FOOD: Hot Dogs, Doughnuts & Coffee Chicago-Style

A quick trip to Chicago for a foodie always entails a stop by Giordano and Lou Malnati’s for some deep dish pizza.  Although most locals pointed me in several other directions, I opted to skip pizza altogether and wait in an epic line on the weekend at the soon to be closing, Hot Doug’s.  Coming from the East Coast, I thought I was a bit crazy to get in this never-ending line for of all things, a hot dog.  But when Anthony Bourdain and Mario Batali wait for hours, why can’t I?

After a detailed discourse about food with a group from the Bay Area en route to Grant Achatz’s Alinea after a first course of haute dogs, I knew I was in the right place.  Three and a half hours later, I finally made it to the counter.  Overwhelmed by all the choices, my refined palate opted for the Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse, and Fleur de Sel while the spice lover in me was captivated by the Jamaican Jerk Pork Sausage with Coca-Cola BBQ Sauce, Gouda Cheese, and Fried Plantains.   Sometimes I think the epic food pilgrimage distorts the taste to create an elevated experience, but the duck dog was hands down the best hot dog I have ever tasted.

I mean if culinary-inclined individual complained about the combination of staple ingredients such as duck, foie gras, truffle, and flour de sel, their foodie pass privileges might get revoked.

Other notable experiences was the ever-smooth cappuccino, I enjoyed at the phenomenal local roaster, Bowtruss.  They know their coffee inside and out because the barista educated me on the history and origin of a cappuccino after I made my selection.  While waiting for my caffeine IV, I stumbled upon Glazed & Infused, the daily pop-up in their shop.  A self-proclaimed glucose glutton, I settled on the Maple Black Pepper Bacon Long John.  It’s texture reminded me of the doughnuts I enjoyed as a kid but the layers of flavors provided a wonderful culinary experience.