Giardiniera recalls an image of an Italian mother, artfully pickling vegetables from the garden to use as an antipasto or salad. As with any great food, Americans, in this case, Chicagoans, over several generations have found “hot giardiniera” and its less spicy cousin, “mild giardiniera” to be so delicious and versatile, that it is gradually moving from a Chicago staple on Italian Beef sandwiches, to a nationwide essential for pizza parlors, hot dog stands and even gourmet fine dining!