfect. That’s why I feel comfortable calling it the best sandwich there is.Īnd though Ricobene’s was hopping last Saturday night, my most recent visit, it seems like not even proud Chicagoans appreciate the true greatness that’s in their midst. And so while I recognize the haunting fact that somewhere out there, someplace I’ve never been and someplace I might never be, there could be a sandwich as good as this one, I am unwilling to believe there are any sandwiches distinctly better than this one. And the soft, fresh hero roll is somehow up to the challenge of containing this very sloppy sandwich without being too bulky. The giardiniera - a relish of pickled vegetables - adds some crunch and a vinegary heat that seems to amplify all the other delicious flavors in the sandwich. The cheese adds some saltiness, some gooey texture, and works to bind together a very messy mix of ingredients (though somewhat inadequately). But even by the high standards we hold for fried steak, it’s amazing - piping hot, remarkably tender, and with a perfectly seasoned, tasty breading that somehow maintains some crispiness even when it’s slathered with the sweet tomato sauce that complements it perfectly. The primary ingredient, the eponymous breaded steak, is exactly what it sounds like. When ordered with mozzarella cheese and hot giardiniera - those are important - the sandwich presents a combination of flavors and textures that bests every single one of the thousands of other sandwiches I’ve sampled in my 34 years. I know sandwiches, I promise.Īnd the breaded steak sandwich from Ricobene’s in Chicago is the best sandwich in the world. I have traveled to 42 states and 20 countries and eaten sandwiches in most of them. At my last job, I regularly wrote sandwich reviews. I worked in a deli, making sandwiches, for three years. The next paragraph of this post contains a bold and speculative claim about a sandwich, but I need you to understand that it is not an unresearched one. Ricobene’s in Chicago invented the sandwich all the way back in 1946 on Chicago’s South Side (still where you can get the best examples!) – I share the aforementioned USA Today article in its entirety as background as to why it MUST become a better-known scion of the Windy City! So – before we even go into the history of this storied Goliath, I highly recommend watching this entertaining video that showcases the beast in all of its meaty, cheesy, glory! Chicago’s Best Classics: Ricobene’s This oversight I will now rectify as I share the history and making (TFD-style, of course!) of this kaiju Titan reigning supreme amongst the sandwich kingdom! I give you an undeservedly-overlooked sandwich from the mighty metropolis of Chicago – home of horrific Winters, exceptional hot dogs and a range of good eats that includes the behemoth that ALONE is the breaded steak sandwich! USA Today sportswriter Ted Berg called it “the best sandwich in the world.” Celebrity world traveler, chef and writer Anthony Bourdain even featured the sandwich on his CNN series “Parts Unknown.”ĭespite all of this the breaded steak sandwich is not well-known – even in its home city – as hot dogs, deep dish pizza and Italian Beef all vie for the alpha status amongst famous Chicago dishes. …today’s post is most definitely in the latter category. ( ) Chicago Breaded Steak Sandwich image Used Under Creative Commons License From Ĭitizens, sandwiches are a fundamental north star amongst the gastronomic constellations adorning the ‘ primum mobile‘ of My culinary voyages – and I am beyond proud to have TFD Nation along for the ride! Sandwiches can range from the most prim and proper accompaniments to high tea or they can be monstrous, hulking beasts ready to beat your animal hunger into mewling submission!
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