I had a chance to visit the restaurant Taste Chicago in Burbank when we shot there for an A and E documentary on the Chicago Cubs. Joe Mantegna (Criminal Minds) is the owner of this delightful family style restaurant. The feel is casual and down to business good food. I've been told it is the closest you can get to authentic Chicago style pizza and Chicago style eats in general anywhere in California. Joe is from Chicago and passionate about Chicago style food. I have actually had the pleasure of real Chicago style pizza when I was there visiting family and I have to say, I agree! Taste Chicago is insanely good and you forget you are even in California when you dig into the tasty deep-dish pizza. The menu is hardcore--only the best stuff: Chicago Dogs, Chicago Deep Dish Pizza and other ridiculously great Italian fair. The smell of the deliciousness as soon as you get out of the car lets you know you are in the right place.
My job as a make up artist is always interesting. People always ask me how to be a make up artist and what it is like to be a make up artist. On days like this one, I would say, smile, be Italian, do a good job on the make up and Joe Mantegna will order you a breakfast pizza when you wrap! (And, he stayed and ate with us too!!) The breakfast pizza is not on the menu, but something special Joe had the kitchen whip up for the crew. Amazing! Such a sweetheart and all that talent. He couldn't have been more down to earth, kind, and gracious. I love Joe Mantegna and I love Taste Chicago!
Here is a picture of the front of the restaurant. We shot out on the patio...
Links:
http://tastechicago.biz/
Follow Taste Chicago on twitter:
https://twitter.com/#!/search/taste%20chicago
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https://www.facebook.com/pages/Taste-Chicago/8637812191
