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| - Meh - what is the big deal here folks? Honestly?
Lord knows that Phoenix is packed (PACKED!) with homesick Chicagoans who miss the comfort foods of their childhood.
I will say that I was impressed with the building and structure - this is a huge palatial restaurant, and I love the little retro detailing inside. It is eye candy at it's finest, and the place seems to anticipate a massive following based on the cavernous size. Neon everywhere, cool old photos (I'm from L.A. so the Chicago memorabilia was fun to look at).
But in a way it all seemed kind of fake - surreal really - like a Disneyland Main Street USA - or a movie set. It feels like they are trying too hard... to make a new place that intends to expand to multiple locations feel like some kind of old style place you grew up in as a kid.
So in the end, this place is a chain... and the food tastes that way.
With all the talk about the amazing PORTILLO'S - well gushes really (mostly from ex-Chicago pals who raved about this sacred shrine), I had high expectations.
The (mostly young) staff seemed very well trained, clean-cut and knowledgeable in the In 'N Out Burger kinda way.
Admittedly I have only eaten at Portillo's once - about 10:30 PM last night (Sat). I ordered their (supposedly) famous chopped salad and let me cut to the chase by saying that this was basically a salad you could get at any TGI Fridays or other non-cult fast food joint.
I watched it being made before being hand tossed - tasteless & cheap cubed while meat chicken (like from a can), little bits of macaroni, cheap (mostly) iceberg lettuce (menu says Romaine too but I count not detect any) -blue cheese (didn't taste any) - Bac-Os bacon bits - and a VERY (overly) strong creamy horseradish dressing. Horseradish? Yup.
This is NOT a great salad folks - give me a break What a joke.
They should have more appropriately named this stinker a "horseradish chopped salad" as that is exactly what it tasted like.All horseradish!
I know, I know...shoulda ordered their world famous hotdog or Italian Beef huh? I wasn't in the mood for meat last night, but I will give Portillo's another shot some day.
But so far my initial impression is this place is based on the fantasies and exaggerated memories of the many lonely heart Chicago natives who miss their basic staples.
Apparently the Portillo's genius/mogul owners have big plans to open another location soon at Tempe Marketplace. Woo-hoo! Go get 'em guys. Best of luck - over expansion too quickly literally killed the once high flying Krispy Kreme Doughnut operation in Phoenix - why not take your time and improve the food a little? Best way to kill a cult is to over expand - there are only so many Chicago people drinking the Kool Aid, right?
There is nothing wrong mind you with simple food like dogs and burgers made exceedingly well - but so far TED'S Hot Dog's in Tempe is the real deal for quality and authenticity.
The authenticity of a TED's looks and tastes REAL.
Portillo's may kick ass here in Phoenix, but so far I am not at all impressed with the food. Hot dogs and burgers are a dime a dozen.
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