Chicago-style Hot Dogs

[drsvelte]

When I was a kid, I loved hot dogs. I ate them all the way thru college as a way to extend the budget. But when I became an adult, I put away my childish things, which included hot dogs. Until recently, I probably have eaten no more than 10 hot dogs in the last thirty years or so. Mostly because of the, um, unsavory health reputation they had garnered. However, a couple of years ago I had an epiphany of sorts and decided to grill some dogs for the Fourth of July. These were garden variety dogs – dressed only by Heinz ketchup and Kraft yellow mustard. We liked them so much we started to incorporate hot dogs more into meals – chili dogs, kraut dogs, etc. In my search for the GREATEST hog dog I came across the venerated Chicago Dog.

“A Chicago Style Hot Dog is more than just a Hot Dog; it's a taste sensation with the perfect blend of toppings. A Chicago Style Hot Dog is a steamed all beef Hot Dog topped with yellow mustard, bright green relish, onions, tomato wedges, pickle spear or slice, sport peppers and a dash of celery salt served in the all-important steamed poppy seed bun.”

Ingredients

1. Hot Dogs (Best’s Kosher, Klement’s Beef or Oscar Mayer Deli Style are all rated excellent)
2. Yellow Mustard (French’s or Plochman’s)
3. Relish (Rolf’s “Deli Style” Sweet Pickle Relish or Sweet Super Green Pickle Relish from the Puckered Pickle Company)
4. Onions (Vidalia or Texas Sweet)
5. Tomato Wedges (Creole or beefsteak)
6. Pickle Spear (Crunchy Deli Pickle Spears from the Puckered Pickle Company or Claussen’s Kosher Deli Spears are recommended)
7. Sport Peppers (Dell’ Alpe, Il Primo or Alpino are recommended brands)
8. Celery Salt (don’t forget this – its makes a surprising difference)
9. Poppy Seed Buns (Instead, I use Pepperidge Farms Hoagie Rolls which are sesame seed)

I never thought I would find the recommended pickle relish or the sport peppers in South Louisiana. We have the Mayer’s Deli dogs and somewhat amazingly, Albertsons stocks the Puckered Pickle Relish (a bright vibrant neon green!) and the Alpino sport peppers (these peppers are some hot and I remove the seeds). Just today, I found the Puckered Pickle Company’s Crunchy Deli Pickle Spears at a local Italian grocery! They are indeed crunchy and not as sour as Claussen’s -- they're good!. (The Publix at Sandestin has sport peppers but not the pickles or relish).

Assembling the Chicago Dog

The following is from: www.hotdogchicagostyle.com/makeyourown.php

“A Chicago Style hot dog is slowly simmered using steam heat until the hot dog reaches approximately 170-180 degrees. Although steam is the preferred method, grilling, heating in water or using the microwave are also acceptable.”
“The toppings are just as important as the order they are applied to the Hot Dog. The goal is to evenly distribute the toppings so you get a taste of each ingredient with every bite. Remember, dress the Dog and not the bun! Start out by placing your heated Hot Dog on the bun and add the toppings in the following order:”

1. Squirt the mustard directly on the dog from one end to the other.
2. Add a generous amount of sweet relish.
3. Then place onions on top of the dog.
4. The tomatoes should be placed along the crevice between between the top of the bun and the hot dog.
5. The pickle should be placed in the crevice between the bottom of the bun and the hot dog.
6. Traditionally two sport peppers are added on top of a Chicago Dog, but the sport pepper is often considered an optional topping.
7. Sprinkle a dash of celery salt over the dog.
8. Enjoy!!

These are great dogs! Please share any favorite hot dog recipes you may have.

[Carol G]

<<<------- Chicago native, your post has me drooling! Thanks for the recipe, you got it just right.

If you want to see someone make a really great face, go to a Chicago hot dog stand and order a hot dog with ketchup...

[wrobert]

<<<------- Chicago native, your post has me drooling! Thanks for the recipe, you got it just right.

If you want to see someone make a really great face, go to a Chicago hot dog stand and order a hot dog with ketchup...

For what it is worth. H&M Hot Dogs on 9th St in DeFuniak Springs makes a mean Chicago style hot dog. That was the first place I ever had one, and I have been a convert ever since, now I know where to get the fixins' to do it at home.

Thanks!

[DD]

I'm not a huge fan of hot dogs either, but that looks pretty delish!

[Carol G]

I'm not a huge fan of hot dogs either, but that looks pretty delish!

Ditto... it's one of those things that I almost never eat, but every once in a great while I get a craving that MUST be satisfied, and only a real Chicago dog will do.

[DD]

Ditto... it's one of those things that I almost never eat, but every once in a great while I get a craving that MUST be satisfied, and only a real Chicago dog will do.

Congrats on your move!!!

[Carol G]

For what it is worth. H&M Hot Dogs on 9th St in DeFuniak Springs makes a mean Chicago style hot dog.

Yum, I'll have to make a lunch trip to DFS one day, thanks!

[Carol G]

Congrats on your move!!!

Thank you! I am so excited... I've been mentally decorating my new place in my mind for two days now, I've got to stop and start focusing on packing!!!

[DD]

Thank you! I am so excited... I've been mentally decorating my new place in my mind for two days now, I've got to stop and start focusing on packing!!!

Where ya movin' to?

[Carol G]

Where ya movin' to?

A townhouse off 30A, but I'm not really which "town" I'm in (somehow I managed to *ignore* the new great big blue signs in all my excitement ). Eastern end of Seagrove, but it's a PCB mailing address, go figure.

[DD]

A townhouse off 30A, but I'm not really which "town" I'm in (somehow I managed to *ignore* the new great big blue signs in all my excitement ). Eastern end of Seagrove, but it's a PCB mailing address, go figure.

Oh I know! From time to time, I mail things to that area and the address is always PCB or Santa Rosa Beach, no matter what town it is.

[Johnrudy]

Thank you! I am so excited... I've been mentally decorating my new place in my mind for two days now, I've got to stop and start focusing on packing!!!

I say congratulations too!

But to me (NOT being a native Chicagoan but Mr. JR IS) a hot dog is a hot dog. I've had the real thing but I guess you just have to be raised with the real thing. I'm totally fine with any old dog.

So WaterCourseWay, what part of Chicago are you from?

[Carol G]

I say congratulations too!

But to me (NOT being a native Chicagoan but Mr. JR IS) a hot dog is a hot dog. I've had the real thing but I guess you just have to be raised with the real thing. I'm totally fine with any old dog.

So WaterCourseWay, what part of Chicago are you from?

Thanks! I grew up in the West 'burbs (Lombard) then moved to the city after college; I lived in Wrigleyville and Wicker Park for a few years each, and one year in Evanston (not really the city, but still fun and on the El.)

I'm a fairly well traveled person; I've been to New York, London, Paris, Rome, Moscow and a whole bunch of smaller cities around the globe, so I can say (with some authority and very prejudiced conviction) that Chicago is the greatest city in the world!

[Johnrudy]

Thanks! I grew up in the West 'burbs (Lombard) then moved to the city after college; I lived in Wrigleyville and Wicker Park for a few years each, and one year in Evanston (not really the city, but still fun and on the El.)

I'm a fairly well traveled person; I've been to New York, London, Paris, Rome, Moscow and a whole bunch of smaller cities around the globe, so I can say (with some authority and very prejudiced conviction) that Chicago is the greatest city in the world!

We're in Evanston once a week at Northwestern for my son's music. I would LOVE to live there. I love Chicago too, but Sowal would be better.

Good luck to you! You are moving at the best time - Feb can be brutal.

[Carol G]

Good luck to you! You are moving at the best time - Feb can be brutal.

Thank you for the well wishes and good luck, but I'm only moving from Fort Walton Beach, I migrated here from Chicago in 2003. I miss the city, and four definite seasons, but I DO NOT miss Chicago Februaries... or Marches or Aprils either, for that matter.

Sounds like you guys might have to make a 'lil getaway to SoWal come February... if the weather keeps up the way it's been lately, it will probably be in the 80's by then!

[seaside2]

Love them Chicago dogs!!! Used to work for a company based in C, and couldn't wait to get me a C dog as soon as I got there.

[supermom262]

That is my husband's favorite hot dog! He is an aficionado of hot dogs! We even went to a hot dog eating contest in Atlanta!

It is his dream to have a hot dog stand! Who knows if it will ever happen!

[barefootguy]

Hey WaterCourseWay, I grew up in Lombard also. Graduated from Willowbrook in '83. My brother followed your path into the city and I moved around the suburbs. Lived in Villa Park, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Elmhurst, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Cary, Lake in the Hills -- I guess you could say I like to move. I've been down here for almost 3 years and have moved 3 times. The problem here is I can't sell the homes so I have to slow down a bit. After our last move our daughter suggested we just keep the empty boxes in the garage for the next move. She's 7 and has moved 6 times.

Anyway, welcome to the area!

Thanks! I grew up in the West 'burbs (Lombard) then moved to the city after college; I lived in Wrigleyville and Wicker Park for a few years each, and one year in Evanston (not really the city, but still fun and on the El.)

I'm a fairly well traveled person; I've been to New York, London, Paris, Rome, Moscow and a whole bunch of smaller cities around the globe, so I can say (with some authority and very prejudiced conviction) that Chicago is the greatest city in the world!

[Carol G]

Hey WaterCourseWay, I grew up in Lombard also. Graduated from Willowbrook in '83. My brother followed your path into the city and I moved around the suburbs. Lived in Villa Park, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Elmhurst, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Cary, Lake in the Hills -- I guess you could say I like to move. I've been down here for almost 3 years and have moved 3 times. The problem here is I can't sell the homes so I have to slow down a bit. After our last move our daughter suggested we just keep the empty boxes in the garage for the next move. She's 7 and has moved 6 times.

Anyway, welcome to the area!

Ha - I graduated from Willowbrook in '88! Small world... I know what you mean about moving so much; in between Chicago stints I lived in Salt Lake City, UT and Monterey, CA, plus I moved to Ft. Walton twice before this last, final time. That's why I decided to buy my condo when I did, I knew it would tame my wanderlust & keep me in one place for a while anyway... all that packing & unpacking wears you out. My feet have been itching to leave for the last 3 out of 4 years of ownership; I've learned that renting is probably a better choice for me!

Thanks for the welcome, hope we run into each other in the *real* world and get to share hometown stories...

[Carol G]

I was watching TV at my parents' house tonight and my mother, who has no idea about this thread or forum, said to me "you know what I've been craving? A real Chicago hot dog, I'd give anything for one right now!"
Cracked me up...

[Beach Runner]

drsvelte, your interesting and detailed description of the Chicago-style hot dog interested me. Can't believe I've never had one on my many trips to Chicago! Anyhow, I started Googling "hot dogs." The following was on Wikipedia -- never heard this before.

Some Americans believe that a properly made hot dog should never be topped with ketchup. Often these people believe the flavor of ketchup overpowers and destroys the taste of the hot dog instead of complementing it. In Chicago, some restaurants and hot dog stands that consider themselves to be "true" Chicago hot dog grills do not, as a rule, carry ketchup in stock, even if they serve other food items that use this condiment, such as French fries. The National Hot Dog & Sausage Council, in its tongue-in-cheek recommendations for proper Hot Dog Etiquette capitulate only slightly to the public's general regard for ketchup, saying, "Don't use ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18." (This alludes to the fact that many children like ketchup on their hot dogs due to the sweet taste, but adults are expected to have a more sophisticated palate).

[goofer44]

For what it is worth. H&M Hot Dogs on 9th St in DeFuniak Springs makes a mean Chicago style hot dog. That was the first place I ever had one, and I have been a convert ever since, now I know where to get the fixins' to do it at home.

Thanks!

WaltonGop

Thanks for the tip. I was in DFS this afternoon and made a special trip to H&M......absolutely loved it. The place bustling with activity and it seemed like a hangout from yesteryear. HAD A SLAW DOG and BACON CHEESEBURGER !!! I was a two fested fresser.

[Beach Runner]

WaltonGop

Thanks for the tip. I was in DFS this afternoon and made a special trip to H&M......absolutely loved it. The place bustling with activity and it seemed like a hangout from yesteryear. HAD A SLAW DOG and BACON CHEESEBURGER !!! I was a two fested fresser.

Where on Ninth street? Near the hardware store? The hot pink ladies' clothing store? The state fair site? The florist? The UF ag satellite?

[goofer44]

Very close to the rr tracks. Can't miss it. there will be a crowd of people milling about waiting for their orders to be filled.

[Beach Runner]

Very close to the rr tracks. Can't miss it. there will be a crowd of people milling about waiting for their orders to be filled.

Oh, I see it on Google Earth. About a block north of US 90. Thanks.

[Lois]

My husband LOVES Chicago dogs A good friend of his from Chicago sent him a Hot Dog Kit for his birthday last year .. http://www.tastesofchicago.com/category/113

[SandSquatter]

Mouth watered when I saw someone post something so close to my heart (or stomach) and thought that someone might have opened up a stand here.

I grew up on the Chicago dog from the best little place just outside of Chicago near Arlington Heights called Jimmy's. After we moved down here and realized that you couldn't get the Vienna dogs it hurt...bad. Although,over the last few years, I've been lucky enough to have friends and family ship'em to me including the relish.

Can't get enough of em. Tops Burgers in FWB used to do the real Chicago dogs but then realized it cost too much to ship the Vienna beef and then went to the regular hot dogs we get at the grocery. boooo

We need someone to do it here. I know my dad and I will be the best customers.

[SandSquatter]

My dad had one of these when he was in college and still uses it 30 something years later. When I moved out, I tried to steal it but he almost cut my hand off. I was able to find one on ebay and purchased it. These things were made in the 50's and still work great. Probably the best steamed dog I've had. Everyone should have one or at least try it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sunbean-Coney-Is...QQcmdZViewItem

[sunsetbaby]

Hey, we have a new Hot Dog Restaurant opening in Mystic Point @ Grayton Beach. Greg Smith's (owned Salty's Dog in Blue Maountain and BBQ in Santa Rosa Beach on 98) dream has always been to have a hot dog joint...well, sounds like he has done it. Don't know when it is set to open...anyone know the details?

[Johnrudy]

Mouth watered when I saw someone post something so close to my heart (or stomach) and thought that someone might have opened up a stand here.

I grew up on the Chicago dog from the best little place just outside of Chicago near Arlington Heights called Jimmy's. After we moved down here and realized that you couldn't get the Vienna dogs it hurt...bad. Although,over the last few years, I've been lucky enough to have friends and family ship'em to me including the relish.

Can't get enough of em. Tops Burgers in FWB used to do the real Chicago dogs but then realized it cost too much to ship the Vienna beef and then went to the regular hot dogs we get at the grocery. boooo

We need someone to do it here. I know my dad and I will be the best customers.

Heyyyy, I know Jimmy's very well. We live in Arl. Hts. Mr. JR and the son eat there a few times a year. Still looks exactly like it always has. Jimmy's beats Portillos any day!

[drsvelte]

Great show on hot dogs on the Travel Channel tonight. They visited a Chicago dog place that looked good: http://www.superdawg.com/menu.cfm?menuscreen=sandwiches. And also one of those Hawaiian Puka dogs.

[drsvelte]

Its Mardi Gras in South Louisiana! The Mystic Krewe of Mutts paraded today with about 1,000 or so dogs either in the parade or “observing” along the route. This event is a fund raiser for our local Capital Area Animal Welfare Society. We walked a wonderful petite female pit bull (which I would adopt myself in an instant, ‘cept we have four at home already!)

There were many food booths set up along the parade route, and one was for Chicago Hot Dogs!!! These were the real deal, prepared by a man locally known as Chicago Al, a transplant from Chicago to BR. He’s a blues musician who runs a hot dog stand to make ends meet. He had all the authentic ingredients, including the Vienna dogs, the poppy seed rolls, and the Puckered Pickle relishes, pickles, and sport peppers. The dogs were good!!

However, I think I prefer my rendition better. I like the Oscar Mayer Deli XXL dogs and the Pepperidge Farms hoagie rolls. Everything else is the same as the original. Either way, you can't go wrong!!

[Beachlover2]

Hey Sandsquatter - I have some vienna hot dogs in the freezer right now - brought down a couple of packs from the last trip down from Chicago. Made some this weekend.

JR - head over to the Riviera in Arlington Hts if you want a good Italian Beef sandwich. Andrea and Bobby make the leanest best beef. It is on Campbell - right downtown - tell them I said hi and miss them - they are great people. Andrea will usually be the one working the counter and Bobby is cooking.

[Dennis Wise]

ATTENTION CHICAGO HOT DOG LOVERS:
Being born and raised in Chicago myself, I know that the Vienna Hot Dog was a staple food!! Nothing in the world tastes like a Chicago Hot Dog...except a Chicago Hot Dog! I too missed them very much when I moved to Fl., but we are all in luck as there is a Chicago Dawgs at 533 Beckrich Rd. in Panama City Bch.!!!!! It is owned and operated by a retired Police Officer and ALL the ingredients are IMPORTED FROM CHICAGO. I have had Hot Dogs (Chicago Style) there many times and let me tell you, they are the real thing!!! So set your palets and make the trip!!! Head east on 98 to Beckrich Rd. (Sonny's BBQ Southeast corner)right turn, head south, shopping center on left where the Edgewater Cinema is located!! UMMMMMUMMMMM GOOD!!!!! TASTES LIKE A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN ON A BUN!!! THE HOT TAMALE'S ARE EXCELLENT ALSO.......AND CHEAP!! DENNIS WISE