You can't talk about Chicago barbecue without mentioning Russell's, and this iconic spot figures prominently in Jeff's food biography as well. This was where his folks would take him to celebrate life's little achievements, and the food has since set up shop in Jeff's heart. He watches with reverence as manager Ben Tarpia takes him into the kitchen and to the pit. Still smelling of wood-smoke, Jeff rushes back home to fire up his own pit, and goes straight-up luau with a Hawaiian BBQ pork sandwich decked in pineapple, then goes stateside for a chicken salad on Texas toast, paired with potato salad. Fire it up!
Jeff Mauro is putting The Kitchen's best summer side dishes front and center, and he reveals a new recipe for his Potato Chip Potato Salad, too. Geoffrey Zakarian mixes up zesty Fusilli with Arugula Pesto and Crispy Pancetta, and Jeff and Katie Lee Biegel team up for fast and sweet bruschettas, topping one with Peaches and Goat Cheese and the other with Strawberry and Ricotta. Then Sunny Anderson and Jeff serve up Sambal Mayo and Crunch Ranch Grilled Corn, Katie impresses with a colorful Peach and Cornbread Panzanella, and guest chef Fabio Viviani whips up his Fresh Bean Salad with Roasted Chickpeas, Crispy Mortadella Bites and Mustard Vinaigrette.