Is it spring? time for a hot dog!

The great Chicago-Style Hot Dog was once proclaimed as “the finest hot dog on the planet” by the late Anthony Bourdain and any true Chicagoan will say they already knew that. While the exact birth of the “dragged through the garden” style is disputed; the required all-beef frankfurter arrived in Chicago in the 19^th century and made an appearance at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition; an event firmly entrenched in Chicago’s cuisine history.

Since then, the city is home to more hot-dog stands than any major fast-food chain combined and has become the staple food at any baseball game; but you don’t need to venture out every time you crave one; if you follow the established rules, you can make your own right in the kitchen. Follow this easy recipe for yet another taste of Chicago.

What you need:

1 all-beef hotdog            Poppyseed hotdog bun

Yellow Mustard               Sweet Green Pickle Relish

Chopped onion                Tomato Wedges

Dill Pickle Spear               Sport Peppers

Celery Salt

Directions:

First thing is first, bring a pot of water to a boil and toss the hot-dog in the water. Reduce heat to low and cook until done; usually around 5 minutes. Place a steamer basket or a metal rack over the pot of water and steam the poppyseed bun for around 2 minutes. Once warmed, it’s time for the ingredients and in a very specific order.

The Process:



Place the cooked hot-dog in the bun and line one side with yellow mustard and the other side with green pickle relish. Sprinkle the diced onion on top with the tomato wedges nestled along the sides. Top off with pickle spear, sport peppers and celery salt. Voila! The Chicago-style hot dog has been “dragged through the garden” and is complete. If you think you are missing a condiment; you are not. Ketchup is strictly prohibited on this dog and can even get one shunned at restaurant for asking.

The Best Places:

There are times of course when the craving for one hits and you don’t want to cook; rest assured there is a plethora of locations near you that serve the Chicago Dog. Check out this quick list of restaurants or hot-dog stands in our area!

Byron’s Hot Dog Stand: 1017 W. Irving Park Road / 1701 W. Lawrence Ave

Slims: 2020 W. Irving Park Road

Wrigleyville Dogs: 3737 N. Clark Street

The Wiener’s Circle: 2622 N. Clark Street (Be warned: Never ask for a chocolate shake)