Chicago Food Gift Essentials: A Taste of the Windy City
Chicago, a city synonymous with architectural marvels, vibrant culture, and, perhaps most importantly, incredibly delicious food. From the moment you sink your teeth into a slice of deep-dish pizza to the first whiff of Garrett Mix wafting through the air, Chicago tantalizes the taste buds. But what happens when you want to share that Windy City culinary magic with someone miles away? Or perhaps you’re a Chicagoan craving a taste of home? That’s where the best food gifts from Chicago come in.
This guide is your passport to edible treasures, a curated collection of the very best Chicago has to offer, all packaged up and ready to be sent to friends, family, colleagues, or even yourself. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present for a die-hard foodie, a homesick Chicago expat, or simply someone who appreciates regional specialties, this list has something to satisfy every craving. Prepare to embark on a delicious journey through the best food gifts from Chicago!
Deep Dish Pizza: A Culinary Masterpiece Delivered
Forget everything you think you know about pizza. Chicago deep dish is a completely different animal, a culinary experience unlike any other. Its buttery, flaky crust rises high, creating a vessel for generous layers of cheese, toppings, and a chunky tomato sauce ladled on top. It’s not just pizza; it’s a commitment, a celebration, a food coma waiting to happen.
Luckily, several iconic Chicago pizzerias have mastered the art of shipping frozen deep dish across the country. Lou Malnati’s, a name practically synonymous with Chicago deep dish, offers a variety of sizes and pizza types that can be shipped directly to your doorstep (or the doorstep of your lucky recipient). Pequod’s, known for its caramelized crust, provides a unique and equally satisfying deep-dish experience. Giordano’s, with its signature stuffed pizza, is another popular choice. Each pizzeria offers different size options and package deals, making it easy to customize your Chicago food gift.
When ordering, be sure to factor in shipping costs and delivery times, as these frozen masterpieces require special handling to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. Consider adding a personal touch by including a pizza cutter or a Chicago-themed dish towel with your best food gifts from Chicago order.
Garrett Mix (or other Chicago-Style Popcorn): A Sweet and Savory Symphony
Garrett Mix isn’t just popcorn; it’s a cultural phenomenon. This perfectly balanced blend of cheese popcorn and caramel popcorn is an addictive combination that has captivated Chicagoans (and visitors) for generations. The contrasting flavors and textures create a symphony in your mouth, a constant battle between sweet and savory that somehow ends in perfect harmony.
Garrett Popcorn Shops are located throughout the city, and they ship their iconic mix nationwide. While Garrett Mix reigns supreme, don’t overlook other excellent Chicago-style popcorn brands like Wells Street Popcorn or Nuts on Clark. These local favorites offer their own unique twists on classic popcorn flavors and often have equally enticing gift packaging. Explore their flavor selections and find a treat that makes the best food gifts from Chicago.
Whether you opt for the classic Garrett Mix or explore other local offerings, Chicago-style popcorn is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to share a taste of the city.
Italian Beef: A Dripping, Delicious Mess
Italian beef is more than just a sandwich; it’s a Chicago ritual. Thinly sliced beef, slow-roasted and simmered in a flavorful au jus, is piled high on a crusty roll, then dipped (or double-dipped) in more of that glorious juice. Topped with sweet peppers, hot giardiniera, or both, it’s a messy, magnificent, and utterly unforgettable culinary experience.
For those longing for a taste of home, several Chicago institutions now ship Italian beef kits nationwide. Portillo’s, a beloved Chicago chain, offers a complete kit that includes everything you need to recreate their signature Italian beef sandwich. Al’s Beef, another legendary Chicago establishment, also ships their beef, ensuring that even those living far from the Windy City can enjoy this iconic dish. Buona Beef, with its family-owned roots and commitment to quality, offers a delicious alternative.
These kits typically include the seasoned beef, au jus, rolls, and often the option to add peppers and giardiniera. It’s the perfect way to bring the taste of Chicago directly to your kitchen, offering a hands-on experience with the best food gifts from Chicago.
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs: Deconstructed Deliciousness
A Chicago-style hot dog isn’t just a hot dog; it’s an art form. It’s a carefully constructed masterpiece, featuring a Vienna Beef hot dog nestled in a poppy seed bun, topped with yellow mustard, chopped white onions, bright green sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices or wedges, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt. No ketchup allowed!
While shipping a fully assembled Chicago-style hot dog might be challenging, you can easily create a “Chicago Hot Dog Kit” by sourcing the key components from various vendors. Vienna Beef hot dogs are readily available online, as are poppy seed buns. Find a reputable source for sport peppers and neon green relish. By assembling all the necessary ingredients, you can recreate this iconic Chicago culinary experience for friends and family, proving that the best food gifts from Chicago can come in pieces.
Sweet Treats & Desserts: Indulging in Chicago’s Sweet Side
Chicago isn’t just about savory delights; it also boasts a delectable array of sweet treats that are perfect for gifting.
Frango Mints: A Chocolate Mint Memory
Frango Mints hold a special place in the hearts of many Chicagoans. These creamy, melt-in-your-mouth mints, originally sold at Marshall Field’s (now Macy’s), are a classic Chicago confection. They are available in a variety of flavors, including classic mint, raspberry, and chocolate.
Frango Mints can be purchased online and in select stores, making them an easily accessible and nostalgic choice for a Chicago food gift. Their delicate flavor and elegant packaging make them a sophisticated and thoughtful present, exemplifying that the best food gifts from Chicago don’t always have to be the most filling.
Eli’s Cheesecake: A Slice of Chicago History
Eli’s Cheesecake is a Chicago institution, a symbol of celebration and indulgence. This rich, creamy cheesecake has been a staple in Chicago for decades, and it’s known for its impeccable quality and wide variety of flavors.
Eli’s Cheesecake ships nationwide, offering a range of cheesecake flavors and gift options. Whether you prefer the classic original cheesecake or something more adventurous like chocolate chip or salted caramel, Eli’s has a flavor to suit every palate. When shipping, ensure proper handling to preserve the cheesecake’s delicate texture.
Local Chocolatiers: Artisanal Delights
While Frango’s and Eli’s represent established sweet icons, Chicago also has a thriving artisanal chocolate scene. Vosges Haut-Chocolat, for example, is a Chicago-based chocolatier known for its exotic flavor combinations and luxurious chocolates. These artisanal chocolates offer a more refined and sophisticated gifting option, providing a taste of Chicago’s modern culinary creativity.
Savory & Unique Options: Beyond the Classics
Beyond the well-known staples, Chicago offers a variety of unique and savory food gifts that are sure to impress.
Chicago-Style Giardiniera: A Spicy Kick
Giardiniera, an Italian relish made with pickled vegetables in oil or vinegar, is a staple in Chicago cuisine. It comes in both mild and hot varieties and is commonly used as a topping for Italian beef sandwiches, hot dogs, and other dishes.
Chicago-style giardiniera is a flavorful and versatile condiment that adds a spicy kick to any meal. Many local producers and brands offer their own unique versions of giardiniera, making it a great way to showcase the diversity of Chicago’s culinary scene. Consider pairing it with other Chicago food gifts for a complete culinary experience.
Chicago-Style Spice Blends: Capturing the City’s Flavors
Local spice shops in Chicago offer a variety of spice blends that capture the unique flavors of the city’s cuisine. Look for blends specifically designed for Italian beef, Chicago-style hot dogs, or other local specialties. These spice blends are a great way to add a touch of Chicago flavor to home cooking, offering best food gifts from Chicago to aspiring chefs.
Tips for Gifting Chicago Food: Making it Memorable
The best food gifts from Chicago aren’t just about the food itself; it’s about the presentation, the thoughtfulness, and the experience.
Packaging and Presentation: Making a Statement
Presentation matters. Choose attractive packaging that reflects the Chicago theme. Consider using Chicago-themed wrapping paper, ribbon, or a gift box. A handwritten note expressing your well wishes adds a personal touch.
Shipping Considerations: Ensuring Freshness
When shipping perishable food items, carefully consider shipping costs, delivery times, and packaging options. Use insulated packaging and ice packs to keep food cool and fresh. Choose expedited shipping to ensure that the food arrives in good condition.
Personalization: Adding a Personal Touch
The best food gifts from Chicago are those that are tailored to the recipient’s preferences. Consider their dietary restrictions, favorite flavors, and cooking habits. Add a personal touch by including a handwritten recipe or a Chicago-themed cookbook.
Conclusion: A Taste of Chicago Delivered
Gifting food from Chicago is more than just sending a present; it’s sharing a piece of the city’s culture, history, and culinary passion. From the iconic deep-dish pizza to the addictive Garrett Mix to the savory Italian beef, there’s a Chicago food gift for every taste and occasion. So, explore the options, embrace the flavors, and send a delicious taste of Chicago to friends, family, or yourself. After all, who wouldn’t want a piece of the Windy City delivered right to their door? The best food gifts from Chicago are waiting to be discovered.
