Food, life, memoir

Diners, Drive-in’s & Dives

Lori

I’m still on holiday/vacation in my suburban Chicago home town. For those of you who missed the other installments, check here.

Since we have mostly chain restaurants back in Florida, it’s the “mom & pop” places I prefer to frequent when I’m back home in Chicago. Some of you are familiar with Guy Fieri from the food network who travels to such places. This post will focus on one such place in the Chicago suburbs.

There is a local fast-food chain known to us suburbanites. Check it out below.

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This place is known for two dishes in particular, which are made of this:

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We diners know them mostly for these two dishes below.

These are Vienna all beef hot dogs and the only kind I will eat. They are served with mustard, green relish, pickles and sports peppers. I didn’t get the sports peppers this time.
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This, my friends, is a true diners, drive-ins & dives meal. It’s a “combo,” the combination of Vienna roast beef and Italian sausage. It’s served with green peppers and au jus, and usually comes with a side of giardineria. No, that last word is not a disease. It’s a yummy spicy mix of peppers. If you’d like to know more about giardineria, read my story Hope Lies in Meatballs.
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Below are a few photos of the inside. Each location has its own unique retro look.

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Okay, so I went twice, but the first time I ordered a chopped salad. Here it is half-eaten, and then a photo of the inside of the other Portillos.

I love chopped salads, and this one has ditalini pasta in it. If you don’t know what ditalini is, check out this blog post.
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Here is the other Portillos.
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P.S. To those of you who read about my tooth debacle while on vacation, it’s doing better. I didn’t need a root canal. Yay! Thanks to all who kept positive thoughts for me.

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Published by Lori

Observer, thinker, learner, analyzer, and author. Love dogs. Enjoy cooking, laughing and spiritual centering.

8 thoughts on “Diners, Drive-in’s & Dives”

  2. I was wondering about your tooth I’m glad it’s getting better. Those are some good looking dogs! I love me a chopped salad, it’s been a long time since I’ve had one. It looks like your trip’s going well, I hope you’re enjoying it!

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  3. What a fun post, Lori. I love the local places, too! So glad your tooth suggestion is less aggressive…I’ll keep working on it along with everyone else! xoxoM

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  4. Glad that your tooth doesn’t need to be “killed” and that you feel better. Like your choice of fast food even if I’m not a bigger fan of neither chopped salads or hot dogs – could do with the beef sandwiches … feel a bit snacky now, but it’s too close to bedtime. Really great photos, Lori

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    1. This is one of those places you go for sloppy, heavy, unhealthy food. I do it on rare occasion, but it’s fun when I do. Thanks for coming along with me, Viveka.

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