In the Boston area, George and I have driven the 60 miles round trip to Weymouth to a small hotdog stand that imports the right buns, the celery seed, the special all beef Vienna hotdogs, and they even import the pickles and relish. Windy City Eats is a great place, and I wish it was lots closer! The owner used to live in Chicago, and he missed them so much, he opened this business. He understands the obsession!
In Chicago, years and years ago, I remember standing in a line at a small hotdog stand on the west side of Chicago to get a dog, and sitting on a picnic table nearby. This would not be that memorable, except that the line was about 30 people long, and it was obviously a "happening". The hotdogs were delicious and something to look forward to on a cool Saturday morning. No one minded sitting outside; the hotdogs were glorious. In Boston, they don't know hotdogs. All the excitement around here is for the best lobster roll. Lobster rolls are great, don't get me wrong, but they, well, whatever.
Finally, on our way home from Milwaukee last Monday, our flight was delayed, we had a long layover in Chicago, and as we got off the plane, there was a big open Cubs Restaurant...Chicago Hot Dogs!! We ordered. We enjoyed the wonderful flavors of the pickle, the peppers, relish, mustard, celery seed, soft poppyseed bun and a true Vienna hot dog nestled in all those melded flavors -- and happily paid the check - over $30 for one plate with two dogs, and fries and two cokes. It was worth every penny!
Here is what I'm talking about! Have a great day.
