– photo courtesy of http://4.bp.blogspot.com
Feast your eyes on the genuine article; the real deal, the, “Chicago-style hot dog”. Yes, my dear readers, this little number is a certified, true Chicago hot dog! I shall list the ingredients in no particular order: yellow mustard (a must), white onions, sweet pickle relish (very green, if you know what I mean), a wedge of dill pickle, tomato slices, a pickled sport pepper (whatever on earth that is), and a dash a celery salt for good measure! Oh, my, I forgot to mention the hot dog itself! It is an all-beef number, with the carrying case a poppy-seed bun!
– photo courtesy of caterpickles.files.wordpress.com
The above sign speaks volumes in this town; Chicagoans take frankfurters feasting very seriously. Case in point:
– photo courtesy of sportsworldchicago.com
There is actually a book about the holy grail of hot dog dignity in this city. Woe betide the unfortunate soul who dare sneak a ketchup packet into their pocket in any hard-core hot dog handler in CHItown. Joe Mantegna (who stars in the hit tv show, “Criminal Minds”) wrote the preface for this book. And yes, Joe is from The Windy City no less! I am sure in Joe’s eyes, ketchup on hot dogs is criminal in and of itself!!! The Foreword was written by Bob Sirott, also a Chicagoan and radio host to boot.
Ah, and what would all the lure and lore be without a festival to honor such frankfurter fodder?
– picture courtesy of chicagohotdogfest.com
This weekend marks the annual, “Chicago Hot Dog Fest”, hosted by the Chicago History Museum. And so, at this point are you pondering the same query as I am? Hot dogs and a history museum. What is the connection?
– photo courtesy of barryandstefblog.com
Now that is what I call customizing your cuisine! Here is my little dogma on the dog deal: The above photo is a display of a hot dog at the Chicago History Museum. As you may notice, there are a plethora of ingredients with which to um, ‘dress’ your hot dog. I wonder if this is a test: placing the wrong ingredients on you (I mean, ‘your’) frankfurter in a sheer and utter defiant dog mode brings with it lights, sirens, and a sticker on your forehead with the forbidden fruit sign on it. You are escorted off the premises, and the lesson of Chicago Hot Dog History is complete!
– picture courtesy of peerlessprognosticator.blogspot.com
Why don’t you give it a try? I double-dog dare ya!
I am a vegetarian, but I have to say, this had my mouth watering 🙂
They are really good, Kimberly! But you could probably try a veggie dog (shhh, I won’t tell anyone here in Chicago!) *grin* Cher xo
Ha! If they are that upset over ketchup, I can only imagine the response if I ordered a veggie dog!!
*LOL* That’s why I said I wouldn’t tell anyone! *biggest grin* My mother loves veggie hot dogs!!
Aw! You’re making me hungry! Where’s the chili? 🙂
*LOL* Oh yes, I feel the same way, Billy Ray! Well, they’d only let us put the chili on the side here in this city! Back home, we’re not so particular about our hot dogs! The more stuff the better!! Cher xo
Gosh! What a lovely mouthful of a hot dog! Looks so very delicious. And as for the museum display, it’s so interesting, Cher. Do have a lovely weekend and don’t eat too many hot dogs!! 🙂 Leave some for me! 🙂 Love, Iris.
Isn’t it just, Iris? If I know anything about Chicago, it is that the folks here take deep dish pizza and hot dogs very seriously (in the food world, that is)! *grin* And to you as well, my dear! Thank you and oh yes, always for you!! Love, Cher xo
Thanks, Cher. Enjoy your hot dogs! 😉
And please enjoy your weekend!! Love, Cher xo
The last time I was up in Chicago I made for a store to get the neon relish. bun and the sports pickles because I can only find them there. Found suitable hot dogs here…love those things!
That is awesome! Did you buy the poppy seed buns? We are having hot dogs for dinner tonight! All this talking in my post about them today made me want them! *LOL* Cher xo
Oh heck yeah! And the celery salt…I so need to get to Chicago 🙂 I’ll trade you some Timmies if you ship me the relish and peppers LOL
My dear, you have yourself a deal!! *LOL*
Way too hot for me :'(
How about a nice glass of lemonade instead? 🙂
I’m a mustard and sweet relish girl, just like my dad. 🙂 That looks like an awesome dog!
Well I must tell you (shhh, it’s a secret) I am kind of that way myself! But living in Chicago, I have to keep that quiet (*as Cher removes all ingredient save the mustard and relish)! 🙂
LOL Here people are a little more tolerant of one’s choices.
*LOL* Hehehehe!!! Cher xo
Now that was a fun post! Wishing you a superb Saturday.
Well thank you my dear! And to you as well! Please stop by anytime!! Cher xo
where do you come up with this stuff 🙂 oh yeah Chicago 😉
yes, I am here 🙂
Ah, Niki! Happy Friday to you, dear! Yes, it IS Chicago; that says it I think! *grin* Cher xo
Cher, what a fun post today! If there’s one thing most people like, it’s food – in any shape or form or taste. Had no idea Chicagoans were so particular and possessive about their dogs. Well, good! Why not? Every city should have something to brag about (food!) and have featured in their city’s museum, of all things!! I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings, but just give me a good ol’ Brooklyn hot dog – hold everything except the mustard and green (really bright green) relish! Well, maybe some of the chopped onions sauteed in that special sauce courtesy of the hot dog street venders in Manhattan, could be thrown in, too. OMG! My mouth is watering, and what have I done to myself? How am I going to get to sleep with visions of hot dogs floating around in my head? Ha.
Hi dear Carol! Yes, your description is making me hungry! *LOL* I must say it is the most unique way to eat a hotdog that I’ve ever seen (the Chicago hot dog) but it is most definitely not for everyone!! I hope you are having a terrific weekend!! Here’s to hot dogs and whatever you want on them (can’t say that too loud, though!) 🙂 Cher xo
Don’t worry. I’ll keep it our little secret! 🙂 xo
Thank you, Carol! *whew*! *grin* Cher xo
Illuminating. I rarely eat hot dogs that aren’t robed in a savory layer of deep-friend cornbread, but when I do I go for onions and ketchup. I’d not idea this added yet another sin to my book of them–damn thing is longer than The Faerie Queen.
*LOL* Well my dear, I’ve never had a deep-fried cornbread anytime, truth be told! But it does sound delightful! I am now following your wonderful blog, and please do stop by The Chicago Files anytime!! Cher xo
Must have Kraut on my dog!!!!
*LOL* I’ve never tried that before!! Cher xo
Every single Saturday on my way home from the Garment District in L.A., I would drive thru Der Wienerschnitzel for a Kraut Dog.
OMG I do so miss that place!!!!
Remember I have German/Prussian Ancestors~
My Grandfather was a Weintraut.
Oh wow! We took an architectural tour through L.A. a few months ago and went through the Garment District! I’d love to go back and try that place!! Cher xo
They are all over the state and the West, but not here~
SOB!
I’ve never heard of them before! Awh, that’s too bad they aren’t in FL!
Don’t think they are east of the MS .
Ah, that’s too bad. They sound like they should be everywhere! 🙂
This is one of the absolutes. Undeniable.
It most certainly is in this town, Bruce; it certainly is!! *LOL* Cher xo
For you: http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/canada/10-things-you-cant-say-canada/
That is brilliant and I agree with every single point! No arguing ABOOT that! *biggest grin ever* Thank you, dear seeker! Cher xo
Can’t wait to see you post it 🙂
Why seeker, what an utterly perfect idea!! *another biggest grin* merci!! xo
Somehow it’s funnier when I read it from someone’s site than mine. You do it better than I can. My pleasure..
Oh I don’t think I can do it better than you, dear seeker, but you must let me give you credit for finding it! xoxo
yummy tempting mouthwatering:)
Ah, yes I quite agree my dear!! Cher xo
Your hotdogs look delicious!
Ah, thank you! They are a unique blend, that is for certain, Veronica!! Cher xo
Thanks for letting me camp out in your blog for a little while today. I had a great time and tried to leave my campsite as good as when I arrived. I’ll be back!
*LOL* Well it was indeed my pleasure, dear Russel! Please come back anytime, as it appears you left your campsite in immaculate condition! Well done, dear! Cher xo