It’s summer so you know that means hot dogs!
I might have shared with you that I was born in Chicago. I actually lived in Chicago until I was about 2 years old, that is when my parents moved us to Pittsburgh. When I was a kid we would make trips back to Chicago from time to time. My dad’s family is from there and we would go back to see them or see some of my parents friends. Even though I only lived there as an infant I always had this strong connection to Chicago. The city certainly imprinted on me for the very beginning.
It might be because I have strong family roots or maybe it is because the city has a way of winning everyone over the minute they arrive. When the hubby and I were talking about places to get married we didn’t take long to come up with Chicago. Everyone always asks why and I can’t understand why you need a reason to get married in Chicago. I think the real question is why not get married in Chicago?
When we made our trips to Chi Town we followed certain rituals. My dad always played Lake Shore Drive by Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah when we pulled on to Lake Shore Drive. We would go to Giordano’s for stuffed pizza, the only pizza that really matters. And as this post would suggest, stop and get a real Chicago hot dog.
My Favorite Songs about Chicago (just a sample):
Homecoming – Kanye West & Chris Martin
Lake Shore Drive – Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah
Lincoln Park Pirates – Steve Goodman
The real Chicago style hotdog has to be made a certain way. The dog has to be made with a beef hot dog with natural casing, the kind of hot dog that snaps when you bite into it. The dog has to be placed in a poppy-seed bun topped with a mountain of condiments – NO KETCHUP. Trying to eat it usually results in trying to keep all of the condiments on the hotdog as you take each bite. It really is a messy sight.
I am sure there are a few of you who are going to come at me with your New York Style hot dog or some other town with a famous dog. Let me just say that I love all hot dogs and I’ll top it with kraut and mustard, onions, chili, and any other thing that has come on a dog. I don’t hot dog discriminate but my absolute favorite is the Chicago style and it is the one I crave the most.
Whenever I eat a Chicago dog I think of my dad. He is a big hot dog guy and an even bigger Chicago hot dog guy. I can always count on him to join me in a dog. As the 4th of July approaches I hope you think of grilling some dogs and topping them with all of the best condiments. It may not be as great as the one you can get in Chicago but it will be pretty delicious.
Ingredients
Instructions
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