Searching for bacon and sausage

So we have had no luck finding a source of thick peppered bacon or a good hot Italian sausage. I'm up in Norwood Park, and have found several fun places to explore (Rich's Foods and Liquors on Harlem alone will take a couple of visits to conquer), but I'm starting to despair at tripping over our favorite meats.

We tried Schmeisser's, but it didn't have much in the way of complex spicing... just a one-note hot, really. I must admit, my bar is quite high... I'm a huge fan of Scimeca's from Kansas City, but cannot find a source here. I talked with Phil, and he did say he'd ship me ten pounds of the stuff (and if I wind up doing that, I'll definitely share the order with other LTHers who want a taste of the action), but really I'd rather find a local producer and support them. I'm looking for plenty of rich spicing, preferably with some anise, some real character and tradition.

The thick peppered bacon I loved back in KC was an applewood, but danged if I can remember the name...

Any favorite sources to share? A NW location would be ideal, but I'm willing to drive if I need to. Thanks so much!

Several options near Norwood

My personal favorite ( based on many many places) for Hot Italian is
Nottoli Italian Foods
5025 N. Harlem Ave., Chicago

My go to place for peppered bacon

Kolatek's
2445 N. Harlem Ave.
Chicago, IL 60707
773-637-3772
Just North of Grand Ave

Following up in case someone else has a similar search...

Nottoli's did indeed have a wonderful hot fennel sausage, and they're only about a mile away!

The peppered bacon is still eluding me. I tried Kolatek's, but all they had was peppered Canadian bacon, which isn't exactly what I'm looking for.

I'd heard good things about Nueske's, but there's nobody distributing within a reasonable driving distance. We finally broke down and ordered some shipped, and it is fantastic.

Nueske's
RR2, PO Box D
Wittenberg, WI 54499
www.nueskes.com

We signed up for their email list, and got a free-pound-of-peppered-bacon-with-order offer soon after. If the shipping price looks steep... know that you get your meats delivered via FedEx in a styrofoam cooler with lots of ice packs.

I'd still love to find a local purveyor of peppered bacon, so if anyone has any recommendations, bring 'em on!

Treasure Island carries Nueske bacon and ham locally.

If you're ever downtown you might ask the bacon/sausage purveyor in the new French Market in the train station. (I've suddenly blanked on their name.) I don't think they stock what you're looking for at present, but I've always found them friendly and ready to chat, and they surely have a good sense of local sources.
Just a thought.

The peppered bacon at Gene's is so good!!! It makes a wonderful garnish for a bloody mary!

Gene's Sausage Shop
4750 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 728-7243

Minellis's Meats have their own homemade Italian sausages. They're great.

They're located inside the shopping center on the corner of Oakton and Milwaukee

Minelli's Meat & Deli
7900 N Milwaukee Ave
Ste 6
Niles, IL 60714