Chicago Dog, pt.1

So, coming back from a wonderful restaurant, the Jerusalem Cafe, my friend I was with happened to see a Chicago Hot Dog restaurant. We both "oooohh'd and aahhh'd" over the thought even though we were stuffed to the max over the great meal we had just eaten. We promised ourselves to come back and try that place next time. So, the following week we set out to have one. My friend, being from Chicago, was experienced with Chicago style hot dogs and myself, having never tasted one but had seen them on the food channel, was excited that we had found a rare place in our town that serves them. But alas, we got to the restaurant and it was closed. Damn. Continuing in sullen despair we found a place two blocks away that had a neon sign stating they had Chicago style hot dogs. Miami Ice, known mostly for their ice cream and fruit flavored frozen ice desserts also carried hot dogs. The guy behind the counter did indeed try his best to recreate that most famous hot dog. It has a couple sliced tomatoes, a long slice of pickle, a huge hot dog and spicy mustard. It was a decent backyard hot dog, but was not worthy of being labeled, Chicago styled hot dog. My friend clearly had disappointment in her eyes as well as her description of what the hot dog should be. The all-beef dog, covered with bright green relish, yellow mustard, big dill pickle wedge, tomato slices, hot sport peppers and nestled in a big poppy seed bun with a hearty topping of celery salt is yet to find its way onto my taste buds. So, I continue to await the time when I find a local haunt which carries the masterpiece perfected by that mighty city called Chicago.

In the beginning...

Helloooooo out there. As I quaff good drink or eat good cuisine I am here to share my experiences, whether it be good or bad. I intend to share the contemporary dishes I try, either in recipe or out-'n-about, or some of the many "venerable" recipes I intend to make from some of the many 19th and 20th century cookbooks collecting dust on my bookshelves. Also, I intend to share with you some of my most memorable dishes of the past and share the stories behind them. Come with me on my culinary adventures. Enjoy!