Talking Chicago food with Lt. Gov. candidate Aaron Del Mar
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Aaron Del Mar enjoys a bowl of shrimp and grits at Wishbone downtown. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
I recently learned that both of Illinois' major party candidates for lieutenant governor are massive foodies, so I sat down with each to test their local culinary bona fides.
Driving the news: This spring, GOP candidate Aaron Del Mar brought his downstate gubernatorial running mate, Darren Bailey, to Chicago spots for hot dogs and pizza to help mend fences — and bridge the Cook County- downstate divide.
Dig in: After chatting with Democratic candidate Christian Mitchell at the Billy Goat Tavern, I breakfasted at Wishbone with Del Mar — a wrestler, mixed martial artist and serial entrepreneur — to talk food and a little politics.
- As the owner of Half Day Brewing and the creator of 5K races for Stan's Donuts and Buona Beef, he has deep food connections.
Catch up quick: Half Filipino "and half Marquette Park," Del Mar grew up on the Northwest Side until his family moved to Palatine when he was in elementary school.
- He became a Palatine councilmember at 29 and now serves as GOP chair for Cook County.
- Many were surprised when Del Mar, who was generating buzz for his own gubernatorial campaign, agreed to join the Bailey ticket.
- After an "awkward and a little hostile meeting," Del Mar says, "We realized we weren't that far apart on some things and would make a unique team" — one that capitalized on his Cook County acumen, including his well-honed local food knowledge.
Top picks: Del Mar offered his faves in various categories, including:
- Wishbone, where he ordered Cajun shrimp and grits, "but normally, I get a side of fried catfish with it, which I think is great."
- BBQ: "Smoque BBQ, hands down."
- Pizza: Pizza and Oven Grinder in Lincoln Park.
- Beef: Al's Beef also "Buona because I organized a Buona Beef 5K."
- Tacos: Taco Shop in Palatine.
- Hot dogs: Rand Red Hots, in Des Plaines. "It's just hot dogs, fries and tamales."
- Korean: Mr. Kimchi in Mount Prospect, "for all-you-can-eat BBQ and birthday parties."
- Coffee: Dunkin' Donuts, "where I get one large black iced coffee a day."
- Special occasion: The Aviary, where he digs the"theatrical presentations and drinks arriving like bouquets," and Alinea is on my bucket list.
- Sweets: Stan's Donuts — "I produced the Stan's Donut 5K at Soldier Field."
- Chicken: White Fence Farm in Romeoville, "I remember going there as a kid for a treat and, man, the corn fritters."
- Filipino: Filipino Street Food in Arlington Heights.
What's next: Del Mar says he looks forward to debating his fellow foodie opponent:
- "He's more classically trained in politics while I'm a big 'fake it til you make it' guy — literally a fighter and so I'm looking forward to having that robust debate."
- I suggest a cook-off.