Chicago I Love You

 Chicago Brisket Sandwich

The Brisket Kid’s Most Tender Beef Brisket on a Grilled Roll
With Smoked Mozzarella and Spicy Asian Slaw

To play basketball in the alley with my nephews. To watch Stone’s baseball game at Wells Park. To reconnect with some of the kindest, most caring and fun 125 people I have ever known at our high school reunion. To be visiting my favorite town during the celebration of the Stanley Cup. To dine at fabulous restaurants with my brother and darling sister-in-law. To have a BBQ with a super-talented finalist of Top Chef. To have my brother declare that my “Chicago Brisket Sandwich” is the best sandwich he’s ever had. Last weekend ranks up there. Way. Up.

The Brisket

My nephew, Stone, has been making brisket with me since he was 4 years old. Now, at 10, he can cook it by himself. For our party this past weekend we served my “Chicago Brisket Sandwich.”  Stone’s most delicious & tender brisket recipe can be found here. He insists that you check it out.

My Chicago Brisket Sandwich

Spicy Asian Slaw:

• red cabbage, shredded
• nappa cabbage, shredded
• carrot, ribbons
• pea shoots, trimmed
• jalapeño, thinly sliced
• scallion, sliced

Dressing:

• 1/4 c. toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 c. rice wine vinegar
• 2 t. sugar (or to taste)
• salt and pepper

Toss the vegetables. Mix the dressing. Dress the vegetables just before serving.

Brush rolls with olive oil then grill. Place sliced hot brisket on grilled roll. Top with shredded smoked mozzarella. Place a generous amount of slaw over the cheese.

The Blackhawks

We dined on Michigan Avenue as the town celebrated their sports heroes. The skyline was dressed in red with “Hawks” and “Stanley is Back” stenciled in light. Congrats Blackhawks!

Just before the Championship game, Don, Kristy, and the kids were having dinner at a neighborhood restaurant in Roscoe Village. And so were three soon-to-be Stanley Cup Champions. Ever gracious and friendly Blackhawks Johnny Oduya, Marcus Kruger, and Bryan Bickell posed for photos with Jett and Stone.

The High School Reunion

Our fabulous reunion committee was able to arrange for us to tour the high school on Saturday afternoon. Thank you so much Judy, Peggy, Bruce, Carey, Ira, Rory, Steve, and Susan! You are awesome! My brother, Don, joined me in Rogers Park as we explored our old stompin’ grounds. We marveled at how some things had not changed in 40 years. At all.

Roger C. Sullivan High School was built in 1926. Our Dad attended Sullivan in the 1930s. Don and I located his name in the lobby on an Honor Roll recognizing the students who fought in World War II. Leonard H. Hirsch was a Captain in the US Army along with his friend Seymour Greenspan, his name listed just above alphabetically. Extending a profound thank you for your service to our Dad & Mr. Greenspan, and all the Sullivanites who have served our country.

Many many years ago I remember asking my Dad if Sullivan was new when he attended. He said, “They built it old.” I miss his humor. My father passed away from a heart attack at 49-years-old when I was in high school. Old friends, I want to take the opportunity now to thank you for your love and compassionate support through those very difficult times.

Our 40-year high school reunion was one enormous hug! A downstairs banquet hall in a Skokie hotel was filled to the brim with love, respect, and laughter. Lots of laughter. And a few sentimental tears too. Rogers Park was a very special place back then. I was sharing highlights of the evening with my 80-year-old mother…about how several friends asked about her and that many expressed how much they loved our family. How sweet is that?

It is an honor to know you my friends. You are the best of Chicago – the gregarious, good-natured, kind people I associate with my home town. I feel so very fortunate to have grown up with such an extraordinary group. May your lives be filled with much happiness. And may our paths cross again soon.

I continue to smile and I know I’m not alone. We’ll all be smiling for a long long time…