One of the most exciting things about moving abroad as a foodie is the chance to explore new restaurants, wander unfamiliar grocery store aisles, and indulge in new flavors.
My name is Marieke Hoste, I’m 38 years old and together with my husband Michiel, we have 2 daughters – Linde and Fien. Michiel’s work brought us to Chicago 2 years ago, and this marked the beginning of a culinary adventure.
Since November last year, I’ve been part of the CFBN-team, working on communications. Since our move, I’ve found myself adapting in small ways – like craving an ice-cold drink instead of the lukewarm ones I was used to in Europe. In this more personal blog, I want to share a few reflections from my journey.
Food Cultures Galore
I’m from The Netherlands, a country not exactly renowned for its rich culinary tradition. We take a Calvinistic approach to food – modesty over abundance. Pepper and salt have been our go-to spices for centuries (even though we’re a nation of tradesmen), and we like to mash potatoes, veggies and meat together into a ‘stamppot’ – doesn’t that sound delicious? But nothing beats a Dutch piece of aged cheese, or a deep fried ‘bitterbal’ (don’t Google for pictures).
In contrast, Chicago bursts with culinary variety. One of the best things about living here is easy access to cuisines from all over the globe – and much of it tastes genuinely excellent! I had never tried Filipino or Peruvian food before, and some of the best dumplings I’ve ever tasted were right here in Chinatown. But what really surprised me was the influence of Mexican cuisine. It’s everywhere – from taco joints to upscale restaurants and we’ve been happily enjoying tacos, fresh guacamole, and yes – margaritas too!
Chicago Staples
While international flavors are thrilling, we’ve also sampled the local staples and picked up on some habits (no to ketchup, yes to green relish). Chicago food is always a great conversation starter – are you team deep dish or tavern style pizza and what’s your favorite pizza joint?
Deep dish pizza is an iconic Chicago experience. Yes, the name is a bit misleading, and a single slice can be a meal in itself. But it is a real treat, a symbol of Chicago’s rich food history and a sit-down experience that forces you to slow down and savor. A welcome break from buzzing city life.
Convenience Culture
Beyond the flavors, food culture here is also about ‘convenience’. The first times I wandered around American grocery stores, I was amazed by the sheer variety of meal-prep options. Add to the abundance of takeout, curbside pickup, and even drive-thru coffee – it truly takes convenience to the next level.
Marketing on Fleek
Then there’s the marketing- fun, bold, and everywhere. From props at sports games (have yourself a baseball bat of beer) to branded collaborations like Heinz teaming up with Marvel, it’s all very deliberate and often brilliantly executed.
The best Chicago example? Mälort, the bitter liquor that is said to taste like ‘burnt tires’, yet it’s one of the ingredients of the “Chicago Handshake”. It’s intentionally marketed as disgusting – and people love it! In 2007, about 400,000 shots of Mälort were sold. By 2022, that number had skyrocketed to 7.9 million. Go figure.
Buzzing Food Ecosystem
Underneath all the flavor and flair, Chicago is also a serious hub for the food industry. Presence of large CPG headquarters, supply chain partners, universities and networks like CFBN create a rich professional ecosystem. Having worked in food and agriculture before, I was used to industry networks – but nothing as expansive and well-connected as this. CFBN’s ability to unite such a broad spectrum of professionals makes it an invaluable resource.
Living in Chicago has been a delicious ride! It’s a city that celebrates its culinary diversity with pride. And as a foodie, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to land.
