Echoing comments above, one thing to keep in mind is that this show has been all over Asia, though I'm not sure about Mexico and Central America. Most of the bizarre things in Chicago happen also to be the bizarre things from the homeland of the GNR owners. Maybe that diversity could be a focus.

PS, I'm always a little surprised that the oatmeal shakes at Irazu are seen as bizarre or highly unusual. Batidos de avena (oatmeal shakes) are very common around the Caribbean and C. America and can be found at many Cuban spots in S. Florida. As common, and better IMO are batidos de trigo (puffed wheat cereal shakes). If Irazu has those, I will have to stop by. I also love avocado, guanabana, papaya and mamey shakes. All but the last one can be easily had at many Viet or Chinese places.

JeffB wrote:PS, I'm always a little surprised that the oatmeal shakes at Irazu are seen as bizarre or highly unusual. Batidos de avena (oatmeal shakes) are very common around the Caribbean and C. America and can be found at many Cuban spots in S. Florida. As common, and better IMO are batidos de trigo (puffed wheat cereal shakes). If Irazu has those, I will have to stop by. I also love avocado, guanabana, papaya and mamey shakes. All but the last one can be easily had at many Viet or Chinese places.

Actually, Jeff - you bring up a very interesting point that I think gets to the heart of the culinary scene in Chicago. One of the things I absolutely adore about living here is that you can see the exact same food reimagined through dozens of cultures from all around the globe, all within an hour's drive of each other - all the shakes you mention above are readily available in Mexican places, too. Think about hotdogs (e.g. salchipappas, Indian-style curried hotogs) or, better yet, bacon - yes, you can follow the current popular meme, but think of all the ethnic porkbelly preps and how far around the world they travel.

Hello,

I also would agree that Birrieria La Barca Jalisco is a must stop for Senor Zimmern.
Zaragoza is just as delicious but La Barca has a lot lot more to offer in the bizarre category.

quails in red sauce, fermented pineapple drink, machito, catfish egg tacos (so good)

Check out my ongoing love affair with this place if you enjoy stilted food reviews.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/birrieria-la-ba ... co-chicago

Also,

a block down from La Barca is Encanto Michoacano 4228 W 26th Street where you can find Pansita de Chivo.
and... just down the way from there is Villa del Mar at 4214 W. 26th. There, you can find blood clams!!!
and.....just down the way from there is Restaurante Delcias Mexicanas 4148 W 26th st where you can find those much talked about Mexican hotdogs.

This block is my Mexican Mecca.

ps.
the taqueria across the street from these places has carnes apaches, which i had never seen before. just had it today and was fantastic too. tomato based peppered steak dish.

Hog Butcher for the World,
Tool Maker, Stacker of Wheat,
Player with Railroads and the Nation’s Freight Handler;
Stormy, husky, brawling,
City of the Big Shoulders



If a "theme" could possibly be developed for the city I think it might be neat to focus on its historic role as "Hog Butcher for the World" (and butcher of other animals as well). Even though this isn't really applicable in the modern context of crazy-industrialized meat production it is still central to the historic character to the city. Most of these have already been touched on by earlier commenters, so I'm really just echoing and agreeing with their suggestions, but maybe have Andrew try the pig brains on toast at Mado, the crispy pig tail and pig snout at the Bristol, the pickled and sliced pig ear at Spring World or Chi Cafe in chinatown, then maybe something progressively piggish from a high end "experimental" cuisine place like Schwa or Bonsoiree or even Lockwood (he's not really that Out There, but seems like he'd be game for a challenge; and Moto's busy enough on TV with that Green Network show or whatever so they can take 'er easy for now). From there you could go into the non-porcine land of Devon Ave. and try some beef (kitfo tere at an ethiopian place?) or head down for goat stuffs at Birrieria La Barca or Zaragoza, or both. You could thread all of these together with the slaughterhouse to the world theme.

It's a tough city, since I don't see the benefit of going around and trying the most "bizarre" thing on the menus of most ethnic places, since you often just get a diluted and weak facsimile of something that would be better to try when the show is at the actual country of origin (not always the case, but often the case). But to ignore the many ethnic establishments would basically ignore all of the best places that are ingredient to the city's character, so the real trick/problem is to find a common element that will make the show cohesive. So I guess my suggestion is "dead animals scattered around town" (you can probably tweak the language to be more appealing).

Also, to again echo other posts, I love Hot Doug's and he couldn't be a nicer guy, but it would be refreshing to have a food show in chicago that spread the love around a bit more. If he was hurting for customers I wouldn't say so, but I think he'll do fine with the existing press for a while.

One other thought: it might be neat to actually go to the Vienna Beef factory and maybe try some of the parts/mush along various stages of the production process. I know they offer tours, so they shouldn't be shy about a little transparency.

arader wrote:I also would agree that Birrieria La Barca Jalisco is a must stop for Senor Zimmern.

quails in red sauce, fermented pineapple drink, machito, catfish egg tacos (so good)

Wow, this place sounds amazing. I've got to try the Machito and Catfish Egg Tacos.

Another thing I would like to see highlighted on the show is the abundance of backyard chickens in the city. Perhaps also urban beekeepers like the Honey Co-op. Of course having chickens or bees is not bizarre, but in contemporary American urban areas, I think the general populace would consider this odd. Too bad morel season is over because it would be great for him to forage for morels in the forest preserves with someone. When I think of what defines Chicago for me, people here like to make things themselves DIY style. In NYC you can buy anything, in Chicago you can make anything!

I'm not sure when the show will be in town but on June 13th there is a tour of backyard chicken coops being organized by a group "Chicago Chicken Enthusiasts".

Village Creamery in Niles is a can't miss. I loved their American Cheese flavored Ice Cream. Not to mention French Toast, Whiskey and Guiness.

Joy-Yee is always an interesting experience. The food isn't necessarily bizarre, but the setting sure is. There are a couple in and around the city. We usually go to the one on Halsted.

GreenFish wrote:I also love the bakery on Wentworth that has marinated (cold) chicken feet that you can order to go, but I can't remember the name right now.

Just went today - it's Chiu Quon, which has been featured on this forum before, but no mention of the chicken feet, from my memory. They have their standard fare chicken feet, which comes with a nice vinegar sauce, and spicy, which I hadn't tried until today. Both are pretty good!

Chiu Quon Bakery
2242 S Wentworth Ave
Chicago, IL
312-225-6608

Hello! I'm so excited Andrew is coming to Chicago- obviously there are tons of options for him, but one restaurant that he can showcase at least THREE unusual menu items is Sticky Rice, near Irving Park Road and Western Avenue... first off, it's easily one of, if not THE best Thai restaurant in Chicago... second, with favorites like fried bamboo caterpillars, ant larvae omlettes, and 1000-year old eggs as an appetizer, he can't go wrong- they also serve one of my favorite soups: guay jup- a pork-innard feast of soup including pig stomach, liver & intestines in a soup base of pig blood... check it out & see what you think... if u need an "extra" for that segment, I'm a regular there!
stickyricethai.com
-steven weix

Welcome and I like the enthusiasm. I think you found your tribe. Sticky rice has been a favorite here since essentially the day it opened.

Early thread: viewtopic.php?f=14&t=1190&p=8721&hilit=sticky+rice#p8721

FYI - Bizarre foods was filming at Ruby's Fast Food - Filipino food over the weekend. Andrew had the crispy pata and diniguan, as well as sampled other Filipino fare. My friends went for lunch, and were suprised by the large crowd and filming crew.

Not sure if a special 'bizarre' filipino dish was made for the taping, though I know they do make catering requests on certain filipino dishes.

Ruby's mentioned here:
http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=8712

Ruby's Fast Food
3740 W Montrose Ave
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 539-2669





(edited to add pictures)

What places did Andrew Zimmern/Bizarre Foods visit?

i know of uncle john's and wings around the world, also. Not sure where else.

TimeOut Chicago somehow got a hold of the production schedule.

David Hammond wrote: TimeOut Chicago somehow got a hold of the production schedule.

Awesome. Love that Birdo made the list (although Ruby's, mentioned above, is not on the schedule, so there may be some surprises yet). Also saw a Kevin Pang picture on Facebook of Billy Dec, Andrew, and G Wiv outside of Uncle John's, I believe. Gary is chief host-with-the-most in that crowd, in my opinion.

For sheer entertainment value, David Tamarkin's comment on the TOC Blog takes the meow:

By far the grossest thing on Zimmern’s show is his condescending brand of xenophobia. Yuck indeed.

I give him more credit. He's certainly game for everything in this second career, and not without circumspection: the Jim Laski of culinary television. I look forward to the show and am proud of the LTHers who contributed.

Santander wrote:Awesome. Love that Birdo made the list (although Ruby's, mentioned above, is not on the schedule, so there may be some surprises yet). Also saw a Kevin Pang picture on Facebook of Billy Dec, Andrew, and G Wiv outside of Uncle John's

I had the pleasure of "taking" Andrew Zimmern to Wings around the World and Uncle John's. Kevin Pang was at UJ's in reporter capacity, though look to see his exuberant self on the show as well. Billy Dec was there as he is both one of the coolest people in Chicago and friends with Andrew Zimmern. I was a little surprised to find AZ's humor matched my own, off color, inappropriate and heavy on double entendre, I found him a really nice fellow.

Far as the Time Out list it looks to be an early outline and is not complete or 100% correct, though I can only speak directly to my two spots.

Andrew Zimmern, Gary Wiviott



Uncle John's

Photo Phil W


Abeng Stuart, owner Wings around the World with cameraman



Tammy, Bizarre Foods staff with Mack



Andrew Zimmern, Phil Wingo



Kevin Pang, Andrew Zimmern





A terrific experience, kudos to both Bizarre Foods staff and Andrew Zimmern, making TV is a hell of a lot more complex than one might think.

Enjoy,
Gary

was a great time , & the bbq was outstanding.
he is a cool guy down to earth

Thanks for posting the great photos! The line up looks great, I'm looking forward to seeing the show. Sounds like it will be better than the Bourdain one.

I'm psyched about this sort of great exposure for some of these confirmed and/or rumored spots. But what's, er, bizarre about Uncle John's? How awesome it is?

ya.
uncle john's is a fantastic joint but it's not bizarre in the least.

is it too late for andrew to check out Birrieria La Barca Jalisco? yes, sadly i believe it is. my vote still stands for that place and that block in general. blood clams, catfish egg tacos and goat guts! oh my!

I literally walked into Andrew Zimmern on Monday at 7:50am in the Vienna Beef front office, prior to his tour of the factory. At 10:30am, the camera crew filmed my class at taste panel. You'll have to wait for the airing of Bizarre Foods to find out what happened, because, "I'll never tell!

A tweet from @madorestaurant just a while ago-

just finished taping for bizarre foods. we'll be filming the butchering demo and mr. zimmern eating all kinds of pig parts on sunday!

Jeff

Just came back from Maxwell Street Market. I was surprised to see Andrew Zimmern eating with Rick Bayless!

First place I saw them at was Arroyos Tacos. I ordered a Birria and cabeza taco and watched. The producer came up and ordered a "mutton sausage gordita" for them. I was really psyched to have my tacos prepared simultaneously as they were making food for those two! They ate a variety of tacos and gorditas while my wife wondered off to get a Oaxacan tamal.

We ventured south to try and find a huitlacoche huarache from Green House. As we sat eating at the table, the Bizarre Foods entourage walked by and to my delight stopped and ordered some gorditas! By this time they had attracted quite a crowd. I overheard someone say that they also stopped at one of the stands that sells various mexican candies and treats. Not sure exactly where else they ate, but I was very excited to have eaten at two of the places they went to.

I'm excited to see this episode!

Do a lot of people watch this show? It seems like he's been in Chicago for weeks! Good for him for apparently having such a big budget that affords multiple visits and world travel. I'm a bit jealous.

One of my friends was at Gene's Sausage shop Saturday morning and saw Andrew Zimmern.

jeff_deff wrote:Just came back from Maxwell Street Market. I was surprised to see Andrew Zimmern eating with Rick Bayless!

First place I saw them at was Arroyos Tacos. I ordered a Birria and cabeza taco and watched. The producer came up and ordered a "mutton sausage gordita" for them. I was really psyched to have my tacos prepared simultaneously as they were making food for those two! They ate a variety of tacos and gorditas while my wife wondered off to get a Oaxacan tamal.

We ventured south to try and find a huitlacoche huarache from Green House. As we sat eating at the table, the Bizarre Foods entourage walked by and to my delight stopped and ordered some gorditas! By this time they had attracted quite a crowd. I overheard someone say that they also stopped at one of the stands that sells various mexican candies and treats. Not sure exactly where else they ate, but I was very excited to have eaten at two of the places they went to.

I'm excited to see this episode!

Ran into them too. At one point yesterday, I mentioned to one of the producers, "did you all eat the sheep guts (a/k/a buche) from Arroyos, and Andrew (can I call him that) turned to me with a big smile and said, "yes".

Vital Information wrote: At one point yesterday, I mentioned to one of the producers, "did you all eat the sheep guts (a/k/a buche) from Arroyos, and Andrew (can I call him that) turned to me with a big smile and said, "yes".

Isn't buche pork stomach?

There's nothing especially bizarre about sheep's guts. If you eat natural casing hot dogs, you eat them all the time. (On the other hand, since Zimmern went to Vienna Beef, maybe he thinks hot dogs are bizarre.)

LAZ wrote:

Vital Information wrote: At one point yesterday, I mentioned to one of the producers, "did you all eat the sheep guts (a/k/a buche) from Arroyos, and Andrew (can I call him that) turned to me with a big smile and said, "yes".

Isn't buche pork stomach?

There's nothing especially bizarre about sheep's guts. If you eat natural casing hot dogs, you eat them all the time. (On the other hand, since Zimmern went to Vienna Beef, maybe he thinks hot dogs are bizarre.)

VI was keeping it general with "guts," which is probably a good idea because "buche" translates as esophagus (or maw) but sometimes also stomach. That said, I'm not exactly sure which guts the MSM version contains.

LAZ wrote:There's nothing especially bizarre about sheep's guts. If you eat natural casing hot dogs, you eat them all the time. (On the other hand, since Zimmern went to Vienna Beef, maybe he thinks hot dogs are bizarre.)

Not sure if you've watched the show or not, but I feel like you might be missing the point. It is not about Zimmern eating the most repulsive thing from each destination for the pure sake of grossing out his audience. Instead, it is show that investigates different cultures through a culinary lens. The fact that it's on the Travel Channel indicates that the show is not being produced for people who live here in Chicago. That's what LTH is for. Case in point: We were one of the shows resources.

I've lived here for three years now, and still find a Chicago-style dog a bit unusual. Neon-green relish, sport peppers, and tomato on a hot dog is indeed bizarre to millions of other people outside of Chicago. Having said that, there are enough shows on the Food Network and Travel Channel that have covered the Chicago dog. Given the fact that Zimmern also visited Gene's Sausage Shop and Franks and Dawg's, I'm pretty sure the show will at least partially focus on the history and progression of encased meats in Chicago. So no, he doesn't think "hot dogs are bizarre". But, Chicago's love affair with encased meats is definitely greater than any other US city I can think of.

I'm also guessing that he will discuss the history of the meat packing district, and then cut to Mado, and the Sunday afternoon butchering class. That, and BBQ. Although we don't have a definitive "style" of BBQ here, we surely have the biggest variety and one of the smallest bbq-to-resident ratios. People outside of Chicago would find that interesting. We are already known as a food town, but I think the production will seek to narrate how obsessed with meat we truly are.

If I was still living in Boston, and saw this show, I would put Chicago at the top of my queue of places to visit; and that is the very nature of the Travel Channel's most popular program.

Based on Pang's tweets (a friend of Andrew Zimmerns and his dining companion at Franks n Dawgs), he was looking for a minimalist-style Chicago hot dog, not "true" Chicago style, although it was required to serve up Vienna Beef. It sounds like there'll be a mini segment on Chicago charcuterie, since they also went to Gene's.

It's also been a bit of a spur of the moment trip, I think... Bizarre Foods did a Chicago show because their planned Ireland show got volcanoed out and they needed to come up with a quick alternative.

gleam wrote:Based on Pang's tweets (a friend of Andrew Zimmerns and his dining companion at Franks n Dawgs), he was looking for a minimalist-style Chicago hot dog, not "true" Chicago style, although it was required to serve up Vienna Beef.

There are many (myself among them) that will tell you that the "true" Chicago style dog is the minimalist style.