Our tour guide Casey, currently perched at the front of our bus, isn’t Carmy, the surprise hunk of The Bear TV show about a chef who has to haul himself home to Chicago to take over his family’s sandwich shop. Casey also isn’t actor Jeremy Allen White, who catapulted his starring role as Carmen Berzatto into superstardom. But Casey is a cute actor who also happens to be wearing Carmy’s iconic blue apron on Yes, Chef!, our Chicago Food & City Tours’ The Bear-themed eating extravaganza, and that is enough for this busload of fans.
“Are you ready, fellow eaters?” he yells.
“Yes!” we shout.
“Yes what?”
“YES CHEF!”
Launched last fall in response to Bear hype, this tour is just the latest way the Emmy-winning show is pushing a new version of Chicago as a reason to visit.
When I heard about a tour that hits two of my sweetest spots—eating and one of my favourite shows—I knew I had to try it.
As much as it’s a tasty way to get a crash course in Chicago, it’s also a tasty way to (sort of) get closer to Jeremy Allen White via Carmy.
Chicago was a restaurant town long before Carmy arrived. Its chefs are swimming in James Beard awards and it’s home to 21 Michelin-starred restaurants, though it’s more known for deep-dish pizza, hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.
The Bear tour is inspired by an episode where sous chef Sydney goes on an eating marathon around Chicago, which means I get to do the same.
We start at Mr. Beef in River North. The show’s creator Christopher Storer is a childhood friend of co-owner Christopher Zucchero, and parts of the show are filmed there.
Our next stop is Urbanbelly Dumplings at Time Out Market, followed by Pizza Lobo, Roeser’s Bakery, Margie’s Fine Candies, Green Door Tavern and finally Ever for a memorable tasting menu.
The show authentically portrays restaurant life, with Toronto chef Matty Matheson appearing as Neil Fak and many real Chicago restaurants featured.
Ever, where the episode ‘Forks’ was filmed, provides the highlight of the trip. Touring the kitchen and standing where Olivia Colman’s character Chef Terry filmed scenes feels like a dream for any fan.
Chicago is, like its beef, both tender and tough. A city known for the blues, the Bulls, soaring architecture and now sloppy sandwiches. Seeing it through Carmy’s eyes was the perfect introduction to one of America’s greatest cities.
