I have tasted hot dogs all over the world. The best ones are from this country and are found in Chicago. The Windy City does not have many hamburger stands like most cities do…but it does have over four thousand hot-dog stands. There are more hot-dog stands per capita than any other city in the world! The contest for the best hot dog is constantly ongoing and the arguments are ever-present. I can understand why there is a certain style to the way the Chicago dogs are done.
One of my favorites is a place called Byron’s on Irving Park. Byron boasts “Eleven Condiments for Your Hot Dog.” First of all, he starts with all-beef hot dogs. Most Chicago stands do the same. Always served on a poppy seed bun. Then he offers you the following selection of goodies to put on the dog. I suggest you get the works, please don’t tamper with perfection.
Green sweet bell pepper, diced
Yellow onions, diced
Mustard, only yellow
Sweet-pickle relish
Dill pickle, chips or spears
Cucumbers
Lettuce, iceberg, shredded
Tomato, diced or sliced
Hot peppers (peperoncini)
Celery Salt (This is the clincher. It is a most delicious addition.)
No ketchup
This is combination is not just a junk food hot dog. It is a hot dog and fine salad on a bun.
