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Being from Chicago I couldn't be more excited that a popular Chicago restaurant is expanding into Florida.
When you think of Chicago food, I'm sure hot dogs, pizza and Italian beef come to mind. We have some great spots in SWFL that serve Chicago-style food like Chicago Pizza and Chicago Beef Guy in Cape Coral, Jimmie the Beef Guy in Bonita Springs and Buddyz Pizzeria in Fort Myers just to name a few.
Buona Beef is the largest family-owned and operated Italian Beef Restaurant. The restaurant announced in a press release that they're expanding into Florida. And not only Florida, but also Texas and Arizona. You can find their products in stores. I've actually found tubs of beef at Aldi, but there's nothing like eating it straight from the restaurant. Buona has over 26 restaurants in the Chicago-area and last year started a franchise program to expand to other states. So, it won't be long until we can enjoy it served up hot down here in the Sunshine State.
Buona Beef is a Chicago institution, known for its delicious Italian beef sandwiches and juicy, mouth-watering burgers. But what many people don't know is that Buona Beef is also a hotbed of hilarity and belly laughs. At least for us native Chicagoan's. One of the funniest things about Buona Beef is the way people pronounce it. If you're not from The Windy City, you might assume you pronounce it "Boo-nah Beef" or "Bwona Beef." But the correct way to say it is "Bwoh-nuh Beef". Just listening to people try to say it correctly can be comedy gold.
Another funny thing about Buona Beef is the size of their sandwiches. These things are massive! You practically need a forklift to pick one up. Watching someone try to take a bite out of one of these behemoths can be a hilarious sight. Half the sandwich ends up on their face, while the other half falls to the ground. And let's not even talk about the mess if you get the sandwich dipped in juice (which you should, it's the best.)
To see their menu and more about Buona Beef, click here
Florida Cities Make List Of Best In America For A Staycation
We're pretty lucky to live in a place where others come on vacation and some Florida cities have made a list of the best in America for a staycation.
In recent years, the trend of staycations has been on the rise. It’s a great way to relax and recharge without the hassle of traveling. And as prices keep going up, staycations offer affordable ways to take a break from the stress of everyday life.
Staycations are also much more convenient than traditional vacations. Especially with little kids or a bunch of kids, you won't have to worry about packing and impatience at the airport. Or in the instance of Home Alone, leaving one behind. You can enjoy your vacation at your own pace, without feeling rushed. And, of course, if you don't go far, you’ll have the comfort of your own home to return to.
If you’re looking for ways to make your staycation feel like a real vacation, consider staying at a hotel or renting a vacation home. Then you'll have the excitement of a new environment, while still enjoying the comfort of a familiar location. You can also try new restaurants and cafes, visit tourist attractions, or explore local parks and trails.
Travel Lens looked at the most popular tourist destinations in America and used five factors to put together a list of the best cities for a staycation. Things they considered included cost, warm temperatures, safety and locations with the most restaurants and the most attractions. There's plenty around the country, but if you want to stay in the Sunshine State, four Florida cities made the list of the best in America for a staycation.
Best Cities in America for a Staycation:
40. Detroit, MI
39. New York City
38. Nashville, TN
37. Boston, MA
36. Chicago, IL
35. Washington D.C.
34. Denver, CO
33. Philadelphia, PA
32. Big Island, HI
31. Santa Fe, NM
30. Minneapolis, MN
29. Aspen, CO
28. Louisville, KY
27. Houston, TX
26. Austin, TX
25. Kansas City, MO
24. Los Angeles, CA
23. San Diego, CA
22. Phoenix, AZ
21. Las Vegas, NV
20. Seattle, WA
19. New Orleans, LA
18. Atlanta, GA
17. Savannah, GA
16. Outer Banks, NC
15. Portland, OR
14. Kauai, HI
13. Lake Tahoe, CA
12. San Francisco, CA
11. Sedona, AZ
10. Cape Cod, MA
9. Stanley, ID
8. Charleston, SC
7. Miami, FL
6. Tampa, FL
5. Moab, UT
4. Page, AZ
3. Key West, FL
2. Orlando, FL
1. Myrtle Beach, SC
