Resolved: More Dogs This Year

DIGGING THE DAVE KINGMAN AT DOUG'S

I'll never be confused with an epicure, that's for sure. I know how to use a variety of silverware, and I know to start from the outside in any such arrangement. I'm equally comfortable with sporks as well, and I've eaten in some third-world countries where fingers are the utensil of choice...thus, you could say that I'm well-rounded when it comes to food. No matter where we go, one of the first "new" things to try is the local cuisine: sometimes we hit paydirt, and sometimes it seems we've just hit dirt. My only real regret of my recent Florida trip is that the closest we got to Cuban food was a taxi ride through Little Havana. Our hotel was situated too far from anything ethnic; such a pity.
However, closer to home, I've discovered what might be,arguably, the best hot dog ever. It certainly bests anything I've ingested anywhewre else on the dog front. Located on California Street in Chicago, a little hole-in-the-wall place called "Hot Doug's" tops them all, and by a LOT! Hours extend from mid-morning until 4 in the afternoon, and there is ALWAYS a line extending outside (so I'm told by regulars). The day we went, it was raining somewhat, and there were fifteen or so people lined up in front of us. Assured that there would probably not be inside seating by the time we got there, the prospects looked dismal. The line moved quickly, and, as we suspected, all the tables were full by the time we got inside the door; through some prestidigitation, a table was waiting for us just as Doug (the owner/proprietor and order-taker) handed us our food--mine was the Dave Kingman with Duck Fat Fries (available only on Friday and Saturday). While duck fat doesn't sound too tasty, none other than my wife, the french fry aficianado, proclaimed them the best EVER. Coming from a self-renowned picky eater, this was high praise.
As you can see from the accompanying menu, the food was cheap and plentiful...the wait outside being the only slight hitch in the outing. The Salma Hayak is next on my list as I work my way during the next year through the whole menu. Now, if I could only get Doug to deliver! Chicago: my kind of town!

The Salma Hayek
(formerly the Madonna, the Raquel Welch and the Ann-Margret)
Andouille Sausage: Mighty, mighty, mighty hot!
$4.00

The Game of the Week
See the special's page for this week’s game sausage.

The Marty Allen
(formerly the Don Rickles)
Thuringer: Hello der beef, pork and garlic.
$3.25

The Pete Shelley
(formerly the Steve Diggle and the Howard Devoto)
Vegetarian Dog: Meatless . . . and delicious!
$2.75

The Dave Kingman
(formerly the Shawon Dunston and the Rick Reuschel)
Chicken Sausage: Classic Italian-style or zesty Sante Fe-style
$3.50

The Sally Vega
(formerly the Ace Patrick and the “Psycho” Ronnie Raines)
Corn Dog: Deep fried to a golden splendor – it’s corntacular!
$1.50
also: Veggie Corn Dog: $2.00


(So far still Just) The Charlie and James Sohn
Mini bagel dogs and tater tots – the kids love’em.
$2.50

The (Your Name Here)
Today’s celebrity sausage: See the special's page.

Add Chili to any sausage: 50¢
Add Cheese to any sausage: 25¢

FRESH-CUT FRENCH FRIES
small ............... $1.50 large ............... $2.25

DUCK FAT FRIES ..... $3.50
(Friday & Saturday only)

CHEESE FRIES
small ............... $2.25 large ............... $3.00

FOUNTAIN SODA
small ............... $1.25 large ............... $2.00

For more information, please e-mail us at:
info@hotdougs.com