Events › The Stories Behind Chicago’s Greatest Food Inventions

Who invented the Italian beef and giardiniera? How did the ingredients on the Chicago hot dog come together? What's a jibarito? How did Chicago become the home of the Jim Shoe, mild sauce and taffy grapes?

Learn the answer to these questions and more with authors Monica Eng and David Hammond as they discuss their book Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites. Eng and Hammond are award-winning, veteran Chicago food writers who have been researching local delicacies for four decades and bring their colorful and delicious origin stories to life in an interactive presentation with prizes.

Brush up on your knowledge of Malört, gyros, shrimp DeJonge, akutagawa, lollipop chicken wings and deep-dish pizza while learning how Chicago's immigrant cultures have enriched our local food scene.

Authors will be selling signed copies of their book for $20 after the talk – it’s a perfect stocking stuffer or holiday gift!

In partnership with Friends of the Edgewater Library and Edgewater Historical Society.

Accessibility

Need sign language interpretation or other accessibility assistance for this event? Please call (312) 747-8184 or email access@chipublib.org to request accommodations. Requests must be made at least 14 business days before the event.

Photo Source:  Monica Eng (L), Anjali Pinto (R)