forget everything you know about pretzels because one Chicago-area eatery is stuffing them with entire freaking meals. Located in Winfield, Illinois, about 40 miles from downtown Chicago, Gnarly Knots is a mom-and-pop pretzel shop that was created after a food competition challenged the owners Funi McLoughlin and Matt Finn to create a new take on a German-themed appetizer. https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/gnarly-knots-pretzel-company-stuffed-birthday-cake/food-and-drink