By Tracey Langenbach | STC Member
Can’t-miss Chicago eateries
Chicago. Food. Those two words together are sure to bring to mind two iconic foods: the Chicago-style hot dog and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. You might find these foods in other cities, but they started in Chicago — right next door to Rosemont, Illinois, home of Summit 2022.
The base of the Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank nestled in a steamed poppy seed bun. To meet the criteria for “Chicago-style,” the dog must be topped with yellow mustard, bright green relish, fresh chopped onions, juicy red tomato wedges, a kosher-style pickle spear, spicy sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. The toppings and their order are critical to making this culinary delight.
The other iconic dish linked to Chicago is the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Don’t be fooled by the name. This pizza is more than just a thick crust. To begin, a deep pan is used to frame a crust with deep sides. The crust itself is typically thin to medium in thickness and covers the bottom and sides of the pan. The “deep” part applies to the layers of toppings that are piled onto the crust. While traditional pizza has the cheese on the top, Chicago-style has the cheese directly on the bottom crust. Layers of meat, vegetables and other toppings are stacked on top of the cheese. The pizza is typically topped with an uncooked, chunky tomato sauce. This gooey goodness is sure to satisfy the heartiest of appetites.
Inside the Hotel
Of course, Rosemont offers more food options than just Chicago-style hot dogs and deep-dish pizzas. For your greatest convenience, the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago, where the Summit is located, offers three options to meet a variety of dining needs.
Perks & Perks To-Go: For something small or a quick grab ‘n’ go meal, stop at Perks to get a drink, snack, quick breakfast (including cereal, bagels, muffins, and French toast), or a small meal (salads, wraps, burgers, and more). The full menu is available at https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/illinois/hyatt-regency-ohare/chiro/dining.
O’H American Grill: If you have time to sit down and enjoy a fuller meal, the O’H American Grill fits the bill. The Grill offers an expansive breakfast buffet as well as a variety of lunches and dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Red Bar & Lounge: Ready to unwind with an adult beverage paired with comfort food? Stop at the Red Bar & Lounge, where you can enjoy pub fare and appetizers, among other menu options. The bar offers a variety of mixed drinks along with local craft brews. Among the choices is the Red Bar Brew, which they describe as “a deep amber ale with a toasty and sweet caramel start.”
Other Local Dining
If you want to step outside the hotel but not go too far away, head toward the Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District. It’s less than a mile from the Hyatt Regency and has a variety of options sure to satisfy your taste buds. Here’s a small sampling of what you can find close by:
- Adobe Gila’s
Mexican-American food
https://www.dobegilas.com
- Bub City
BBQ and a wide whiskey selection
https://www.bub-city.com
- Five Roses Pub
Traditional Irish food
https://www.fiverosespub.com
- Fogo de Chão
Brazilian steak house
https://www.fogodechao.com/location/rosemont/
- Park Tavern
Burgers, sandwiches, pub food, and craft beer
https://www.parktavernrosemont.com
- Murray Bros. Caddyshack
Movie- and golf-themed casual dining
- Morton’s The Steakhouse
Upscale and comfortable steak house classics
https://www.mortons.com
If you’re looking for a bit of a food adventure, you might want to head into Chicago to visit one of the many restaurants that top the lists of some of Food Network’s favorite hosts and judges. You might find a Chicago culinary classic at one of these venues.
For details and additional restaurants recommended by Food Network personalities, visit Food Network Best Restaurants in Chicago at https://www.foodnetwork.com/restaurants/photos/restaurant-guide-chicago.
As you can see, there is no way to provide a comprehensive list of food options in Rosemont or Chicago. Both cities have options to delight any appetite.
Dining during COVID-19 can look a little different, and guidelines/restrictions will shift as conditions change. Be prepared by bringing your mask, your COVID-19 vaccination card (either the card or a photo of the card), and your photo ID. When heading out, plan ahead by checking the restaurant’s website for updated guidelines and any reservation requirements.
Also, keep an eye on the final list of events to see what other gatherings the STC Chicago chapter will host.
Expand your knowledge, make connections, and have some good eats during the 2022 Summit.
