 DeAngelo's Deli
One of Chicago's hidden gems, DeAngelo's offers a consistently rewarding menu of deli sandwiches and side orders, and for veg. people, has what must be one of the all-time greatest sandwiches, The Vegetarian. This bad-ass sandwich consists of grilled eggplant, roasted red and green peppers, and provolone cheese, on toasted french bread with lettuce, tomato, and giardiniera peppers. Goddamn right, it's good. It is always a red-letter day when I eat at DeAngelo's.
Somehow, I was able to find parking (I think it was a Monday around 6pm), always the biggest problem with eating in this area. It's not the sort of place you can just decide to go to and then go to, as it's near the busiest shopping district in downtown Chicago (Michigan Avenue/Water Tower Place). Finally, I arrived at 808 State … hm, there's an "acid house" joke in there somewhere, but I can't find it. Once inside, I savored the opportunity to feed my hongry face with a veritable feast of tasty treats. I had an 8" Veg. (with hot giardiniera, of course), potato chips, a small side of dill potato salad, and a large Sprite. The sandwich was God-frickin-jesus, goddamn good, the chips were good, and the potato salad, while sort of bland, was very fresh tasting and good. I watched the nature special they had on the TV and sat there basking in the mouthwatering glory of that mothercockin' sandwich. Cock, that's one bad-ass DAMN of a sandwich. Upon leaving, I got an oatmeal raisin cookie for the road, as well as a refill on Sprite (50 cents). The cookie was functional as dessert but not glorious, and the refill was full and honest.
Prices at DeAngelo's are high by fast-food standards, but for what you get the cost is fair. In fact, I'd pay upwards of thirty thousand dollars for that Sandwich. IT MAKES MY MOUTH DO THE FREDDIE, OH YEAH! The service is always efficient, if stern. Additional bonus: I found 55 cents on the sidewalk upon leaving. LIFE IS GOOD, YOU COCKS!
Review by Hermina Bushby, May 1998 |