Slashfood Bowl: Chicago Style Hot Dogs

by Joanne Lutynec, Posted Jan 29th 2007 @ 2:02PM

As you may have already read, it is Super Bowl week here at Slashfood and Sarah and I are comparing cuisines between the two super cities, Chicago and Indianapolis.

I'm going to ask everyone to contain their shock and amazement that I chose Chicago style hot dogs as my initial nod to the food of Chi-town. Though it may appear like I'm taking the easy way out, I was a little afraid of mass protest if I didn't feature these little gems first. Also, Sarah is going to have her work cut out for her as it is, so it's probably better that I start off slow.

A true Chicago style dog contains distinct ingredients and is dressed in a very specific order. Depending on who you ask, the hot dog wieners can be boiled, steamed, or grilled, but one thing seems to be agreed upon almost universally - do not put ketchup on it. Ever.

Ingredients:
100% beef hot dogs
Poppy seed bun
Yellow mustard
Sweet relish (of the neon green variety)
Freshly chopped onions
Dill pickle slice / spear
Tomato slices
Sport peppers
Dash of celery salt

Fluky's, widely acknowledged as the originator of the Chicago style hot dog, began their operation in 1929. According to their website, they originally sold the "Depression Sandwich" for $0.05 (complete with fries!), but would often give free food to kids and adults who couldn't afford their own. Nowadays, thousands upon thousands of hot dog vendors can be found on street corners and in stadiums throughout North America and beyond, feeding those in search of the telltale "snap".

Will this delicious, easy to prepare, all-American dish stay out on top, or will Sarah find a way to trump us? Stay tuned.

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Behold the Chicago hot dog

Filed Under: Ingredients, Fast Food
Tags: america, beef, chicago style hot dog, flukys, midwest cities, relish, yellow mustard

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Reader comments (Page 2 of 2)

5-10-2007 @9:55PM John Pogue said... If you are 200 miles south of Chicago and need a fix for Vienna Beef, stop at BIG WEENIES at Lake Shelbyville. The dogs and beef are great. Bring your swim suit and boat also. WE are 1 mile from the boat launch, beach and camp grounds. BIG WEENIE
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10-18-2007 @8:46AM Melody said... Yes, Adam (10:08 AM Jan 30) you ARE the only one!

The best dogs I remember were at Solly's Trolley, and trolley-car hot dog wagon on Rt. 64 and Prince Crossing Road in West Chicago. I think the name changed to Mr. Rodgers sometime in the late seventies. The Cascade Theater, an authentic drive-in, is on the same corner, and still in business if I'm not mistaken. Anyone know about Mr. Rodgers?
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1-07-2008 @6:50PM RALPH said... JIMMY'S ON PULASKI & GRAND ON CHICAGO'S WEST SIDE HAS THE BEST HOT DOGS, BAR NONE. BEING BORN AND RAISED ON THE WEST SIDE I KNEW OF JIMMY'S SINCE 1950 WHEN I HAD MY FIRST JIMMY'S HOT DOG AND FRIES FOR WHAT I THINK WAS $1.25. I WOULD HAVE A JIMMY'S HOT DOG AT LEAST 6-8 TIMES A MONTH EVEN AFTER I MOVED TO THE WESTERN SUBURB OF GLENDALE HEIGHTS (APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES AWAY) UNTIL I RELOCATED TO CALIFORNIA IN 1969. THE HOT DOG AND FRIES (MORE THEN YOU CAN EAT)WERE "BUNDLED" IN PAPER AND YOU ATE THEM STANDING UP. GOD, I COULD TASTE THEM NOW.
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