Happy “National Hot Dog Month!”
Who’s ready to bite into one of America’s favorite foods? Hot Dogs have a long, rich history in the US, and as with everything else great about the US – it’s because of Immigrants!
Hot dogs evolved from European sausages brought to the US by 19th-century German and Austrian immigrants. Originally sold from New York street carts as “dachshund sausages” in buns, they became wildly popular across America due to their affordability, convenience, and great taste.
I was so excited to discover that it’s “National Hot Dog” Month in July!
So I’ve go your hot dogs from all parts of the country, beginning with this iconic hot dog: the “Chicago Dog!”
A “Chicago Dog!”
What you see here isn’t a single person’s toppings decision, it’s the classic recipe for a Chicago Dog – and there is one thing that you will never find on it!
I lived in Chicago for a few years and learned quickly that they NOT sell hot dogs with ketchup!
Instead, This Chicago Hot Dog Is “Dragged Through The Garden!”
Yes, that’s how they do it in the Windy City!
A classic Chicago-style hot dog features a steamed or boiled all-beef frankfurter—traditionally Vienna Beef—served in a warm, poppy seed bun. It is famously “dragged through the garden” with seven specific toppings: yellow mustard, neon green relish, chopped white onions, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, pickled sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.
So I ordered a “make them yourself at home” kit from the legendary Portillo’s of Chicago and did just that!
For the right “Chicago Dog”, it;s all about the ingredients…the actual making of the hot dog itself is this easy:
Yep, you just boil them and build! And that’s where the fun begins!
Put the hot dog in the bun, then liberally add mustard, then keep building: it’s time for the shockingly green pickle relish!
Then you can add diced onions:
You finish with a pickle wedge, peppers, and a tomato slice as well – and then very liberally season the whole thing with that delicious celery salt ! Now, it’s ready to stuff in your face!
Bite down hard and enjoy this unique flavor! Note the shot above is the one I made with caramelized onions – a cheat that is acceptable in Chicago!
Let’s head west for a different bite: from a restaurant that is actually shaped like a hot dog!
Welcome To “Tail O’ The Pup” in West Hollywood, California!
Yes, the first thing to celebrate is the long rich history of this unique hot dog stand:
Here’s the original location, and now, it’s been revived on Santa Monica Boulevard, so I had to get a hot dog – here’s what I enjoyed!
If you want more of this iconic hot dog stand’s rich Hollywood history, check out my whole story here:
Time now to head to New York City, where one of the greatest hot dog stands is also a bargain!
Gray’s Papaya is located at 72nd and Broadway on New York’s west side, and they are considered one of the most iconic places to eat in the city – and they are a bargain! Here’s what you get for $7.50:
What a deal! You can get free toppings, or add some cheese and chili for a small charge – the hot dogs have a great skin casing that makes for a crisp bite – these are great hot dogs and a papaya drink – delicious!
Here’s more of the history of Gray’s and an in-depth review here!
Time to head overseas now to one of the favorite cities – let’s head Seoul South Korea for their unique bacon-wrapped hot dogs!
The coolest part of this is that these are all sold by street vendors!
Here’s a closeup look at this unique and delicious “Seoul Food!”
There was so much unique food to explore in his amazing city – here’s a closer look at the food of Seoul!
Now, I am going to share my two most unique hot dog creation, beginning with this unique hot dog/spaghetti mashup:
Yep, I just cut the hot dog into chunks, then threaded them through uncooked spaghetti, then cooked it all in water, followed by a little butter – it was cool!
If you think that is wild, how about this hot dog mashup I came up with when I opened my refrigerator to find a bunch of leftovers:
Scrambled Egg Hot Dogs!
Yes I did, and if you click here you can get my review!
There you go – a delicious start to “National Hot Dog Month!”
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Hi John, dragged through the garden is such a great expression. It basically turns hot dogs into a health food. 😉