superdawg |

As most of you well know, we live in Wisconsin. As a Chicago-bred girl, I pride myself as a die-hard Cubbie fan, however, one cannot deny the awesomeness that is the Brewer’s Sausage Race. It is the All-Star break in the land of baseball and we’ve decided to celebrate by honoring the racing sausages with some delicious recipes.

For those of you unfamiliar, during the 6th inning at Miller Park in Milwaukee, oversized sausages come running out of the gate and race each other to the finish line while fans cheer on their favorite. The lineup includes: Hot Dog, Chorizo, Bratwurst, Italian and Polish.

To kick off racing sausage week, I am honoring the hot dog. In my opinion, there is no other way to eat a hot dog than Chicago style. What is that you ask?

The most important part of the Chicago dog is an all-beef hot dog, preferably Vienna Beef. It is nestled in a steamed poppy-seed bun and topped with onions, relish (the greener the better), tomatoes, sport peppers, a kosher pickle spear, mustard (NO KETCHUP!) and a dash of celery salt.

Chicago dogs are a great BBQ option. Set up all the ingredients and let your guests make their own. They have been a hit with our group of friends since the old college days when I put together my very first hot dog buffet.

Heading to Chicago and looking for the perfect Chicago-style dog? Check out a few of my faves!

Gene and Jude’s (2720 River Road River Grove, IL 60171)

A favorite that tops many of the “best of” charts, this hot dog stand offers a “to-die-for” dog. And don’t forget the fries!

Superdawg (6363 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646)

This classic drive-in offers a classic dog with the greenest neon relish you have ever seen. Eat in your car from the special Superdawg box filled with a dog and fries. Mmmm…

The Wieners Circle (2622 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60614)

It is debatable whether or not this is the best dog, but you can’t beat the crazy atmosphere. Opened late night, many Wrigleyville bar-hoppers stop in on their way home. The workers offer quite a bit of entertainment while standing in line. You have to see it to believe it!

What is your favorite hot dog joint?