For fans of the hit psychological comedy-drama The Bear, life is about to become more binge-worthy.
Season four has recently premiered on Disney+ across Asia, captivating audiences with its thrilling blend of humor and high-stakes drama in the restaurant setting.
To celebrate the show, a special food tour was conducted in Chicago, spotlighting iconic dining spots featured in the series.
The tour began at The Peninsula Chicago, a luxurious hotel known for its fine dining and historical significance.
Just a short walk away lies the perfect starting point for a 3.5-hour culinary adventure, offered at a cost of US$129.
Hosted by the charming Casey from Chicago Food Tours, an actor who once auditioned for The Bear, the tour revisits six locations highlighted in season two, episode three.
Draped in a chef’s apron, Casey engages the group with the catchphrase, ‘Yes Chef!’ making for an interactive and lively experience.
Casey promises to nourish not only the stomachs of his guests but also their minds and souls as they embark on this unique gastronomic journey.
The first stop was Mr. Beef, the iconic establishment that serves as the primary filming location for the pilot episode.
The owner, Chris Zucchero, a childhood friend of The Bear’s creator Christopher Storer, ensures an authentic experience for patrons craving Italian beef sandwiches.
Here, you can customize your order, choosing between provolone, hot giardiniera or sweet peppers, and most importantly, request your sandwich to be served ‘wet’ — dipped in the delicious au jus.
To add to its charm, this establishment has a rich history; even comedian Jay Leno has ties to Mr. Beef, having worked shifts there in gratitude for their support during his early career.
As guests savor their Italian beef sandwiches, they can spot familiar faces in photos lining the walls, including the show’s own Matty Matteson, while reminiscing about past regulars.
Next on the culinary agenda was Urbanbelly, where guests found themselves at the Time Out Market Chicago indulging in caramelized chicken dumplings crafted by Korean-American chef Bill Kim.
Even though they were unable to visit Lao Peng You, the original spot for dumplings featured in The Bear, Casey ensured that everyone still enjoyed a delightful food experience.
The bustling Fulton district is currently one of Chicago’s hottest dining destinations, suggesting that food enthusiasts return for a DIY food tour to explore other spots featured in The Bear, including the popular Kasama and Paulina Meat Market.
Pizza is another staple in Chicago, and with a firm belief that deep dish is not the city’s favorite style, Pizza Lobo was next on the list.
Located in Andersonville, this pizzeria offers New York-style slices that have captivated many, especially their standout pepperoni.
Despite its delectable menu, guests were treated to a unique photo opportunity, as Sydney orders from the to-go window in the series, which is mirrored in the restaurant’s setup.
The scene was complete with the iconic sound of the L train running directly above the establishment, providing an authentic Chicago ambiance.
The tour then moved on to Roeser’s Bakery, the oldest bakery in operation in Chicago, which has been serving its patrons since 1911.
Roeser’s is beloved for its custom cakes, fruit tarts, and famous key lime pie, but it holds a special place in the hearts of The Bear fans as it’s where Marcus sought inspiration for his donut recipes.
Guests were fortunate enough to witness one of their colossal strawberry donuts, described humorously by Casey as ‘the size of a baby’s head.’
After sampling delightful pastries, the tour continued to Margie’s Candies in Bucktown, a cherished 100-year-old institution.
This candy shop and ice cream parlor is known for its sundaes, milkshakes, and rich English toffee made with real butter.
The ambiance here is nostalgic, featuring old-school booths that have welcomed an impressive roster of celebrities, including The Beatles and Mick Jagger.
Their signature sundae, topped with whipped cream, a cherry, and an abundance of chocolate fudge sauce, made for a fitting end to the delicious culinary journey.
Finally, the tour concluded with a visit to Green Door Tavern, situated just a stone’s throw from the starting point at Mr. Beef.
In operation since 1921, this bar celebrates Chicago’s rich history, featuring memorabilia from decades past and even the original Playboy pinball machine.
It also has a hidden speakeasy room known as The Drifter, a testament to the city’s Prohibition-era history.
With satisfied appetites and minds full of culinary knowledge, there was only one thing left for the participants to say.
‘Yes, Chef!’
To indulge in the rich food culture of Chicago amid the backdrop of The Bear, booking a stay at The Peninsula Chicago offers the perfect kick-off for an unforgettable experience.
image source from：travelandleisureasia
