When Sandwich King Jeff Mauro craves a thick slice of pork, he heads to Publican Quality Meats. Known for their choice cuts, Publican Quality Meats also dishes out an ever-changing sandwich menu that features mouthwatering options like braised pork belly, smoked trout and adobo pork shoulder.
Showcasing artisan cheese, bread and wine in all their high-quality, earthly glory, Pastoral Artisan Cheese is a Chicago specialty shop with four locations. It views artisan sandwiches as a lovely way to pair flavors, so when the Sandwich King stopped by, he went for the Sinfully Healthy Sandwich.
Owned by Jeff Mauro's aunt and uncle, Bernard's Cafe and Deli has been making homemade breads and pastas daily since 1987. Try a grilled vegetable sandwich on focaccia, one of Jeff's favorites, or sample a slice of pizza.
Jeff Mauro swung by Poor Phil's for a meal worthy of a Sandwich King. In addition to snow crab claws and lobster tails, try the Catty'Boy po' boy sandwich made with a blackened catfish that has the perfect level of spice.
This Puerto Rican restaurant is the birthplace of the "jibarito," a combination of savory steak or pork, melted cheese, crisp romaine lettuce, tomatoes, mayo and garlic all sandwiched between two flattened, deep-fried plantains (or as Jeff Mauro called it, "the world’s most interesting bun").
For a true taste of comfort, Jeff Mauro turns to Silver Cloud's sloppy joe on a brioche bun. The secrets to its success: a 24-hour cooking time and pineapple juice. If you're in the mood for something else, try the chicken pot pie or grilled cheese.
Burger Boss brings a new level of dedication to burgers. Meat is sustainably raised and is served with eco-friendly containers and utensils. When Sandwich King Jeff Mauro visits the Burger Boss, he opts for the bologna burger topped with an adobo-chipotle honey sauce.
This Chicago steakhouse has uncovered the secrets to making an incredible steak sandwich. When Sandwich King Jeff Mauro samples the shaved prime beef sandwich served here, he calls it “the most buttery bite” of any steak sandwich he’s ever eaten. For dessert, the chocolate pie is a must.
Stop in at Marion Street Cheese Market and say hello to “the big cheese,” Executive Chef Leonard Hollander. Jeff Mauro’s glad he did. Hollander’s beloved Cauliflower Sandwich has become a favorite with regulars who crave its delectable combo of fried cauliflower, sliced apples and curry aioli.
Simple yet elegant, Chicago's Luxbar is a prime spot for a romantic date night dinner. With a menu of upscale salads, entrees, burgers and specialty drinks, just about any taste can be pleased. Jeff Mauro went for the Surf and Turf Sliders, which shrink the classic combo into small sandwich form.
One of the few places in the city to get "restaurant quality" meats for home cooking, this butcher shop prepares custom cuts and deli products and hosts butchering classes for curious carnivores. Adventurous eaters can find everything from prime steaks to offal to whole pigs for their next barbecue.
Although located in Chicago, Fish Bar's menu reads like a New England seaside fish shack. Despite the option of having oyster po' boys, lobster rolls or frog's legs, Sandwich King Jeff Mauro heads to his seafood staple: The Crabby Patty.
This Chicago institution features recipes dating back more than 50 years. The highlight for Sandwich King Jeff Mauro is the corned beef made with a custom blend of pickling spices. Every order (about 1,000 each day) at Manny's Coffee Shop is topped with a golden potato pancake.
They say the bakery at this Chicago landmark is run just as it was in the '50s, using trusted family recipes for traditional Mexican treats like pan dulce, a soft and chewy sweetbread with a flaky decorative topping. Sandwich King Jeff Mauro used the spongy bolillo bread to construct a tasty torta.
When Jeff Mauro was in the mood to make comfort food on Sandwich King, the first place he went for inspiration was the Palace Grill in Chicago. The Ultimate Grilled Cheese is stuffed with three types of cheese and four strips of bacon, and the meatloaf sandwich is served with gravy on the side.
Make restaurant favorites at home with copycat recipes from FN Magazine.
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