This week, Zagat editor Billy Lyons visits Hank's Juicy Beef, a new Tribeca sandwich shop that has finally brought an authentic version of Chicago's famed Italian-style beef sandwich to New York City. He filed this report.
Though New York is famous for its endless selection of casual bites, Chicago's famed Italian style beef sandwich was nowhere to be found for former Windy City residents."I googled Chicago food in New York and nothing came up. I couldn't believe it. You can have any other food item here except Chicago Italian beef" noted Karin Freed. "I haven't had one in such a long time I want to get down here and refamiliarize my palette" noted Chef Ryan Tate of The Crimson Sparrow in Hudson New York.
The new fast casual sandwich shop on Chambers Street is the vision of Henry "Hank" Tibensky, whose familial roots growing up in Chicago inspired him to bring his family's beloved recipe to New York. "My great uncle, he owned a place called "Vitos" from 1950 to the late 90s. That's where Hank's Juicy Beef was born. The closest thing to compare it to is a French dip" noted Tibensky.
But for New Yorkers who aren't exactly sure what the standard is for authenticity, the Chicago ex-pats we visited had a few easy to follow guidelines on what makes the sandwich different from all the rest. The beef must be sliced very thin, the crusty bread is typically soaked with au jus, and pickled hot peppers and vegetables aka giardiniera must be included. Cheese can also be added for those who want it, though the traditional version is served without.
"We roast it for four to five hours. We slice it paper thin. Then we soak it in the au jus" explained Tibensky on his methods. Once our taste testers were able to have a bite, they both agreed Hank had officially brought the first decent Italian beef sandwich to New York. "They nail it. I'm serious they completely nail it" noted Freed. "I don't know anyone who serves this in New York or anything that comes close to it" remarked Tate.
In addition to beef, the shop's menu includes Italian sausage and eggplant parmigiana sandwiches, with chips and Italian ices recommended additions for the authentic Chicago dining experience.