Johnson, LA mayor agree to food wager over Sunday’s playoff game

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have agreed to a food-based wager over Sunday’s NFL playoff game, with the winner treating the loser to a local favorite.

If the Bears beat the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night at Soldier Field, Johnson will send a “Bear Down”-themed Eli’s cheesecake to Bass. If the Rams win, Bass will send Johnson taquitos from Los Angeles restaurant Cielito Lindo.

“When it comes to our sports teams and our food scene, Chicago is second to none,” Johnson said in a statement. “While Chicagoans are enjoying the sweet taste of victory, Angelenos can bury their sorrows in some delicious cheesecake from a Chicago institution. Bear down!”

“While I am a big fan of Mayor Johnson and Chicago’s food scene,” Bass responded in the statement, "he is sorely mistaken if he thinks he will be sending me an Eli’s cheesecake after today's game. I can’t wait to celebrate another Rams win and for Mayor Johnson to get a big order of taquitos from L.A.’s famous Cielito Lindo. Go, Rams!”

Eli’s Cheesecake President Marc Schulman said in the statement the company is delighted to have their cheesecake represent Chicago.

“Eli's has been a part of Chicago's greatest moments, including when the late Mayor Harold Washington brought Eli's Cheesecake to New Orleans to celebrate the Bears playing in the 1986 Super Bowl,” Schulman said. “Today's wager continues that winning tradition."