Michele's Musings

So last night on the air, we were talking about hot dogs. (I know-- nothing but the most hard-hitting stories on Fox-17). Kevin Craig said something about 'only mustard and onions' on his dog. And I said 'what about cucumbers'? 2 seconds later, Producer Pantaleo is in my ear, completely making fun of me: "cucumbers! cucumbers!". Okay-- I'm not a huge hot dog eater. Even at the Corner Bar in Rockford, I order a salad. But my college friends all live in Chicago, and for years we'd go to the baseball game, hit the bars, then grab a late night dog. So this morning I sent a bunch of emails to my peeps, trying to get confirmation that I have not completely lost my mind: that's the way we ate them. One friend sent this article, so I'll pass it along to you.

Chicago Hot Dogs
By Doug Criner
A Chicago-style hot dog is typically served with the following accoutrements: yellow mustard, green pickle relish, chopped onion, sport peppers (small, smooth, dark-green pickled peppers), kosher dill pickle, cucumber spear, a couple of thin tomato slices or wedges, a steamed poppy-seed bun, and celery salt. Everything is put on top of the hot dog—including the kosher dill and cucumber spear, which are laid parallel with and on top of the dog. Don't worry about remembering all these toppings--if you order a Chicago dog with everything, that's what you'll get.
Ketchup is never served on a real Chicago-style hot dog. Even if you like ketchup, don't apply it to your dog in public. Hot-dog stands have ketchup on the counter if you insist on using it, but it isn't considered proper to order a hot dog with ketchup.
So there you go.
Check out tomorrow night's Back Story, and you'll get a behind the scenes look at the newest member of the Fox-17 News Team!!
See you at 10-
Michele