I’ve had my justifiable share of tasty treats all through my profession as a fast-food critic. I’m speaking fried rooster, ice cream, and pickle fries. However I stay in Chicago, and I’ve by no means had the prospect to evaluation a Windy Metropolis authentic: the Italian beef sandwich.

Launched within the early 1900s by Italian immigrants, Italian beef is a staple of our proud metropolis. Whenever you go to, count on to have a minimum of 4 Italian beef eating places close by always. In terms of Italian beef eating places, Midwestern fast-food chain Portillo’s shines with a heavenly glow.

The chain was fast to capitalize on Chicago’s newest world achievement, the election of Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV on Might 8, 2025. Simply someday later, Portillo’s introduced “the Leo,” a delicious Italian beef created in honor of its holy namesake.

I booked it over to my nearest Portillo’s as quickly as I heard the information.

What does the Leo style like?

Melany Love for Style of Residence

This easy-looking Italian beef was fairly presumably some of the scrumptious sandwiches I’ve had in an obscenely very long time. It’s been operating laps round my mind, and now I need it for each meal. Breakfast? The Leo. Snack in the course of the day? The Leo. Not even that hungry? The Leo.

Portillo’s humbly describes this sandwich as a “divinely seasoned Italian beef, baptized in gravy, and topped along with your alternative of candy or scorching peppers.” Each chew of this sandwich has oregano, basil, thyme and rosemary-soaked beef.

Any self-respecting Chicagoan goes further dip with the gravy, however there are some drier choices for these not searching for bread bathed in juice. As a lover of the spicy life, I additionally go for each candy and scorching peppers.

The delicate texture of the roll mixed with the extraordinary taste of the tender beef and spark of the peppers created a Broadway spectacle on my tongue. I didn’t even cease to seize a serviette because the juice rolled down my wrists. I can’t converse for the Pope, however I’ve a sense he’d be honored to be immortalized with such a meal.

How lengthy will the Leo be at Portillo’s?

Whereas I need the Leo to be accessible day by day, I don’t assume it will likely be a everlasting menu merchandise. Maybe it is going to final by way of the top of Might, or the top of summer time. Probably, it will likely be on the menu till Pope Leo XIV is not pope. For these unfortunate few who can’t drive to a Portillo’s, take a look at our favourite Portillo’s copycat recipes and whip up a Leo at dwelling.