Ryan Hunter Bluestone
Welcome to the digital home of Ryan Hunter Bluestone, a dedicated food enthusiast and restaurant reviewer who splits his time between Chicago and Miami. As a frequent traveler, Ryan shares his culinary discoveries and insights from his journeys, giving readers a taste of local food culture wherever he goes. With a background in business and entrepreneurship, Ryan Bluestone takes a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to his reviews, making this platform a valuable resource for fellow food lovers and anyone seeking exceptional dining recommendations. Dive in to explore Ryan’s latest finds, food trends, recipes, and must-visit dining spots across Chicago, Miami, and beyond.
About Ryan Hunter Bluestone
Ryan Hunter Bluestone is a passionate food enthusiast and home cook who has turned his love for cuisine into a thriving hobby of restaurant reviews and food blogging. Based in Chicago and frequently exploring Miami’s dynamic food scene, Ryan Bluestone seeks out innovative and diverse dining experiences, sharing his discoveries with a growing audience of fellow food lovers. His reviews focus on everything from neighborhood gems to high-end eateries, offering an insider’s perspective on the ever-evolving culinary landscapes of both cities.
Before diving into the world of food blogging, Ryan Bluestone earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with honors from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. With a minor in Entrepreneurship, Ryan Bluestone initially built a career helping startups and Fortune 500 companies forge meaningful partnerships. Now, he brings that same analytical mindset and attention to detail to his restaurant reviews, blending his professional experience with his culinary passions. Being a Chicago-based foodie who enjoys visiting new locations to explore cuisine, Ryan Hunter Bluestone runs “Chicago Taste,” posting regularly on https://www.tiktok.com/@chicago.taste and https://www.instagram.com/chicago.taste to share his culinary findings with his audience.
In his blog, Ryan Hunter Bluestone delves into local food culture, uncovers the best places to eat, and offers personal insights into the latest food trends. When he’s not out dining, you can find him in his own kitchen, experimenting with flavors and crafting recipes inspired by his travels and restaurant visits.
Chicago vs. Miami Food Showdown: Ryan Hunter Bluestone Explores Signature Dishes from Each City
When it comes to iconic food cities in the United States, Chicago and Miami stand out for their distinct culinary offerings. Each city boasts its own flavor profiles, influenced by diverse cultural backgrounds and geographic locations. From the hearty, cheese-laden deep-dish pizza in Chicago to the flavorful, crispy Cuban sandwiches of Miami, the food scenes in both cities provide unforgettable dining experiences. Ryan Hunter Bluestone will dive into a friendly showdown of some of the most iconic dishes from Chicago and Miami, exploring their origins, characteristics, and what makes them so beloved.
The King of Pizzas: Chicago Deep-Dish vs. Miami’s Latin-American Pizzas
Chicago’s deep-dish pizza is often the first thing that comes to mind when discussing the city’s food scene. It’s a hearty, thick-crusted pie with layers of cheese, meat, vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce on top. Created in the 1940s by Pizzeria Uno, deep-dish pizza is baked in a pan with high sides, which gives it its unique shape. The buttery, cornmeal-infused crust is dense and crispy, providing the perfect base for the layers of mozzarella and tangy tomato sauce. The generous portions of cheese and toppings make this dish a meal that demands to be eaten with a fork and knife.
In contrast, while Miami may not be known for pizza in the same way as Chicago, its Latin influence has given rise to some unique variations. Many Miami pizzerias incorporate flavors inspired by Cuban and Latin-American cuisine, with toppings like chorizo, plantains, and even black beans. These pizzas are often thinner and crispier than their Chicago counterparts, offering a lighter, more tropical alternative to the classic deep-dish. While not as internationally recognized, Miami’s Latin-inspired pizzas showcase the city’s vibrant, multicultural approach to food.
The Cuban Sandwich: Miami’s Claim to Fame vs. Chicago’s Italian Beef Sandwich
Miami’s Cuban sandwich is undoubtedly one of the most famous dishes to come out of the city, representing its rich Cuban heritage. A classic Cuban sandwich is made with Cuban bread, roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, then pressed and grilled to perfection. The crispy, warm bread contrasts beautifully with the salty ham and savory roast pork, while the pickles and mustard add a tangy, slightly acidic bite. It’s a simple yet perfect combination of ingredients that encapsulates the fusion of cultures that define Miami.
Meanwhile, Chicago has its own iconic sandwich—the Italian beef sandwich. Originating in the 1930s, this sandwich consists of thin slices of seasoned roast beef, soaked in flavorful au jus, and served on an Italian roll. Many Chicagoans will order it “dipped,” meaning the entire sandwich is submerged in the savory jus before serving. Giardiniera, a spicy mix of pickled vegetables, is often added for extra crunch and heat. Unlike the Cuban sandwich, the Italian beef is a messy, hearty meal best eaten with plenty of napkins on hand. The bold, meaty flavors of the Italian beef sandwich make it a favorite for those seeking comfort food in the Windy City.
Seafood Showdown: Chicago’s Shrimp DeJonghe vs. Miami’s Ceviche
Though Chicago is landlocked, it still offers a surprisingly robust seafood scene, with Shrimp DeJonghe being one of its standout dishes. Ryan Hunter Bluestone explains that this dish is a casserole of garlicky, breadcrumb-covered shrimp, traditionally baked until golden brown. Originating in the early 20th century, Shrimp DeJonghe remains a beloved seafood appetizer in Chicago. The garlic butter and breadcrumbs create a rich, savory topping that pairs perfectly with the tender shrimp. It’s a dish that’s full of flavor and warmth, highlighting the city’s ability to create seafood dishes that stand out despite its lack of coastal access.
Miami, on the other hand, is known for its abundance of fresh, tropical seafood. One of its most popular dishes is ceviche, which is influenced by the city’s Latin-American population. Ceviche is a refreshing dish made from raw fish marinated in citrus juice, often lime or lemon, and mixed with cilantro, onions, and chili peppers. Ryan Bluestone explains that the acidity from the citrus “cooks” the fish, giving it a firm texture and bright flavor. Miami’s ceviche often incorporates local fish, such as grouper or snapper, and is typically served with plantain chips or tostones. Its light, refreshing taste makes it a perfect dish to enjoy under Miami’s sunny skies.
Sweet Treats: Chicago’s Rainbow Cone vs. Miami’s Key Lime Pie
For dessert, Chicago’s Rainbow Cone is a vibrant, iconic treat. Founded in 1926 by Joseph Sapp, this ice cream cone consists of five distinct layers of flavors: orange sherbet, pistachio, Palmer House (New York vanilla with cherries and walnuts), strawberry, and chocolate. Ryan Bluestone explains that each layer is carefully stacked on top of one another, creating a colorful, towering cone that is as much fun to look at as it is to eat. The Rainbow Cone is a beloved summer tradition in Chicago and is often associated with the city’s rich ice cream culture.
Miami’s dessert scene, on the other hand, is dominated by the refreshing tartness of Key lime pie. Made from Key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust, this dessert is the epitome of tropical indulgence. Key limes, smaller and more aromatic than the typical Persian lime, give the pie its unique flavor—both sweet and tart, with a smooth, creamy texture. Topped with whipped cream or a meringue, Key lime pie is the perfect finish to a seafood-heavy meal in Miami.
Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Cities
Ryan Bluestone emphasizes that both Chicago and Miami offer rich, diverse food scenes that reflect their unique cultures and histories. While Chicago’s culinary landscape is rooted in hearty, comfort-driven fare that reflects its industrial roots, Miami’s food is light, vibrant, and bursting with the flavors of the Caribbean and Latin America. Whether you’re indulging in a slice of deep-dish pizza or savoring a Cuban sandwich, these two cities offer iconic dishes that are sure to satisfy any food lover’s cravings.
In the end, the question of which city reigns supreme in the food showdown comes down to personal preference. Do you prefer the rich, comforting flavors of Chicago’s deep-dish pizza and Italian beef, or the fresh, tropical tastes of Miami’s ceviche and Cuban sandwiches? No matter your choice, both cities deserve a place on your food bucket list.
Thank you for visiting the online portfolio of Ryan Hunter Bluestone, a passionate food blogger and restaurant reviewer who divides his time between Chicago and Miami. Known for his keen eye in uncovering top culinary experiences, Ryan combines his professional background in business and entrepreneurship with his love for food, delivering thoughtful and engaging reviews. From hidden gems to popular hotspots, Ryan Bluestone is dedicated to exploring diverse cuisines and sharing his discoveries with fellow food enthusiasts. His unique approach blends a love for food with an appreciation for culinary creativity, providing readers with a fresh, insightful perspective on the dining world.