How Chicken Riggies Came to Chicago

Over the last few days, many of you have been asking me how I was able to get chicken riggies to a restaurant in Chicago.

Well…here is my story…

Last week, I was having dinner at The Pasta Bowl on Clark Street in Lincoln Park. As I was enjoying my dinner, the owner came by to check-in and we started chatting about my food blog. He asked me how I grew so quickly and I gave him a quick, two word answer, “chicken riggies”.

“What’s a riggie?” he said.

You may be asking yourself the same question (and if you’re not, it means you’ve already had this life changing pasta dish). In short, “riggie” is short for rigatoni, but also synonymous with a regional dish from a city in central New York called Utica. Basically, it’s a spicy version of a rigatoni and vodka sauce, but has the added addition of lots of parmesan cheese and cherry peppers. No description can actually do this unique dish justice.

After describing the dish (while trying not to drool on the table) and telling him how I’ve had nearly 100,000 views on that recipe alone, he asked me a question I will never forget…

“Can we feature this on the menu next week?”

The next day, I was at The Pasta Bowl, teaching the chef how to make this epic dish. Now, you can try it too (or help some Chicago friends try it)!

If you live in Chicago, you have just a few days left to try this dish and I promise it will be unlike any dish you’ve ever tasted. When you go (because you will, right?), mention this e-mail to your server for 10% off you’re meal. Also, please share your meal with me on Instagram by tagging me and #everythingerica and #thepastabowl

If you don’t live in Chicago, be a hero and tell everyone who lives here that they must head over to The Pasta Bowl this week and try it. I promise, you will be so popular afterwards that you’ll probably get a thank you card in the mail.

If you’re on social media, give The Pasta Bowl some love! These guys are making my dream come true and I want all of you to give them a virtual hug by following them and thanking them.  You can find them on Facebook, Instagram (@thepastabowl) and Twitter.

So…who is going to get some riggies this week or help spread the word? If you do, make sure you tag me so I know!

Love always,
Erica