The Bear’s behind-the-scenes chef on where to eat in Chicago

From the moment you meet Courtney Storer, you can tell she’s Chicago-born and Chicago-bred. Yes, the accent is a bit of a giveaway, but her warmth and affability are what radiate quintessential Midwestern charm. Until just a few years ago, Storer was a chef in the more traditional sense, working in kitchens from Paris to Los Angeles, that was until she got the opportunity to serve as both culinary and co-executive producer of FX’s The Bear, which is coming back for its fourth season on June 25. Culinary producer isn’t a typical production credit, but it was established for her because the role she serves on the show didn’t exist before. Essentially, everything food- and cooking-related on the show, Storer touches. Whether that’s training the actors in knife skills, crafting Michelin-level plates for the camera, or designing the ultimate spread for the iconic “Feast of the Seven Fishes” episode in Season 2. Storer might even indulge the cast for a craft service request of focaccia, as it’s a favourite amongst them. Outside the series, she’s currently working on her first cookbook and has a catering project, Coco’s to Go-Go, that was a huge supporter of LA fire relief.

Chicago’s been a great place to eat for a long time. With its many iconic dishes, including the show’s notorious Italian beef sandwich, it’s one of the ultimate high-low cities. You can indulge in foie gras over white table cloths one night, and the next you’ll be on a street corner eating a “through the garden” hot dog with the same fervour and enthusiasm. Here are some of Storer’s favourites for both.

Mr. Beef is all about that no-frills, perfectly messy Italian beef sandwich that comes hot and dipped

Nate LaCerra/Mr. Beef

The classic go-tos that scream “Chicago”

For me, it’s a three-way tie: Portillo’s, Mr. Beef, and Lou Malnati’s. These places are so deeply woven into the fabric of the city that just saying their names brings up memories. Portillo’s has that fast-paced energy and all of the Chicago classics, like hot dogs, super-sized sandwiches and other comforting favourites. Mr. Beef is all about that no-frills, perfectly messy Italian beef sandwich that comes hot and dipped. And Lou Malnati’s is a deep-dish institution. There’s something grounding about places like these. You walk in, you know what you’re getting, and they never let you down.

The definitive hot dogs, and their toppings

It’s too close to call between Gene & Jude’s and Jimmy’s Red Hots. Both are iconic in their own way. I go all in on the toppings, mustard, relish, onion and sport peppers (pickled, spicy), but not ketchup. That’s not a Chicago thing. They both serve a great hot dog.