Local Cuisine and Drinks

When it comes to incorporating Chicago’s rich culinary heritage into your wedding, think beyond the usual fare and embrace the city’s iconic foods and craft beverages. Here are some delicious and fun ideas to give your guests a true taste of Chicago:

Famous Chicago Foods
Deep-Dish Pizza: No celebration of Chicago cuisine is complete without mentioning the legendary deep-dish pizza. Serve miniature versions of this hearty favorite as appetizers or during cocktail hour. You can even set up a deep-dish pizza station where guests can choose their own toppings, ensuring everyone gets a slice they love.
Italian Beef Sandwiches: Another Chicago staple, the Italian beef sandwich, can add a unique and flavorful touch to your wedding menu. Consider serving them as part of a late-night snack to keep your guests fueled for dancing. Provide options for different styles, such as the classic dipped version or a dry variant with extra giardiniera for those who love a spicy kick.
Chicago-Style Hot Dogs: For a playful and nostalgic twist, include a Chicago-style hot dog cart at your reception. Piled high with yellow mustard, chopped onions, bright green relish, tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, these hot dogs are sure to be a hit. It’s a fun and interactive way to incorporate a beloved local treat.
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Local Craft Beers and Cocktails
Craft Beer Selection: Chicago’s craft beer scene is thriving, with numerous local breweries producing a wide range of exceptional beers. Feature a selection of craft beers from local breweries such as Goose Island, Revolution Brewing, and Half Acre Beer Company. Set up a beer tasting station where guests can sample different brews, or offer beer pairings with each course of your meal.
Signature Cocktails: Create signature cocktails inspired by Chicago. How about a “Chicago Fizz,” a refreshing blend of gin, lemon juice, and sparkling water, or a “Southside,” a classic cocktail featuring gin, lime juice, mint, and simple syrup? These cocktails not only taste great but also add a touch of local flair to your beverage menu.
Local Spirits: Incorporate local spirits into your bar offerings. Chicago distilleries like Koval and FEW Spirits produce excellent whiskeys, gins, and vodkas. Craft cocktails made with these local spirits can add an extra layer of sophistication and hometown pride to your celebration.
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Incorporating these famous Chicago foods and local craft beverages into your wedding menu, you not only delight your guests with delicious options but also celebrate the city’s rich culinary heritage. At Bweddings, we are experts at weaving local flavors into your wedding, ensuring a feast that’s as unforgettable as the love story it honors.