If You Think Hamburgers Are the Food of the Gods, Then Chicago is Heaven

Chicago may have been known as the Hog40-Day-Aged Prime Burger at David Burke's
Butcher to the World (really!) in the 19th century,Primehouse
but today it is known for wonderful food of allSupposedly, David ages his beef in a room of
kinds.Himalayan salt tiles. Not sure if this is true but I
Chicago has climbed the food destination latter forhave no reason to doubt him. Especially when the
food travelers faster in the past 10 years thanburger is this good.
any city outside of the country of Spain. While itHe takes 10 ounces of his aged beef and puts in
may still trail NYC, New Orleans and San Fran ininside a potato bun with garlic spinach (!), bacon
the US, it is certainly a trip worth making.mayo and roasted shallots.
Here are 3 "Low Brow" Reasons Chicago is FoodieIt sounds crazy, but it works.
HeavenDavid Burke's Primehouse is located inside The
1. The Hamburger at Mindy's HotChocolateJames at 616 Rush St. and the Burger is a very
That's all it's called, "Hamburger." No fancy-pantsreasonable $12
name for this killer up-scale burger served at one3. Cortland Street Burger at Cortland's Garage
of the best pastry shops in the Windy City.Don't worry if you have never heard of this place
Mindy starts with about 7 ounces of Heartland- even if you are from Chicago. It's a little bar off
Farms beef (ground at the restaurant everyday)a side-street near Wicker Park just off of the
and adds aged Cheddar Cheese and crisp Bacon.Kennedy.
So simple - but, oh so good.But with burgers this good, I don't think it will stay
Even the bun deserves a mention here (whatunknown for very long.
would you expect from one of the best pastryChef Jim August takes pure Angus Beef and adds
chefs but perfection?) It is a house-made garlicapplewood-smoked bacon, fried onion strings,
dream.fresh avocado and white cheddar cheese to
And where else can you finish your lunch off withmake a burger that is weird and familiar all in the
world-class pastries? Highly recommended.same bite. Every last bite.
Mindy's HotChocolate is at 1747 N. Damen AveHead up north tonight and see what I mean.
and the Hamburger is $13Cortland's Garage is at 1645 W. Cortland St.