What is the best hotdog you’ve ever had?
(Chicago) – Hot Doug’s has been featured in many shows in Food Network and Travel channel. Many Chicago residents are raving about this place. I even heard it from a foreign seatmate in one of my flights. In spite of popularity of this hot-dog place, I have never been here for the past 5 years of living in this great city. Thanks to my foodie friend, Darnel, who unrelentingly woke me up one Saturday morning to accompany him to have some sausage, Chicago-style … Douggie style …
We arrived 30 minutes before it opened and there was already a long line. There must be something great here for people to patiently and cheerfully wait in line on a Saturday morning.
Once they opened, the service was pretty quick and we were able to get inside in no time. Upon entering the door, the creatively crafted menu is displayed on a saucy yellow-painted wall with most items named after famous celebrities with amusing descriptions and yet, sophisticated.
DUCK FAT FRIES + The Sally Vega Corn Dog
I could not distinguish the effects of using duck fat compared to those fatty fries that I had from other restaurants. Nonetheless, Doug’s fries are great and the corn dog is corntacular, as they say in the menu. Duck fat fries are served only on Fridays and Saturdays.
Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Fleur de Sel
This is the best hotdog that ever landed in my mouth, bar none! The foie gras is so bold and yet smooth in flavor and the truffle aioli just binds the sausage and the foie gras in perfect harmony. If I was not taking care of my cholesterol level, I could eat this every day.
Saucisson Alsacienne (Bacon sausage with crème fraiche, caramelized onions and tome de savoie)
Anything with bacon is delicious. I like this dog but not as much as the foie gras above.
The Keira Knightley (formerly the Jennifer Garner and the Britney Spears) Fire Dog: Mighty hot!
I am more entertained reading and figuring out the relevance of the celebrity names to the title of this dish. But the deep fried hot dog is awesome. Though, I find the striking green color of the relish not very appetizing. It looks like they put too much food coloring.
The Joseph Gottlieb Smoked Portuguese Linguica with Saffron rouille and Queso Iberico
This is a boxing match between the Portuguese sausage and the Iberico cheese with the saffron rouille as the referee. Each round of bite is either a strong jab or an uppercut and the last bite is a knockout. This is more exciting than the Pacquiao-Clottey fight!
The Elvis Polish Sausage – Smoked and savory – just like the King.
I just love the caramelized onion with sprinkle of poppy seeds. This sausage is best grilled.
A whirlwind struck our table and depleted everything we ordered in less than 30 mins. This was a delightful devastation!
Began with all excitement and intense anticipation and ended with a gratifying exhaustion!
The guy behind the counter is the one responsible for all these divine sausage creations. His name is Doug and this is his place, Hot Doug’s.
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3324 N California
Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 279-9550
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