Famous Flavor is Just Miles Away: A "The Bear" Review

By Ally Gammill

Photos by Rae Tng

Hulu’s hit show “The Bear” gives a look into the dynamics of a Chicago culinary classic: the Italian beef sandwich shop. It stars Jeremy Allen White who recently won a Golden Globe for Best Actor for his performance as Carmy, the fine-dining chef who inherits his family business after the tragic death of his brother. As a superfan of the show, I set out to visit and review the local spots in Chicago where viewers can taste the show’s food—sweet Italian beef sandwiches and decadent chocolate cake—in real life. Though I did not find any family drama, screaming matches over giardiniera prep, or line cooks furiously screaming “corner!” at one another, I did find a couple dishes well worth the buzz they’re receiving…

Review: Loaf Lounge

Neighborhood: Logan Square

Prices: $

Dishes to try: "The Bear" Chocolate Cake

If you are unfamiliar with the show, one of the essential elements of the fictional restaurant is a layered chocolate cake. Viewers became obsessed with the luscious-looking cake, and the Loaf Lounge cafe delivered. “The Bear Chocolate Cake” was developed in response to the show’s popularity. Sold by the slice, it is made up of three layers of fudgy, dark chocolate cake with a semi-sweet mousse filling and covered in a sweet dark chocolate ganache. Each element of the cake brings a different angle of its chocolate decadence: the cake is less sweet and refreshingly bitter, the ganache is mellow and sweet, and the mouse brings a light, salted finish. Balance is present in every layer—the cake does anything but fall flat on an overly-sweet note as many cakes do. For both chocolate lovers and those indifferent to the ingredient, this is a must have dessert. What’s more, Loaf Lounge offers scrumptious sandwiches—I recommended the California Veggie—and a colorful mid century modern interior to go with your slice. Whether you have seen “The Bear” or not, both of these dishes will impress you with their star-power taste. Next time you find yourself downtown hungry for a cheap bite, don’t hesitate to stop by Mr. Beef on Orleans for a satisfying meal and a lively chat with one of the counter attendants. And, don’t forget to stop by Loaf Lounge after to finish the meal off on a sweet note worth every chocolatey bite. I consider myself lucky to have world-famous eats practically in my backyard—after trying these dishes you will too!

MR. BEEF ON ORLEANS

Neighborhood: River North

Prices: $

Featured Dish: Italian Beef Sandwich "The Bear Style"

The show was directly inspired by the 44-year-old Mr. Beef on Orleans; the counter-service establishment is even the primary filming location for the first season of the show. Around the shop are recognizable tableaus—the storefront windows and cafeteriastyle dining room with one long table and a quarter-operated claw machine. This no-frills eatery features beef sandwiches, hot dogs, a few deli subs, and fried sides, all accompanied by the walls decorated with pictures of Chicago celebrities. For only eight dollars you can get an Italian beef sandwich “The Bear” style—sweet Italian beef with spicy pickled peppers. Though it doesn’t look like much, the spicy, sweet, and deeply savory sandwich hits all the right notes. The acidic pickled peppers cut through the perfectly seasoned layers of thinly sliced, juicy beef. Contained by a generic hoagie roll soaked through with the meat’s drippings, the sandwich practically melts in your mouth. Bring lots of napkins and maybe even a wipe— you’ll need it.

BY ALLY GAMILL PHOTOS BY RAE TNG