I'm pretty set in my ways when it comes to restaurants.  When Subway first came around...my first sandwich was the meatball sub and it's still my go-to.

When I eat at Manny's...it's never the enchiladas, it's sausage, pepporoni, mushroom pizza and tacos (with just meat & cheese).

If we go to Old Chicago...I can't get enough of their calzone.

At Portillo's it's the Big Beef Sandwich all the way.  The only alternate call is whether or not I get it dipped.  It's just too damn good for me to gamble on something other than what I know I will love.

But I do like seeing businesses try something new.  And this is a new menu item I can get behind.  Portillo's is releasing a children's book called G is for Giardiniera.

I'm not sure what to expect from a hot dog stands new book...but I'm just hoping to be able to pronounce "Giardiniera" when I'm done reading it.

From a Portillo's press release:

(Oak Brook, IL; June 24, 2021) – Fast-casual restaurant brand Portillo’s continues to turn up the heat this summer with new giardiniera-themed merchandise. The spicy pickled relish well-known to Chicagoans serves as the inspiration behind the brand’s new Spicy Chicken Sandwich – as well as a selection of summer swag and Portillo’s new children’s book, G is for Giardiniera.

The sturdy alphabet book takes readers through a Chicago-style adventure, as they learn the ABCs alongside photos of Chocolate Cake, Hot Dogs, Sport Peppers and more. G is for Giardiniera ($15) is available for purchase online at Portillos.com.

Guests can also enjoy a selection of pool-ready spicy summer outfits thanks to Portillo’s. The brand offers two giardiniera-print swimsuits for adults, available as a one-piece suit ($38) or swim trunks ($44). To complete the look, fans can also purchase an Italian Beef pool floatie ($30), designed to look like the iconic sandwich, right down to the giardiniera topping. All items are available for purchase now via Portillo’s online store.

The new releases coincide with the brand’s recent launch of its new Spicy Chicken Sandwich, served on a toasted brioche bun with tomato, lettuce and Portillo’s new Hot Giardiniera Sauce. The sauce is also available on the side to bring the heat to more than just the sandwich – it can be used as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders, fries, onion rings and more.

Proceeds from the sale of these items and other merchandise goes to The Heart of Portillo’s Fund, the 501(c)3 Portillo’s launched in 2020 to support its Team Members facing financial hardships due to unavoidable situations.

For more information on this merchandise and other available items, please visit portillos.com or follow Portillo’s on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

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