| When it comes to Street food, Chicago is no | | | | You can pick the topping you want (rajas con |
| Paris. Or Thailand. Or even New York. | | | | queso, roasted poblano peppers) and also the |
| But the street food in Chicago isn't half bad either. | | | | cheese. |
| Even if it isn't the best in the world, it's certainly | | | | A nice change of pace from the usual taco |
| better than you will find in most Midwestern cities. | | | | burrito/tostada combos in just about every |
| And some of the "street food" that is served | | | | "Mexican" restaurant north of Texas. |
| inside restaurants is very good indeed. | | | | Find Los Nopales at 4544 N. Western Ave. and |
| Chicago Street Food Comes in from the Cold | | | | expect to part with 2.50 for the Sopes. |
| Here are 4 of my favorite recent discoveries of | | | | 3. Vietnamese Pan-Fried Rice Noodles at Tay Do |
| some street-style food that is served indoors at | | | | These noodles are wide, flat and slightly chewy |
| the diners and delis around the Windy City. | | | | and left to saute until they are crisp around the |
| 1. Pheasant Hot Dog at Hot Doug's | | | | edges. Exactly like the ones from the street stalls |
| How could you not love a place called "The | | | | in Vietnam. |
| Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat | | | | You can get one or more of several delicious and |
| Emporium?" I was in love before I even tasted | | | | authentic accompaniments to go with them. |
| the dogs. After my first bite, I was in heaven. | | | | Just don't try to order them by name - "hu tieu |
| One dog stands out from my...ahem...several visits | | | | xao rau cai tau hu." Though it is fun to ask your |
| on a recent Chicago trip. The Pheasant Dog is a | | | | server to say it.;-) |
| killer. The meat is encased with goji berries and | | | | Tay Do is at 1232 Bloomingdale Rd. in Glendale |
| the dog is nestled on a bun with jerk mayo and | | | | Heights and the Noodles run $7 |
| cheese-stuffed sweet peppers. I recommend you | | | | 4. Tropical Fruit Spring Rolls at D&J Bistro |
| also order a side of duck fries. | | | | Spring Rolls are a common street food in South |
| Doug only runs this dog on Fridays and Saturdays | | | | East Asia -- but you probably won't see many like |
| but has other specials everyday. | | | | these. |
| Hot Doug's The Sausage Superstore and Encased | | | | This dessert roll contains passion fruit mousse |
| Meat Emporium - 3324 N. California Ave. Pheasant | | | | rolled with fresh strawberries, kiwi and more. The |
| Dog - $7. Whoo-HOOO! | | | | whole thing is drizzled with raspberry sauce and |
| 2. Sopes at Los Nopales | | | | it's as delicious and it is unusual. |
| These cornmeal beauties look a bit like miniature | | | | D&J Bistro is located at 466 S. Rand Road in |
| pizzas. But don't be fooled - the taste is totally | | | | Lake Zurich and the Spring Rolls are $6.50 per |
| Mexico. | | | | order. |