Why I Oughta...

I don't have to read the press release on this new (to me) launch to *JUST KNOW* that it says something like:   "Two iconic Chicago food brands collaborate to bring to market an only-in-Chicago product:  Chicago Pizza popcorn."      The story writes itself.  But...I'll admit:  the 'collab' (I hate saying that) is a genuinely good one.  A really good fit.  Garrett has the best corn in town.  And Home Run Inn (even if I am a homer for them because of Nat and our friends) is the best in the business when it comes to pizza.   So, it was natural that when I came across this bag of Chicago Pizza Popcorn, I brought home a couple.   Does it takes like pizza?  Yeah...kinda.  Does it taste like Home Run Inn?  Not sure.   But, does that matter?  No.  This is a fun buy.  An easy 'add to cart' if you see it.    Bring it to your next party and it will CERTAINLY be a conversatio...

Came across this kitchen gadget near the checkout aisle at the local Jewel here in Elmhurst:  it is called The Pizza Ring and it apparently comes out of St. Louis, Missouri.   Here's the product website with a video , but the basic premise is that frozen pizza companies are increasingly asking consumers to take the pies out of their boxes and place them directly on the rack in your oven.  That, in turn leads to all sorts of messy disasters that leave your oven dirty and full of frozen pizza residuals which, in turn, lead to smoke. It is sort of interesting, but we cook so few frozen pies - and I haven't really experienced any sort of mess trouble with them - that I'm not moved to buy it.  Most of the time, we make the kids those little personal Home Run Inn pizzas that would likely just slip right through the middle ring of this thing, right? For ten bucks, this unitasker (although, they point out that you can use this for pies that spill over, too! ...

What doesn't say "I love you" more than a sweet discount on some tasty pizza?!?  I mean...what more could your Valentine want than $100 of Home Run Inn deliciousness for just $69.99. Head to your Costco (or...at least our Costco on North Avenue in Melrose Park) and amongst the other gift card deals for places like PF Changs and RedStone will be this deal of four $25 gift cards at just $69.99. I love taking my kids and my nephew to HRI (now that the one in Addison is closed, we usually go to the one in Hillside) and devour some tasty pizza and we can't leave without a Cookie Monster.   With $100 in your pocket, you can either hit the place up twice (if you're like us!) or really splurge for a big spread of loaded fries, multiple pies, and a couple of Cookie Monsters for your group. If you're a Costco shopper, you know that these things are hit-or-miss.  One day they're there.  Next they're gone.  So...Get these before they disappear.