Star Rating: 2.0
We guarantee if you ask anyone from Chicago what the three most famous and iconic foods this city is known for, all will agree: Deep Dish Pizza, Italian Beefs, and Hot Dogs. The “Windy City” is home to some of the ‘best’ in this food category. The competition is fierce and the rewards are great for these “family owned” businesses. E.g. - Lou Malnati’s, Pequod’s, Giordano’s, Gino’s East, Pizzeria Uno, Portillo’s, Al’s Italian Beef, Gene & Judes, Wolfy’s, and Superdawg just to name a few. Reputation is everything, so, trust when we say, these establishments are the standard and they set the bar high when it comes to serving these “home-town” classics.
Imagine our surprise when we discovered Cordon’s Taste of Chicago serves all three of our favorites on their menu. Hands down, if you’re in the mood for pizza that’s better than anything you’ll find at a chain like; Dominoes, Pizza Hut, or Little Cesar’s, give this rendition of deep-dish a try. It may not be the best Chicago has to offer but then again you won’t have to drive 1400 plus miles to enjoy a slice of gooey, cheesy goodness.
Cordon’s version of an “Italian Beef” will probably disappoint those spoiled at any of the establishments mentioned above, and try as one might, we wanted nothing more than to enjoy this classic. Instead we found roast beef slices that were too thick and tough to chew. The seasoning in the beef gravy (Au Jus) over saturated with pepper. The bread wasn’t fresh and definitely not a Gonnella roll which, when properly prepared is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. We also tried the Hot Dogs, though the poppy seed buns could have been steamed for optimum taste, all the right ingredients were used: An all-beef dog topped with mustard, neon-green relish, tomatoes, white onions, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a shake of celery salt. So, if you’ve never had this combination of ingredients, try one, why not. Apart from the food, the customer service was good, the people were friendly, and the ‘atmosphere’ fun for a night out with the entire family.
All-in-all not the kind of experience that leaves us hankering for more but, despite the less than stellar review, we applaud this family owned business for taking a major risk in bringing these “comfort foods” to the RGV. We’re open to trying Cordon’s again – like them – we love this city and want nothing more than for everyone to have a ‘Taste of Chicago’ as well.
As the saying goes…The best is often imitated, seldom, if ever, duplicated.
https://cordonstasteofchicago.com/
