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City Cast Chicago

The people have spoken: It’s come down to paczki 🍩 versus the Chicago hot dog 🌭

Who will win this esteemed championship? 

📣 Cast your vote before 5 p.m., Tuesday, April 15. The winner will be announced in the following day’s newsletter — so stay tuned!

Chicago is famous for its food, but the question is, what’s the dish of Chicago? Tell us what you think!

The Chicago food bracket

The Ultimate Chicago Food Face-Off

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Chicago. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Chicago Food & Drink

Food & Drink

” week, we’re sharing just some of our favorites from our over 1,000 podcast episodes. Enjoy our City Cast Chicago superlatives!

Looking for a good cry? Check out the episode where host Jacoby Cochran took a tour of Claudia Galeno-Sanchez’s butterfly sanctuary in Pilsen. Her home garden is built to help monarch butterflies on their way to Mexico. She says their journey mirrors her own migration story.

This one is for the bookworms. In this episode, Jacoby chatted with Chicago writer, scholar, and cultural organizer Eve Ewing to curate the best Chicago reading list.

If you’re on the hunt for a good drink, check out our approachable guide to wine. Jacoby spoke to Chasity Cooper, author of “Wine Convo Generator,” about where to get a great glass of wine in the Windy City and how to sound like a wine expert (even when you’re not).

Producer Michelle Navarro attended a workshop organized by The Trace, where family members and friends who lost loved ones to gun violence came together to share their personal stories. Michelle took us there to listen to participants’ experiences and joined Jacoby to discuss what she learned.

Grab your cowboy boots, we are going back to the South Side Rodeo. Listen for a whole lot of yee-haws and horse neighing!

Calling all of the City Cast Chicago animal lovers — this episode will make you stop calling pigeons “rats with wings.” Jacoby and Michelle visit the Great Lake Pigeon Rescue to learn why these animals need more care.

This podcast delves into the question of who holds the most political power in Chicago. Jacoby is joined by the Tribune's A.D. Quig and WCIU TV host Brandon Pope to unpack the city's political hierarchy.

Come with us to the MLK Roller Skating and Bowling Center in Auburn Gresham with Chicago legend Theresa “Sweet T” Ferrell, aka Jacoby’s mother.

Looking to brush up on your Chicago history? WBEZ reporter Natalie Moore and former Cabrini-Green resident and housing activist Willie “J.R.” Fleming chat with Jacoby about the history of the 23 high-rise towers and adjacent row houses of the storied public housing development.

As for the favorite newsletter segments? I think this one I wrote last month, might be 

To close out our “1,000 Things We Love About Chicago” week, we’re sharing just some of our favorites from our over 1,000 podcast episodes. Enjoy our City Cast Chicago superlatives!

The Inaugural City Cast Chicago Superlatives

City Cast Chicago Superlatives

Find the best of everything that Chicago has to offer.

Chicago’s Best

Chicago's Best

. To make it easier, we've categorized the list and highlighted some of the most important takeaways.

 The number of times that Chicago’s stunning skyline was mentioned (Nos. 393, 596, 620, 637, 640, 862, 870). The Sears Tower was mentioned three times (Nos. 515, 638, 639) and only referred to as the Willis Tower once 🫢

 The number of times sandwiches, subs, jibaritos, etc. were mentioned (check around 150). We aren’t including the hot dog … but should we?

 The number of times the White Sox were mentioned by name (check around 460). Meanwhile, the Cubs? Just two. (Nos. 476 & 478) Looks like we’ve got some crosstown bias 👀

 The number of times the lake came up (Nos. 596, 637, 854, 855, 856, 857, 858, 870, 877).

 The number of times Chicago’s airports were mentioned. O’Hare was mentioned seven times (Nos. 225, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 637, 804) while Midway was only mentioned twice (Nos. 611 & 617).

 The largest number of entries submitted by an audience member. Shoutout Allison R. 🎉

 The number of times Chicagoans mentioned summer ☀️ (Nos. 77, 82, 106, 194, 431, 522, 535, 597, 606, 640, 855, 868, 886). Winter, on the other hand, was only mentioned six times (No. 95, 297, 858, 896, 898, 901). And I will say that Chicago summers are superior.

The number of times any form of public transit was mentioned. With as much frustration as commuters have, the CTA itself was mentioned six times. My favorite mention was No. 578, “When the CTA is on time.” 

 The number of times the word “my” was used, so Chicagoans could shout out more personal things they love about the city.

 The number of times the word "park" was used! Boy, do Chicagoans love parks! From Grant Park to Steelworkers Park, there are so many spots to enjoy the outdoors.

We understand that 1,000 items can be overwhelming. To make it easier, we've categorized the list and highlighted some of the most important takeaways.

1,000 Chicago Things: By The Numbers

What Chicagoans have been wondering. We break down why things in Chicago are the way they are and how they work.

Chicago, Explained

. But the question is, how do you identify someone is from Chicago? Here are just 10 ways to know someone is a Chicagoan. How many of these things do you do?

🏫 Ask others what high school they went to (No. 278)

Specifically, when a young graduate from Whitney Young gives a little grin before they answer.

🌭 Have strong food alliances and judge others’ (No. 198)

Chicagoans are particular about their food. Do you like Uncle Remus or Harold’s? Which Harold’s? Deep-dish or tavern-style? From where? And let’s not get into 

🧥 Insist on several thin coats instead of buying a big winter coat (No. 894)

Why buy a big coat when many layers do the trick?

📖 Know to ignore the State Street Preacher (No. 949)

Samuel Chambers, known as the State Street Preacher, has been a fixture in Chicago since 1969. He often preaches for up to eight hours a day, six days a week. True Chicagoans know that if he tells you to go to hell, there’s no need to take it personally.

🏈 Your parents took you to Gately Stadium for high school football games (No. 451)

It’s where young kids may get their first lesson in school sports rivalries.

🦖 Took field trips to see Sue (No. 539)

 and can be found in the Field Museum. You most likely saw her for the first time on one of your many school field trips.

🛋️ Scored a couch in a Chicago alley (No. 98)

As Chicagoans, we love a good alley and it can often be a great spot to 

🏙️ Call it the Sears Tower, not the Willis Tower (No. 638)

🎵 Know the Empire Carpet and Andriana Furs jingles by heart (No. 530)

🏖️ Think concrete beaches are better than sandy ones (No. 867)

No mess, no stress on a concrete beach! And you could even try a 

Here are just 10 ways to know someone is a Chicagoan. How many of these things do you do?

Are You a True Chicagoan?

Telltale Signs You Are a Chicagoan

Tips and tricks for living your best Chicago life, by locals, for locals.

Chicago Life Hacks

Whether we're breaking down the news of the week, bringing you a neighborhood guide, or talking to important people — everything we do at Hey Chicago and City Cast Chicago is out of love for this city.

So in honor of the podcast's 1,000th episode, we (our staff, guests, readers, and listeners) have compiled a list of 1,000 things we love about Chicago.

 much Chicagoans love Chicago!” — Megan M.

“I LOVE how my city has ALWAYS been the Mecca of standards WORLDWIDE! From food to fashion to slang to vibes, Chicago has ALWAYS ran the show, and the world KNOWS that! ‘I just want somebody to love me like people from Chicago love Chicago’ 🗣️” — Jae B.

"The small-town feel even though it's a large city" — Jordan S.

Waving to boats on the river and people waving back

"We never show up empty-handed." — Bob Ziltz, City Cast Chicago senior account executive

." — Sidney Madden, former Hey Chicago newsletter editor

Learning from social media influencers who actually go to the South and West sides

“My first Puerto Rican People’s Day parade.” — Jacoby Cochran, City Cast Chicago host

 sign (“Hope it's back soon!” — Simone Alicea, City Cast Chicago executive producer)

Large stuffed animals in Chinatown market shop windows

"We appreciate fashion! Concert or birthday, doesn't matter — Chicagoans will look our best." — Mariah McBride, City Cast marketing coordinator

“The commitment to community across the city.” — Jake S.

The excitement when house music starts playing at the function

Parties in the garage and playing bags in the alley

"Just hang'n out and having a beer with friends and family is THE BEST Chicago 'event' — backyards, a garage, your church/parish, local bar, etc." — Bob Z.

Having a tamborazo, mariachi or banda at a family party

“The blend of big city perks and tight-knit community vibes.” — Allison L.

“The fact that people are open, willing, and eager to build community with each other!” — Cassidy W.

: So many indie developers here." — Simone A.

“The community and how everywhere you go random people are nice and willing to strike up a conversation.” — Krima P.

"We all kind of collectively ride for each other, and ride for the bigger picture. It really does kind of feel like a small town." — 

All of the different flags around the city.

"It’s less elitist than New York and LA." — Michelle Navarro, City Cast Chicago producer

"We throw great benefit events for those in need." — Bob Z.

"The mix of cynicism, perseverance, and intensity that drives politics and organizing." — Simone A.

"Chicago is such a hardcore city when it comes to organizing." — 

Reading “We Are The Culture” for the first time

"Our politics feeling like a real life TV show." — Michelle N.

"It's pretty easy to vote in Chicago compared to a lot of other places in the country." — Sidney M.

Rollerskating at The Rink, Markham, Glenwood, MLK

"Going to Kingston Mines, regretting it, then eventually enjoying it again" — Wil Fulton, City Cast content director

Running into friends at your local dive bar

“Watching Jeopardy in a downtown gay bar on a Tuesday with my Tuesday club. It shows early in Chicago so you HAVE to leave work early on Tuesday to keep up with your chosen family. One drink, three rounds, lots of shouting answers in the form of a question. Every week another chance to redeem yourself or mock your friends. It's magic.” — Dan N.

“Putting $20 into the jukebox at Old Town Ale House (best jukebox in the US, in my humble opinion) and checking out the latest NSFW paintings from Bruce Elliott." — Wil F.

"Loud music coming out car windows (because it's usually good)" — Michelle N.

"PARTY TROLLEYS specifically day time party trolleys" — Caroline Patton, City Cast marketing director

Spotting a bunch of drunk people on a trolley

Bike carts with crazy lights, music, tourists having a blast

“The lake, summer, food scene, and House music. The Chosen Few!” — Xandrea R.

“In the summer when you can just stumble upon a 

 and your whole day takes a turn.” — Olivia T.

African/Caribbean International Festival of Life

“My neighborhood rooster!” — Giselle V.

“Being on set for a Chicago show or commercial shoot.” — Jacoby C.

 at Board of Trade, cancer garden, Garfield Park Conservatory." — Sidney M.

"The Archdiocese of Chicago because of my parish and high school." — Bob Z.

“The random churches in neighborhoods and if you’re lucky, when the churches ring on the hour. A free community timekeeper!” — Giselle V.

When new baby animals at the zoo or aquarium get a naming competition

The possibility of seeing all four seasons in one month

“Watching the seasons change around the city.” — Kirsten & Absa B.

It's exactly what it sounds like. A list of 1,000 things to celebrate City Cast Chicago's 1,000th episode.

1,000 Things We Love About Chicago

, we're testing the knowledge of some of our City Cast Chicago members on the podcast. Play along with the quiz below!

The quiz is broken up into five different categories: Getting Around, Chicago Poetry, Chicago Jingles, Chicago Politics, and The Great Chicago Fire. The first question of each category is on the easier side and is worth one point. The second question of each category is more difficult and is worth five points.

On today’s podcast, we test the knowledge of some of our City Cast Chicago members to see how well they know Chicago. Play along with us!

The Ultimate Chicago Quiz

How Well Do YOU Know Chicago?

As City Cast Chicago gears up to publish our 1,000th episode, we're asking listeners and readers to help us create a list of 1,000 things we love about Chicago. 

That could be everything from cherry blossoms in Jackson Park to 4 a.m. bars to the Bucket Boys to Chicago sports fans always reliving the glory days. 

You can submit as many times as you like. We'll publish the list in early March.

1000 Things

The Ultimate Chicago Food Face-Off

City Cast Chicago Superlatives

1,000 Chicago Things: By The Numbers

Latest articles

The Ultimate Chicago Food Face-Off

City Cast Chicago Superlatives

1,000 Chicago Things: By The Numbers

Telltale Signs You Are a Chicagoan

1,000 Things We Love About Chicago

How Well Do YOU Know Chicago?

What Do You LOVE About Chicago?

Latest articles

Telltale Signs You Are a Chicagoan

1,000 Things We Love About Chicago

How Well Do YOU Know Chicago?

What Do You LOVE About Chicago?