The French get credit for so many culinary contributions that it’s hard to single out one as the most significant.
But let’s do it anyway:
French fries.
Of course, now’s not the time to get into whether or not the fries are really a Belgian invention, nor is there room in this space to talk about how munching french fries has become a thoroughly all-American pastime.
We want to talk fries, and we’ll do it in the Good Eating issue of July 14, otherwise known as Bastille Day, the day 19th Century French prisoners were liberated to go eat all the fries they wanted. For now, though, the Good Eating staff wants to hear from you about your favorite fries in the Chicago area.
Do they come from a hot dog stand, an upscale bistro or a fast food chain? We’re not picky about the fries’ origin, as long as they’re crisp outside, soft inside, hot, fresh, not too greasy and well salted. In short: perfect.
If you’re a true fry fanatic, fill out the ballot and let us know where to find the best. We’ll print your responses in the July 14 issue. Just be sure to tell us why the french fries are so great and where to find them (an address more specific than “that hot dog cart in the Loop” will help).
We’ve broken the fries into categories, because they come in different shapes and styles. Then the Good Eating staff will hit the french fry trail to find our favorites, too.
Let us hear from you. Ballots must be received by May 7.
CHICAGO’S CHOICE DINING POLL BALLOT
Vote for one choice in any or all categories. Restaurants must be in the Chicago area.
Send your ballot, or a 3 x 5 card, with your name, address, phone number, and your choice to:
Chicago’s Choice Dining Poll P.O. Box 804013
Chicago, Ill., 60680-4013
or vote and enter on the Internet: metromix.com/go/fries
1. Best French french fries (slender and crisp)
2. Best steak-cut fries
3. Best shoestring fries
4. Best skin-on fries
5. Best fast-food chain fries
6. Best specialty fries (seasoned, cheesy, curly, breaded, Cajun, etc.)
YOUR NAME
ADDRESS
CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE
DAYTIME PHONE
E-MAIL ADDRESS
