Column: Mary Ann Castillo: A flavor of Chicago: Italian Beef (12/10/20)

Rufus Purple Hots Italian beef sandwich.

Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo

If you have driven down Broadway in Cape Girardeau inside of the earlier couple of months you may perhaps have recognized a black indicator with vivid purple letters saying the arrival of a thing new sharing the corner with well-known community institutions these as Shivelbines audio, Annie Laurie’s antiques, and The Indie House: Rufus Crimson Hots Restaurant.

The 1st time I passed by, I observed a number of picnic tables outside and a walk-up window for ordering, but the term “purple hots” is what definitely piqued my curiosity. I did a minor analysis to figure out what Rufus restaurant’s specialty may be. According to just one article by Jessie Lee on the Spoon University web page, “crimson scorching” is a different expression for a “warm dog” or “frankfurter” and could have originated with avenue sellers who named out to their consumers on the streets of St. Louis again in the 1880’s.

On a the latest pay a visit to I experienced the prospect to discuss to Heather, who co-owns the cafe with her sister Yolanda. She confirmed my conclusions and discussed they use Vienna manufacturer all-beef goods — the important to developing genuine Chicago-design hot canine. I loved a tasty Chicago-design incredibly hot puppy and sampled the delicious Rufus Double burger on a previous check out. This time all-around, I considered the colder winter temperatures would be best to re-create an cheap Chicago foodie encounter devoid of the journey. I asked Heather for her suggestion and with no hesitating she steered me to her preferred product on the menu: the Italian beef.

Rufus Crimson Hots Chicago-type sizzling canine with tots.

Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo

When I imagine of Chicago-fashion foodstuff, sizzling dogs and deep-dish pizza come to brain. I had never ever heard of the Italian beef and wondered if Heather may well be pulling my leg. Nope. Italian beef is on the Major 10 listing of virtually each and every “what food is Chicago recognised for” compilation I could locate. The photo appeared like just one of my most loved sandwiches, the Philly cheesesteak. Shhhh…be sure to do not inform any one I produced that comparison. I uncovered the Italian beef vs Philly cheesesteak is a meals rivalry, with followers on every aspect as loyal as the types you could possibly obtain tailgating at a Chicago Bears as opposed to Philadelphia Eagles football match.

I followed Heather’s advice. If you order an Italian beef and want the complete Chicago experience, you really should purchase it “dipped’ and topped with warm/sweet peppers. This appears to be the main distinction involving the Philly and Italian. Though the Philly is steak and onions smothered in cheese, the Italian beef is comprised of roasted beef drenched in its possess jus, loaded into a French bread bun, topped with spicy giardiniera and sweet peppers, then the overall sandwich is then dipped into the jus. Philly=cheesy. Italian=juicy. Both=deliciously messy.

When my sandwich was prepared, I grabbed the brown paper bag and drove a few of miles down Broadway wherever I discovered a parking spot with a watch of the lovely river wall murals. I turned off Large Purple and pulled the heat, foil-paper-wrapped development from the bag. I placed the paper bag on my lap as a make-shift serviette (just in scenario) and watched steam escape as I unwrapped my sandwich and breathed in the wealthy aroma. Then, I took a chunk.

Rufus Pink Hots cheeseburger and fries.

Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo

Wow! Meaty. Juicy. Sloppy. Spicey. It was a melt-in-your-mouth explosion of flavor. I was at the same time grateful to be one because I did not have to share and acutely mindful these kinds of wonderful times must be shared. Could it be a indication I am connection completely ready? I was full by the time I ate 50 % of the sandwich, so I called a “mate,” gushed about the minute of foods perfection, then sent the rest to share the practical experience. There are all sorts of everyday living times that expose appreciate, and this was a person of them.

Whether you are a displaced Chicagoan wanting for a taste of dwelling, a neighborhood in lookup of a Chicago working experience in your individual backyard, or just want to weigh in on the Philly cheesesteak vs . Italian beef conflict, Rufus is worth checking out.

PS. In the fascination of comprehensive disclosure, I included nacho cheese to my Italian beef.

Rufus Pink Hots is situated at 600 Broadway in Cape Girardeau. For far more information and facts, contact (573) 803-3188 or stop by their site on Fb.

Rufus Pink Hots restaurant.

Submitted by Mary Ann Castillo