By MICHELLE D. ANDERSON
The UNITY News Online

Grammy Award-winning songstress Patti Austin recently took time out of her busy schedule to discuss why she’s supporting NABJ and other UNITY: Journalists of Color, Inc.’s alliance organizations during its upcoming benefit concert on Saturday.

Austin will perform during the organization’s Challenge Fund Benefit concert in effort to help raise $75,000 for its media diversity initiatives.

A protégé of jazz artist Dinah Washington and entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., Austin also discussed her first Grammy award win, her new single, “Grace of God,” and other causes she’s passionate about.

Chicago rose to prominence a little more than 100 years ago. How did it get there? The Chicago History Museum offers one answer, and it may surprise you. Elizabeth Anderson reports from high atop the Navy Pier Ferris wheel.

By WESLEY LOWERY
The UNITY News

A Windy City alternative to the Philly cheese steak, the Italian beef sandwich, adds a Midwest twist to the East Coast classic.

The sandwich consists of thinly sliced strips of seasoned roast beef, drenched with meat juices, beef gravy – or au jus – topped with hot peppers, shredded cheese and held together in a long Italian-style roll.

Al’s No. 1 Italian Beef accepted credit for crafting the delicacy.

In the 70 years since the shop opened, Al’s has evolved from a humble roadside stand to a regionally franchised sandwich staple.

“It is the exact same sandwich from 1938,” said Eileen Holly, vice president of administration for Chicago Franchising Systems, which has helped Al’s expand to 26 Chicago area restaurants. “Once you have an Al’s Beef sandwich, you have to come back.”

The sandwich originated in Chicago’s Little Italy District and tastes unlike anything outside the Midwest, Holly said.

“The Italian beef sandwich offers a very unique flavor profile,” she said. “We make sure our gravy is mixed fresh daily to guarantee a great flavor in every sandwich.”

In March, Esquire magazine bestowed upon Al’s Italian Beef sandwich the title “Best Sandwich in America,” an honor that fits in well with the 30-plus awards the sandwich has already earned.

“We win awards all the time,” Holly said.

If McCormick Place convention attendees are unable to make the four-mile trek to Al’s at 169 W. Ontario St., they’ll have to settle for the Chicago staple somewhere else. Sandwich shops across the citywide carry the delicacy.