Ep 6. Chicago

Man V Food season 1 episode 6 takes us to Chicago, home of the deep dish pizza and the Italian beef sandwich. Host Adam Richman takes on the challenge of eating his way through the Windy City’s most iconic foods, including a colossal three-pound sandwich.

The episode kicks off at Al’s Italian Beef, a legendary Chicago institution that has been serving up Italian beef sandwiches since 1938. Adam tries the classic sandwich, piled high with juicy beef and topped with giardiniera and sweet peppers. But that’s not all – he also takes on the Al’s Famous Combo, a beef and sausage sandwich that is so big it requires two-handed eating.

Next, it’s on to the Purple Pig, a bustling restaurant that serves up Mediterranean-inspired small plates. Adam tries the pork fried almonds, crispy pig’s ear, and the signature milk-braised pork shoulder, which is so tender it falls apart at the touch of a fork.

No trip to Chicago would be complete without a deep dish pizza, and Adam heads to Lou Malnati’s to try their famous version. He watches as the pizza is made from scratch with a layer of buttery crust, followed by a mound of cheese and toppings, and finally topped with a tangy tomato sauce. He takes a bite and declares it one of the best pizzas he’s ever had.

But the challenges aren’t over yet – Adam heads to Moon’s Sandwich Shop for the Belly Buster Challenge. This three-pound sandwich is filled with beef, ham, turkey, bacon, and all the fixings, and Adam has just 30 minutes to finish it off. Can he conquer the Belly Buster and earn a place on the restaurant’s Wall of Fame?

Finally, it’s time for dessert, and Adam heads to Margie’s Candies for a taste of their famous sundae. This old-fashioned ice cream parlor has been serving up sundaes and candies since 1921, and Adam tries the Royal George, a towering sundae packed with hot fudge, nuts, whipped cream, and cherries.

Throughout the episode, Adam explores the culinary history of Chicago and meets the people behind these iconic foods. From the family-owned shops to the trendy restaurants, he discovers the flavors that make Chicago one of America’s greatest food cities. Whether you’re a native Chicagoan or just a foodie at heart, Man V Food season 1 episode 6 is a delicious journey through the Windy City’s most iconic eats.