Ep 1. Chicago

The Layover is a travel television series hosted by the late Anthony Bourdain. In each episode, Bourdain spends a layover at a different city and explores its local food, culture, and nightlife. In season 2, episode 1, Bourdain visits the Windy City of Chicago.

Bourdain starts his layover at the historic Union Stockyards, once the hub of the city's meatpacking industry. He meets with author and Chicago native, Aleksandar Hemon, who takes him on a tour of the area and gives him an overview of the city's complex history and identity. From there, Bourdain makes his way to a local hot dog stand for a classic Chicago-style hot dog, with all the trimmings, of course.

The next stop on Bourdain's itinerary is the Heartland Cafe in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Here, he enjoys a vegan meal amid the communal atmosphere and live music. Bourdain then heads downtown to the famous Billy Goat Tavern, known for its "cheezborger, cheezborger" catchphrase. The tavern has been serving up burgers and beer since 1934 and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Bourdain then meets up with chef Paul Kahan, who takes him on a tour of the West Loop neighborhood, a former industrial area now home to some of the city's best restaurants. They stop at Publican Quality Meats, part butcher shop, part deli, part sandwich shop. Here, Bourdain samples a variety of charcuterie and sandwiches, including the famous Publican sandwich.

For dinner, Bourdain heads to Monteverde, an Italian restaurant in the West Loop. Chef Sarah Grueneberg serves up dishes inspired by her travels throughout Italy, including a pasta dish with squid ink and a veal dish with sweetbreads. Bourdain also finds time to check out the Aviary, a cocktail bar known for its creative drinks and avant-garde atmosphere.

Bourdain's final stop in Chicago is at the Hopleaf Bar in the Andersonville neighborhood. Here, he enjoys some of the city's best craft beer and pub fare, including a classic Belgian-style mussels dish.

Throughout the episode, Bourdain also takes in some of Chicago's iconic sites, such as Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago. He also meets with local residents and explores the city's diverse neighborhoods, including Chinatown and Pilsen.

Overall, "The Layover: Chicago" offers viewers a glimpse into the vibrant food and culture scene of one of America's most iconic cities. With Bourdain's signature wit and passion for travel, this episode is a must-see for anyone planning a trip to the Windy City.