The Hit FX Show “The Bear” Features Ukrainian Dumplings in Sydney’s Foodie Quest

Introduction

The hit FX show “The Bear” recently premiered its highly anticipated second season, and Chicago viewers were excited to see a number of their favorite local eateries featured in multiple episodes. While the show’s central restaurant is fictional, many of the restaurants highlighted throughout the season are real and iconic to the city. One episode, in particular, stands out as a tour of Chicago’s foodie scene, as Chef Sydney, played by Ayo Edebiri, embarks on a quest for menu inspiration.

Chicago’s Foodie Scene Takes Center Stage

In this particular episode, Chef Sydney explores several well-known spots in the city, showcasing the diverse culinary landscape of Chicago. From trendy West Loop favorites to beloved neighborhood gems, the episode offers a glimpse into the vibrant food culture that the city has to offer. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this virtual tour of Chicago’s food scene is sure to leave you hungry for more.

Restaurants Featured in Season 2 of “The Bear”

Here is a list of the restaurants that make an appearance in Season 2 of “The Bear”:

1. Kasama

Kasama, a Filipino restaurant located in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village neighborhood, was the first stop on Chef Sydney’s culinary journey. Recently awarded a James Beard Award for Best Chef – Great Lakes, Kasama is run by a talented husband and wife duo. The restaurant showcases the flavors of the Philippines and offers a casual ambiance during the day, transforming into an elegant dining experience at night.

2. Avec and Publican Quality Meats

Avec, a Mediterranean staple located in the West Loop, takes center stage in Syd’s Chicago food marathon. Chef Sydney even has a conversation with owner Donnie Madia, who is an actual restaurateur and the mastermind behind One Off Hospitality, which operates both Avec and Publican Quality Meats. Publican Quality Meats, a popular butcher and market, also makes an appearance in the episode, where Sydney learns the art of butchering meat.

3. Lao Peng You

Located in Ukrainian Village, Lao Peng You showcases authentic Chinese cuisine, with its signature noodles stealing the show in the episode. Chef Sydney enjoys a delicious meal of noodles and dumplings at this popular hotspot.

4. Giant

Despite its name, Giant is a small but noteworthy restaurant located in Logan Square. The eatery makes a cameo appearance in the show, adding to its reputation as a must-visit spot in the neighborhood.

5. Pizza Lobo

Pizza Lobo, a pizzeria in Logan Square, also makes an appearance as Chef Sydney grabs a slice of their famous thin-crust pizza to-go. This local favorite is known for its delicious pies and laid-back atmosphere.

6. Margie’s Candies

No food tour of Chicago would be complete without a visit to Margie’s Candies. In the episode titled “Sundae,” Chef Sydney stops by Margie’s Bucktown location to indulge in their famous ice cream sundaes and other sweet treats. Margie’s Candies has been a beloved institution in Chicago for over a century, serving up delicious ice cream, milkshakes, and candies.

7. Pequod’s

While not on Chef Sydney’s tour, Pequod’s Pizza gets a special feature in the show. Richie Jerimovich, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, brings his favorite deep-dish pizza from Pequod’s to a customer who expressed disappointment at not being able to try Chicago-style deep-dish during her visit. Pequod’s is renowned for its unique caramelized crust and is a popular destination for pizza lovers in the city.

8. Ever

Although the world’s best restaurant called “Carmy” in the show is fictional, it is actually inspired by Chicago’s very own Ever. Ever, a high-end dining establishment, is the setting for the episode where Richie, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, works for a week. The episode showcases the restaurant’s interior and features its name on the shirts worn by the characters. However, it should be noted that Olivia Coleman does not actually work at Ever.

9. Elske

Chef Sydney spends time working in a new kitchen as she develops her menu ideas. The kitchen featured in the show is none other than Elske, a renowned restaurant in Chicago. Chef David Posey, from Elske, expressed his excitement about the show in an Instagram post, praising its attention to detail in capturing the essence of kitchen culture.

Conclusion

“The Bear” Season 2 takes viewers on a culinary journey through Chicago’s vibrant food scene, showcasing a variety of beloved restaurants and eateries in the city. From Filipino cuisine to Mediterranean delights and Chinese noodles, the show offers a taste of the diverse flavors that make Chicago a foodie’s paradise. Whether you’re a fan of the show or simply looking for new dining destinations, these featured restaurants are worth a visit to experience the culinary delights of the Windy City. So, grab a fork and get ready to indulge in the delicious world of “The Bear.”