Chomp as you go through Chicago

The Palmer House Hilton is known as the place where the brownie, the international favorite, was invented. Han Jingyan/For China Daily

Our tasting tour of the Windy City began at Pizano's Pizza & Pasta, which some proclaim as the birthplace of the deep-dish pies that have become edible icons of the metropolis.

Our guide says that six decades ago, a man named Rudy Malnati invented deep-dish pizza and opened this restaurant.

The deep-dish takes its name from the cavernous pans that produce crusts up to 8 cm high at their edges. The dough is loaded with sausages, onions and mushrooms sprinkled atop tomato sauce and a thick coating of mozzarella.

After the delicious pizza, we visited The Palmer House Hilton on Monroe Street, which, according to our guide, is where the brownie was invented.

The Palmer House was originally built as a wedding present from Potter Palmer, one of the owners of Palmer Industries, to his bride.

The Great Chicago Fire incinerated the hotel soon after its 1871 opening. Palmer immediately set about rebuilding with a $1.7 million loan.

He let his wife take charge of the design. The property became one of Chicago's fanciest hotels after the blaze. The lobby, decorated with bronze sculptures and classical murals on the ceiling, is full of romantic flavor.

The hotel's signature brownie also arises from an interesting legacy.