Alinea Chicago

Show takes a bite out of Chicago

Posted by Bill Daley at 12 p.m. CDT

Geoffrey Baer's two-hour special, "The Foods of Chicago: A Delicious History," premiered Tuesday on WTTW-Ch. 11 and proves once again why Chicago is one of the top food destinations in this country, if not the world.

The show brought the city's array of cultures and food into sharp focus, offering everything from authentic Mexican to those crossculture hybrids unique to Chicago, like deep-dish pizza, Italian beef and chicken Vesuvio. Lots of familiar faces, too, as Baer visits with food writers, including the Tribune's own Donna Pierce, historians, home cooks and restaurateurs.

The timing of this program is particularly appropriate given the attention Chicago's food has received of late. Saveur magazine devoted its entire October issue to the city, a first in its history. Charlie Trotter's $5,000-a-plate anniversary dinner that same month drew superstar chefs and food lovers from around the world. The James Beard Foundation named Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill the best restaurant in the nation last spring at a ceremony considered the food world's version of the Oscars. And Grant Achatz emerged as a superstar chef, whose Alinea restaurant was named No. 1 of the nation's 50 best in Gourmet magazine.

Given Chicagoans' typically self-effacing view of local foods, Baer's program proves there are ample reasons for city residents to toot their own horns. “The Foods of Chicago: A Delicious History” will be rebroadcast at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3, 9:30 a.m. Dec. 8 and 8 p.m. Dec. 9.