#22 Addison Portillo's

Still writing post, but here are the pictures.





Don, Carl, Debi, Maddie, Joy, Jeff

#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!!!)