My Rick Sebak Imitation

SuperDawg really is super.

You see, I am not really a person that would seek out a hot dog as a meal. When at a baseball game, I'd opt for fries or maybe a beer and a funnel cake (mmm). If I were putting together a lunch based on street vendor selections, I would go for a Korean cart feast of Bibimbap over a hot dog. But when parents of Elissa F. (aka Mr. and Mrs. F.) told me they were friends of the owners of Chicago's famous SuperDawg hot dog empire, I knew we needed to take a trip there. And when I say hot dog empire, I mean, SuperDawg has been featured on two Food Network programs and showcased in the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. And even before Mrs. F.'s hot dog celeb connection was discussed, I had been hearing about SuperDawg from PBS's A Hot Dog Program.

(A quick note about PBS food shows: Whenever PBS features something about a unique food find or iconic piece of American food culture, I always know it is worth a stop next time I within a 100 mile radius of said item. I don't always feel this way about Food Network suggestions. The Food Network is wonderful, but they need to fill 24 hours a day with food related programming. PBS is trying to squeeze many different genres of programming into their schedule, so when they choose to profile a little establishment like SuperDawg, you know it will be good. Also, as I reread this, I am hearing it being narrated in Rick Sebak's voice. Strange? Yes. Amazing? YES!)

In addition to Mrs. F. being a frequent W and CP reader, the F family really knows what they're talking about in terms of Chicago food. These are the people who opened my eyes to the Walker Brothers cinnamon apple pancake so I knew they would not steer me wrong regarding hot dogs.

On our way to the Milwaukee and Devon SuperDawg location (no, not in Milwaukee, but rather at the intersection of the two streets), Mrs. F. gave us a rundown of the menu items and her suggestions. When we arrived, I felt my usual rush of excitement when entering an establishment that I am positive will be blog worthy.

When you arrive at SD, you are greeted by two gigantic hot dogs decorated in neon lights on top of the 1940s era drive in. SuperDawg has been around since the 1940s, so it isn't trying to be throwback kitsch, it is the real deal. SD is one of America's few remaining true drive in restaurants and as we pulled into the SuperParkingLot, I felt as if I wanted to be wearing a poodle skirt and break into a Grease-esque dance number. Good thing Julie F. and Amy B. were there to keep me focused on the ordering task at hand.

We made our way into the tiny glassed in ordering area. Mrs. F. suggested the classic SuperDawg. It is served with golden mustard (which I politely declined), tangy piccalilli, a kosher dill pickle, lots of chopped onions and a "memorable hot pepper" (which I also opted out of). I did however, opt in for the CheesySuperDawg option, which was a very good decision. We also ordered a SuperShake, SuperOnionChips (I am not kidding, this is how they're advertised on the menu), and SuperVeggieChips to share.

Needless to say, everything was super. The hot dog bun was perfect (sprinkled with poppy seeds, watch out Beth K.), the SuperVeggieChips were sort of Japanese food tempora inspired (although we were sitting a mere 7 minutes from Chicago's Ohare airport and nowhere near Japan), and the old school seating and well branded packaging really made the experience authentic.

And, as if the delicious meal and quality time with Family F. wasn't enough, one of the owners, Maurie Berman, stopped by to say hello while we were eating lunch. Ah, what a food celebrity moment?! He greeted Mr. and Mrs. F. and I was able to get a photo of the actual Sausage King of Chicago as he graced us with his presence.

And as he drove away, I ran out of the restaurant to snap a quick photo (like a stalker) of his licence plate.


Here is a little side note about our conversation with Maurie... Obviously my last post outlined the big news that was the arrival of Sivan W. into the world. My visit to SuperDawg was a mere 24 hours after Sivan's entrance and Maurie already knew about her. I love how in the know the SuperDawg folks are and how Sivan is already a celebrity.