A Love Letter To Portillo's
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

A Love Letter To Portillo's

There's an Italian beef sized hole in my heart that can only be filled by you!

670
A Love Letter To Portillo's
Portillo's via Facebook

Dearest Portillo's,

Where do I even begin with you, my delicious Chicago restaurant chain? I guess I should start by saying that I miss you. When I chose a college away from the Midwest, I knew that I would be forced to become independent and self-reliant.

And while I have successfully established a routine where I get myself up on time (yes, even for those 8:30 classes), make my bed (you're welcome mom) and manage to get some food in me (coffee counts, right?), there still remains an Italian beef sized gaping hole in my life that I've learned can only be filled by you.

They say distance makes the heart grow fonder. After spending nearly two years 12 hours away from Chicago, I'm wholeheartedly convinced this saying was contrived with your french fries in mind. What I would give right now to wait in your drive through for 15 long, agonizing minutes as your dutiful workers in Portillo's parkas take orders in subzero weather. (Because, seriously, what other restaurant chain is like this?!)

It wasn't until my dear roommate from Boston, a land foreign to your goodness, was able to rattle off my standing order that I realized how much I actually talk about you. What can I say? I miss you.

Whenever I'm lucky enough to fly back, and the plane begins its descent over the sparkling lights of the Second City which is truly second to none, I always sit up straighter in my seat and begin to count down the minutes until we are reunited. It's become a tradition that I stop in and visit you before I actually make it back to my house, because, let's face it, you're just as much as my home.

When I spin my way through your revolving door, hear that peppy jazz, and breathe in the smell of food, love, and something in-explainable, but soChicago, I can't help but smile. Why? Because I'm reminded of one simple little fact: I'm from the greatest city in the world with the greatest food in the world.

So my dearest Portillo's, I suppose I should end this declaration of love by saying thank you. Thank you for your Italian beef when I'm feeling homesick, your chopped salad for when I try to convince myself I'm being "healthy," and for your chocolate cake when I want to celebrate.

Thank you for being this Chicago girl's go-to comfort food and best friend. If you ever venture out to Philadelphia, I promise you that I will be first in line, greeting you with open arms and an empty stomach. But even if you don't visit me, don't worry, I'll still come visit you. Because for me and millions of other Chicagoans, you'll always be home.

Love,

A Chicago Girl Who Really Wants an Italian Beef with Fries

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

40344
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24948
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950657
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

131694
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments