Bouncing around social media are all sorts of references and memes about the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, an American hailing from Chicago.
A Chicago-based restaurant chain is chiming in, dedicating a sandwich to the new pope.
Portillo’s unveiled a limited-time sandwich on its menu called “The Leo.”
“In the name of the gravy, the bun, and hot giard, we introduce The Leo: a divinely seasoned Italian beef, baptized in gravy and finished with the holy trinity of peppers — sweet, hot or a combo,” according to a news release sent May 9.
The Leo is Portillo’s original “sacred sandwich” that is “made in honor of a moment that’s historic for Portillo’s hometown.” Portillo’s said the “heavenly creation” will be available only through May, which also happens to be Italian Beef month.
Portillo’s is known for its Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches. The hot dogs are served on steamed poppy seed buns and topped with mustard, bright green relish, onions, tomato slices, a pickle spear, two sport peppers, and a sprinkling of celery salt. The chain’s Italian beef sandwiches are served with their “secretly spiced” gravy, or dry, with only a little gravy for dipping.
Portillo’s was founded in Oak Brook, Illinois, and has 45 Illinois locations, including Rockford, Peoria and Springfield. The restaurant has expanded to Indiana, Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin and will soon open a Texas location.
The Rockford store is located at 6090 E State St. and opened in June 2015.
This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Portillo’s introduces new menu item in honor of newly elected Pope Leo XIV
Reporting by Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press / Rockford Register Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
