From Screen to Plate: A Culinary Guide to Chicago’s Best Kept Secrets for Foodies based on ‘The Bear’
By now you’ve probably heard of ‘The Bear’, the acclaimed Hulu series, that took everyone by storm. For us this series is not only an ode to fine dining but also a love note to the diverse and rich landscapes of Chicago’s dining scene. And if you’ve felt a sudden urge to visit the windy city after binging ‘The Bear’ you’re not alone.
In fact, we are here to convince you that Chicago deserves a spot at the top of your list. Especially if you’re a college student with an ever-curious palate and adventurous spirit. It’s time to trail the journey of the chefs that make up the beloved show while also enjoying everything Chicago has to offer. Let it rip!
The Culinary Underbelly
Start your exploration at The Fulton Market District, the beating heart of Chicago’s culinary scene, and pivotal to ‘The Bear’ during season 2 when Sydney drops by Public Quality Meats. Historically a meatpacking district, Fulton Market’s old warehouses have transformed into experimental dining spaces where innovation is served on a plate daily.
Those familiar with the series will recall Sydney’s chat with Chef Rob Levitt where she gets some important advice about her next steps in the culinary world. Now if you happen to stop by, the butcher shop offers sausages and steaks cooked and served on slices from their sister shop Publican Quality Bread. Our mouths are already watering!
From Fulton Market, take a walk through the West Loop, where the streets are filled with an array of scents from the many restaurants, bistros, and eateries. And if you’re lucky maybe you can snag a reservation at Ever Restaurant which is the setting of Episode 7 season 2. You know, the one where Richie learns how a fine dining restaurant operates and eventually finds his purpose? Yes, that one!
Next, pay a visit to the renowned Kendall College, celebrated for churning out top notch maestros into Chicago’s food scene. This is where Nina trains while The Bear is under construction and where she realizes (after some doubt) that she is cut out to be a Sous Chef. So if you are an aspiring chef, know that Kendall college is a highly regarded culinary arts program where students can learn the art of sous-vide (cooking food slowly in a vacuum-sealed bag in low-temperature water), chiffonade (finely slicing herbs or leafy vegetables), and mastering the daunting consommé (a clear soup made from richly flavored stock). Yum!
Signature Dishes and Where to Find Them
Starting off strong with Mr. Beef, the primary inspiration behind The Beef on The Bear, you must drop by to get a bite of their iconic sandwiches and of course experience in real life the thrill and chaos of owning a restaurant.
Remember the chocolate cake Marcus prepares during season one? Well, you can actually get a taste of that very same cake by visiting Loaf Loungue. Or how about trying the donut that kick starts Marcus’s baking experiment? For that you’ll need to visit Roeser’s, Chicago’s oldest family-owned bakery! Although it is best known for its custom cakes, their donuts are fantastic and to be fair, you can’t really go wrong here. Oh and don’t worry, we won’t judge if you decide to try them all.
Now, if you’re not feeling like eating baked goods but still want something sweet, Sydney got you. Head over to Margie’s Candies, an ice cream parlor has been owned by the same family since 1933. We recommend getting their Banana Split, but beware, there’s bound to be a line to get a taste of these treats.
Don’t miss Green City Market in Lincoln Park, where the freshest produce, artisanal products, and local goods provide the vital ingredients for Chicago’s chefs. Here, students can witness a slice of ‘The Bear’ real-time, with chefs exploring new ingredients from local suppliers. While here you could perhaps stumble upon the inspiration needed to create your own unique dish, just like Sydney did during the series.
Taking in all of Chicagoland
While Chicago is definitely a foodie’s paradise, there are other fun events and festivals that draw visitors from all around the world. Here are a couple we recommend you keep an eye out for:
Lollapalooza: One of the most famous music festivals in the world, Lollapalooza takes place in Grant Park every summer and features a diverse lineup of bands and artists across various genres. Experience your favorite artist with a beautiful view of the Chicago skyline to top it off. Now that’s how you make memories.
Taste of Chicago: Known as the world’s largest food festival, The Taste takes place in Grant Park every summer and offers an insane variety of cuisines and dishes from all over the city. Clearly one of the best places to visit if you’re interested in experiencing Chicago’s diverse culinary scene.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade and River Dyeing: We are pretty sure you’ve seen this one before, but it is worth a mention because when else do you see a green river? Take part in the tradition and enjoy the large parade held through the streets of downtown to celebrate St. Patrick’s day. Time to bust out your green clothes and head out to enjoy the festivities. And if you fancy a drink, we are confident you won’t have any trouble finding a green drink special.
In navigating through these hotspots, students will find a mix between the fictional stories of ‘The Bear’ and the delicious, vibrant energies of Chicago’s dining scene. Whether you’re simply looking to savor the myriad flavors the city has to offer (which there are MANY!) or perhaps find inspiration for your culinary journey through the city’s architecture or people, let this take on ‘The Bear’ guide you through a world where food is not merely sustenance but an art, language, and ultimately, a life changing experience.
Now if you’re ready to book your flight to Chi-Town and experience it through the eyes of Carmen or Sydney, take a look at our Travel Deals to snag a roundtrip at an unbeatable price.
