'I tried The Bear's viral dishes and had to see what all the fuss was about'
Food fans get ready as the psychological comedy-drama The Bear series four hits our screens today. After breaking global streaming records, the hit Disney+ offering will get straight into it with the fallout from the Chicago Tribune's review of eatery.
And while the show starring Jeremy Allen White is certainly about more than just culinary delights, the chance for this always-hungry reporter to try some of the viral sensations from the hit series was something my belly couldn't say no to.
In the FX and Disney+ show, viewers watch White portray the role of a young chef called Carmy come from the fine dining world and return home to Chicago following a death to run his family sandwich shop. And it was one of those dishes that allowed me to tickle my taste buds.
Carmy may be a world away from what he is used to by running his business in the drama, but let's just say cooking isn't my forte either. And while an award-winning chef I am most certainly not, I was left craving a trip to Chicago to try the real deal after the three dishes I whipped up.
For this extremely basic cook, a Chicago-Style Steak Sandwich and Fries was the clear winner. As part of Gousto's The Bare limited edition package, which helps recreate the show's most viral dishes, I knew I was onto a winner when I first saw it.
"Can't handle the heat? Go easy!" was the warning on the handy step-by-step guide. Challenge accepted! In it all went to hopefully pack a punch. While there was definitely a kick, it was just right - without sounding like one of the three bears.
TikTok feeds have been overflowing with takes on this iconic Chicago Beef Sandwich and it's clear to see why. Recreating the Italian beef sandwich by moodily frying tender steak with green peppers and smothering in a savoury jus reduction left little to be desired.
Loading it handsomely into a soft baguette and serve with home-cooked fries and dip. Let's just say it's a big fat yes from me.
The other dishes up for grabs were THAT Crispy Omelette that got viewers drooling. It might have divided viewers in episode nine, but it got an impressive thumbs up from yours truly.
Stuffed full of garlic and herb soft cheese and topped with crisps for crunch, it's safe to see why viewers became obsessed.
To finish on a hat-trick of culinary delights (not all in one sitting!) was a family spaghetti with cheesy garlic bread. While I might not have had the presentation of a well-run Chicago restaurant, I was able to capture the spirit and soul of Chicago cooking right here in my North East home.
And let's face it, it all went down the gullet in prompt fashion anyway!
It's safe to that while a career change is definitely not on the horizon, these dishes were a huge success and left me wondering what delicacies might come from season four.
Exclusively available until 15th July, 'The Bare' range includes three limited-edition recipes and also helps Trussell support families who'd otherwise go without the bare essentials this summer.
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