Since we moved to Fort Wayne, we have not been able to find “real” Italian beef. Yes, there are Italian beef sandwiches on some menus in town, but they are not, in my humble opinion, authentic. The spices are off, or the meat is too dry… and no one has the giardiniera (a sweet and hot pepper mix), which is so essential to the taste and texture. Thankfully, we still have ties to Chicago and can get Italian beef when family visits. This past weekend, Jon’s mom came to town with Buona Beef, juice, giardiniera and Italian bread in tow. Oddly enough, you cannot get “real” italian bread here, only French, which is decidely not the same. It doesn’t have the same texture, nor does it have the ability to soak up the juice to the appropriate level. What this town needs is some “real” Italian beef. That would make the Recker’s very happy, indeed.
You can also order Italian beef online from Buona or Portillo’s at the following links:
http://www.buona.com/buonaWp/shop-and-ship/
http://www.portillos.com/store/index.asp?DEPARTMENT_ID=25
