What's a New Orleans Kitchen Doing in the Loop?

[seamusd]

Yeah, I knew better than to expect an authentic New Orleans style po-boy from a chain, even one billing itself as "New Orleans Kitchen." After all, their signature dish is called "Bourbon Chicken," which is not a dish I had ever tried or even heard of in the 40 years I lived in New Orleans

Comments

[stephe]

My wife has similar things to say about the "Philadelphia cheese steak sandwiches" on offer throughout the Midwest. Some things, I guess, don't translate well.

[sttatus_quo]

If the french bread didn't cut your gums, it's not the right bread.

You find a substitute for Hubigs up in da frigid Nawth?

[seamusd]

I never much liked *gasp--blaspheme!* Hubigs Pies. Way too much fat!

[sttatus_quo]

You may be the only native I know that doesn't.

Where did you go get your Po Boy's when you were a kid?

[seamusd]

Various places in Lakeview, sometimes the Parkway Bakery or Bucktown.

[jwbaz]

The Chicago-style hotdog/pizza/Italian beef abomination is right in line here. Shit, even in Chicago some folks are fuckin it up. When I travel the country I see places advertising "Chicago-style" and immediately I want to stab someone.

Regionalism and food rarely translate when moved from origin. Ask someone from Texas, Kansas City, or Carolina how they feel about regional BBQ and watch as they white-knuckle anything within arm's reach.

[seamusd]

I've never had an Italian beef sandwich that I liked. I'm too spoiled by the New Orleans roast beef po-boys I grew up eating.

[jwbaz]

exactly my point. I have yet to have a beef sangwich outside of Chicago that measures up to the standard I carry.

[low_delta]

I've never had an Italian beef sandwich that I liked.

Ah, but you've never been to Italy! Er, wait...

[seamusd]

I hope they didn't think one or two olives on the lettuce of a sandwich constitutes the olive salad served on a muffaletta!

Actually, Chicago has at least one restaurant that serves authentic New Orleans cuisine, Heaven on Seven.

I don't eat ribs, but I had no idea Chicago had a reputation for them.

I believe

[i_dread]

During a 7 hour layover in Omaha, Neb. I couldn't find any places to eat, downtown. It's was a ghost town of empty storefronts. Finally, I stopped someone and asked them. They pointed out a couple of places a few blocks from where I was standing. I ended up at a Jazz bar, owned by a Cajun. I asked if they served Po Boys, and he smiled. Mine was fully dressed and running over with shrimps. Needless to say, I was a very happy camper. Nice convos too. You're making me hungry.

Re: I believe

[seamusd]

Occasionally you'll find a place like that, run by an expatriate.