Tony Bourdain's Chicago

I just saw the strangest thing on TV, and I must have it. It's a TomTom Beef Tamale, straight outta Chicago. It's an ultra-processed tube of tamale. A core of ground beef product is enveloped in corn masa, sorta corn dog style.


Anthony Bourdain introduced the nation to this oddity on tonight's No Reservations, set in Chicago. Apparently, Fat Johnnie's prepares TomTom Tamales like no other.

First, we've got the Tamale Sundae, which is a TomTom in a styrofoam cup, topped with chili.


Then we've got the Mother-In-Law, which is a TomTom in a hot dog bun, topped with chili. Drool.

*Photos courtesy Southern Foodways Alliance on flickr.

What also got my attention was the Three Little Piggy sandwich at Silver Palm. This sandwich definitely ties with the Vortex's (Atlanta) Double Bypass sandwich for its sheer artery clogging powers. The Three Little Piggy consists of smoked ham, a breaded pork cutlet, two strips of bacon, two fried eggs, melted guyer cheese, and capped with a brioche bun. Mercy.

One last thing that got my attention-- Hot Doug's duck fat French fries. Wow.

CKY