The Box o' Gout
Long ago, not as long ago as the cheese bet but not recently, the family saw a show on the Food Network about a place called Lou Malnati's, that has a "Tastes of Chicago" package that will give those far from the Windy City a taste of home. Or give those who've never been to the Windy City except to change airplanes a chance to see what all the fuss is about.
We have people in Chicago. We haven't actually met these people, but we like them. So we thought, "Hey, let's get one of those and start a new family tradition. We'll call it Iwanskifest!"
And then, because I have a liturgical nature, I inquired of Mr. Iwanski in what month such a celebration should be held and he said that November would be fitting. (As it turns out, a little bird told me that we would be celebrating Iwanskifest on the actual weekend of his actual birthday so how perfect is that?)
On Monday I ordered the package, which I have dubbed a box o' gout. It arrived today (with aforementioned cheese. There was something perfect about that as well). The package contains:
one deep-dish Chicago-style pizza
A slab o' ribs
A hot dog kit complete with mustard...
and assorted condiments. Something call a sport pepper, whatever the heck that is, and celery salt. Apparently, these are key ingredients to a Chicago-style hot dog.
And finally, because one must have dessert, there is also an Eli's cheesecake.
We have a very busy weekend ahead of us.
We have people in Chicago. We haven't actually met these people, but we like them. So we thought, "Hey, let's get one of those and start a new family tradition. We'll call it Iwanskifest!"
And then, because I have a liturgical nature, I inquired of Mr. Iwanski in what month such a celebration should be held and he said that November would be fitting. (As it turns out, a little bird told me that we would be celebrating Iwanskifest on the actual weekend of his actual birthday so how perfect is that?)
On Monday I ordered the package, which I have dubbed a box o' gout. It arrived today (with aforementioned cheese. There was something perfect about that as well). The package contains:
one deep-dish Chicago-style pizza
A slab o' ribs
A hot dog kit complete with mustard...
and assorted condiments. Something call a sport pepper, whatever the heck that is, and celery salt. Apparently, these are key ingredients to a Chicago-style hot dog.
And finally, because one must have dessert, there is also an Eli's cheesecake.
We have a very busy weekend ahead of us.
cobbled together by Moi at 6:10 PM
18 Comments:
hahahahaaaaa.... that is awesome! the power of iwanski be with you and glad tidings to you and your family.
you might want to wash that down with a 40oz of COBRA malt liquor whilst sitting in the humongoest recliner ever.
ps: i would like to point out that i am technically not of the "iwanski" clan. i am trailing out there amongst MHP's worthy clan.
And yet, any member of the MHP clan is a member of the Iwanski clan. So say we all.
Off to Costco tomorrow for the recliner.
My jaw is on the floor. I am beyond honored at all of this.
No chance at all this becomes a national holiday, I guess.
But still, this moment is the absolute height of my fame.
I thank you.
The hot dogs should be eaten with mustard, onion, relish, a small slice of tomato, hot peppers and a maybe pickle spear. A tiny, tiny dash of celery salt if available. Hear me on this. Tiny!!! Less than a pinch! Too much, and you've ruined your dog.
And if ketchup is involved in any way, the whole event may as well be cancelled.
Also, the music of the season:
-Blues Brothers
-John Lee Hooker
-Clancy Brothers
-Johnny Cash
Iwanskifest Activities:
-Talk about how the Cubs will win someday
-Play Trivial Pursuit
-Channel surf, find Republicans and pro athletes on TV, curse at them
-Blabber on endlessly about Mike Rokyo, Django Reinhardt, James T. Farrell, and other stupid Iwanski icons no one on Earth knows about
-You and a friend pretend one of you is a snack-hungry Iwanski and the other is the dreaded MHP. (This game is played alot like cops-and-robbers.)
A) Iwanski...the kit came with celery salt. And thanks a bunch for the details on how to actually enjoy the dog. That was key.
And while it may take a while to become a national holiday, it will become an annual family celebration.
2) Anonymous...who are you? For lo, you have added much to the celebration. We thank you.
You know I have seen this sort of thing before. Places like Cabelas and the like that sell meat and perichable groceries and offer to ship it to you.
I just have one question how it was it shipped? Does it need refridgeration? Was it shipped in dry ice?
Blast that was three questions...
Congratulations on the new holiday Iwanski! :)
Warning: The Surgeon General has determined that Iwanskifest may cause cantankerousness, uncontrolable fits of laughter, and a broadening of the vowels (no, not bowels--ick!).
I will be there at 7!
Grish, It came tightly packed in a styrofoam box within a cardboard box. There was a slab o' dry ice at the bottom. (I did not see the note to this affect until my left pinky encountered said packet of dry ice. Ow. I'm better now).
Everything was frozen solid and went straight into the freezer. Although I have to remember to pull out the pizza now. Because we're starting with that and I'm guessing it will take all day to defrost.
And I have to say, if the food is as good as it looks, it's a pretty terrific bargain. Malnati's doesn't charge you for shipping and you get to pick the date you want it delivered. Quite an impressive operation. www.tastesofchicago.com Guess I should have mentioned that before, huh?
LA: I'm anticipating broadenings of all kinds after this event.
Kendall: 'K. Bring the Trivial Pursuit.
If I send smelly cheese and foie gras and heady wine, can we have a nicolefest?
Well, duh.
(Of course, any time we eat French food it's a Nicolefest. You know that).
I like it!..I like the whole package of goodies and the excuse to munch out on a special day.
Any excuse for a party, right, Sling?
And today is also the day when, as The Spouse, fixes a door on the bathroom vanity, we will pause and remember cabinet-makers every where and the sacrifices they have made so that we can hid our hair dryers from the rest of the world. A grateful nation thanks you, man.
I am also honored by the holiday...and laughed much, as well!! *smiles*
MHP thanks you--and hopes you enjoy the food! :) :)
So what are Seattle's foods?--besides coffee?? *grin*
MHP: Thank you and please know that when Iwanskifest concludes we will spend the next week eating kashi, salad without dressing and drinking mineral water.
A Seattle fest would necessarily include salmon, Walla Walla sweet onions, hazelnuts, asparagus, goat cheese and of course, apples. Not very gout-making but washed down with some fine Washington state wines and followed up by, of course, some coffee and perhaps some chocolate covered cherries (real dried cherries with dark chocolate) it would make for a pleasant enough evening.
This all sounds too good to be true. I am flying in from Santa Fe to join in the first annual Iwanskifest.
I'll pick up the 40's on the way over and also the laxatives to prevent the bowel expansion from getting out of control.
Excellent, Roma. And bring a recliner.
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