#21 Oswego Portillo's

Still writing post, here are the pictures.

#20 Sycamore Portillo's

Still writing the post, here are the pictures.

 

#19 Tinley Park Portillo's

We (Josh, his friend Jon and I) stopped at the Tinley Park Portillo’s on our way to the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater.  This was the site of this year’s Q101 Jamboree.  The Jamboree consists of 16 bands playing on two stages.  The majority of the bands would be considered alternative rock (genre).  I really wanted to go to see one of my favorite groups, The Flobots (no ‘w’).  If you haven’t heard them I would recommend listening to this song.  However, like I said, the majority of the groups were alternative rock but not these guys.  The other group that I wanted to see was Papa Roach.  While they’ve been around for a while, and I can honestly say that I haven’t been too thrilled with their latest work, they’re still one of my favorites.  If you’re not familiar with them, this is my favorite song (warning - there is some profanity so don't get bent out of shape).  The last time Josh and I saw them was at the Sears Arena following a soccer game.  What’s great about this group is that even though the soccer/concert gig didn’t bring in a large crowd they performed a great show.  The current show was massive compared to that one.  I believe an announcement was made regarding 29k people.  Fortunately I wasn’t the oldest person at the show.  I can state this fact unequivocally because my friends Pete and Kelly G. were there with their sons Paul and Jason.  Despite a thunderstorm in the morning the ground was relatively dry and we were able to find a nice spot under a tree to park our lazy rear ends for the day.  It turned out to be a great location to people-watch.  Concerts seem to bring out the most interesting, or perhaps a better term may be ‘attention deprived’, individuals.  I couldn’t begin to really describe the oddities, but every possible hair color, tattoo, piercing, and choice of attire made a showing.  Like I said, it was entertaining.  Hopefully a couple of old dudes with gray and receding hair stuck out as well, but somehow I doubt it.  Thanks to Josh and Jon for letting me tag along.


Jeff
Breaded Chicken Sandwich (hotter than Hades)
Josh
Jumbo Hot Dog (again – seriously?)
Fries
Jon (Hot Dog – Ketchup only – hipster?)
Fries

#18 Bloomingdale Portillo's

Second Portillo’s in three days.  Funny, it wasn’t difficult to talk the same people into going in such a short period of time!  We met my nephew Greg and his girlfriend Annie at the Portillo’s in Bloomingdale.  Greg and Annie were on their way back to Kansas and not only suggested that we meet at a Portillo’s, they were happy to drive a few extra miles to go to one that I needed to visit.  Let’s face it, and this is ironic since Kansas is bespectacled with cattle, you can’t get what we call a ‘beef sandwich’ in Kansas.  Of course you can’t get KC barbeque in Chicago either, that’s the beauty of regional cuisine.  I’m sure we’re not the only ones, but when we plan vacations one of the first things we plan is where and what we’re going to eat.  Can I get a ‘YUM’?

Of all the Portillo’s we’ve visited so far I believe I like this one the best.  I know you’re probably wondering why if you’ve eaten here before.  It’s certainly unassuming from the outside, but that’s often the case in great places.  The interior of this Portillo’s is divided up into little streets with curbs and eating areas that are separated from each other.  Unlike the newer locations, with large open areas, this location affords some dining intimacy.  It’s much more conducive to conversations.  The only dining problem here lies in the pickup area where there can be a bottleneck.  One of the other things I really like is the extra large skylights.  One time we were here during a thunderstorm and it was awesome!  I do enjoy storms.  So, you’ve ascertained that this isn’t the first time I’ve been here.  We periodically met my mother and step-father here since it was about half way between our homes.  So, it holds some sentimental value to us as well.

As a side note, Annie made the ultimate compliment to Portillo's, she took along a hot dog for the road.  Way to go!

Jeff
Combo Beef and Char-Grilled Sausage (great)

Josh
Jumbo Hot Dog
Cheese Fries

Joy
Char-Broiled Chicken Sandwich

Greg
Big Beef
Fries

Annie
Italian Beef
Hot Dog (chaser)

All
Chocolate Éclair Cake (if they have it – get it!!!)

#17 Downers Grove Portillo's

We refer to the Portillo’s in Downers Grove as “Lyzz’ Portillo’s”.  Our niece Lyzz has long since moved to Portland, OR where you couldn’t get a decent Italian beef or hot dog if you were willing to pay a hundred bucks.  Not that we miss her, but that’s what she gets for moving away!  Well she’s here today along with the rest of the family enjoying Portillo’s one again.  While the visit is joyous, we’re been brought together hastily and for unfortunate reasons.  Everyone has come to town to say farewell to “Gramps.”  If you’ve been following the blog you’ve probably noticed that I haven’t written anything for a long time.  It’s been six weeks since his passing, and our visit to this Portillo’s, and I’m still having a difficult time putting down some words.  Perhaps this isn’t the best forum, but I really owe him a tribute.  Also, I’m not a historian so I won’t even attempt to write a biography.  I’ll pick up the story where I got to know him and for the sake of the blog, I’m only going to hit the highlights.

Albert Krafft (1916-2010).  He was my sister’s best friend’s father.  He (widower) and my mother (divorced) were, for lack of a better term, "set-up" by the girls and in 1977 they married.  In the process we (my brothers and sister) picked up three step-sisters, three nephews and a niece, including my best friend who instantly became my nephew (even though he’s a month older than me).  It’s not as complicated as it sounds.  Since I was the only one still living with my mom, Al (who I affectionately referred to as “Egg”) became my acting father.  I was graduating 8th grade and the timing couldn’t have been better.  I was very fortunate to have such a great role model!  He was intelligent, worked hard, cared deeply, etc.  Honestly, I couldn’t come up with enough positive adjectives if I tried.  Anyone who has raised a teenager knows it can be challenging, but we never fought.  Stepping ahead, he was married to my mother until she passed away in 1998.  All the while he was there for the birth of my son, my nephews and nieces, weddings and funerals.  I guess the same things we all experience.  There are so many stories, but the most memorable to me was the first time he introduced me as his son.  What a proud moment that was for me and something I’ll never forget!  Before he passed he said to me, “don’t miss me too much.”  That’s one thing that I could never promise.

Jeff
Garbage Salad (accidently flipped the bowl over but missed Sarah – better luck next time)

Joy
Chopped Salad

Josh
Combo Beef and Char-Grilled Sausage
Fries

Sarah and Joe, Greg and Annie, Lyzz and Gabe, Ruth, Nan
Stuff you can't get in Kansas or Oregon

Nan fell asleep while eating - pretty common