This week I was entertaining company at my vast estate and sussed out only the worthiest of dining establishments to patronize. This is our trip to Hot Doug's. (photo clockwise from cheese fries: foie gras dog, curry pork dog, three-chili wild boar dog, corn dog)
The first thing you have to accept about going to Hot Doug's is the line. It is literally out the door and around the windward side of the building. Even though the sun was shining, people were still shivering and lamenting the cold. A baby was crying. Yet teary eyes and red dappled skin be damned, everyone stood outside in line for roughly an hour to get their stiff fingers and gross blue lips around what is considered some of the best sausage in the country. We were no exception, other than that I had the foresight to bring a warm hat.
Once at the register we were greeted by local sausage celebrity and foie gras freedom fighter, Mr. Hot Doug Sohn himself. We placed our order, filled our soda cups and chose a table out of view of the salivating animals still waiting in line. The food came out quickly.
I ordered two dogs from the Daily Specials menu- Foie gras and Sauternes duck sausage with truffle aoli, foie gras mousse and sea saltand a curry pork sausage with white coconut cheese and madras spices. My fried got the corn dog and a three-chili wild boar sausage with chili garlic cheddar spread and crispy fried onions.
Here's my deep, dark food confession- I was so excited to finally get my greasy, shaking mitts on these gourmet dogs that I had somewhat of a "food blackout" where I know I ate and thoroughly enjoyed the food, but can't quite remember the acute details outside of my visceral emotion.
The curry dog (left) was an exotic delight. I was afraid that the nature of a pork sausage (spicy and salty) might overwhelm the curry flavor. But while it was indeed salty and peppery on the tongue, the curry came through strongly enough in the nose and aftertaste and was backed up by the spiced spread. The saltiness of the sausage was tempered nicely by the mellow, unmelted cheese. I wish I remembered what it was called!The foie gras dog was unlike anything I have ever eaten. I am ashamed to admit that I cannot recall the exact details of the sausage because I was so preoccupied with crafting the "perfect bite" ratio of the rich truffle aoli, thick coins of fresh foie gras, duck sausage, and bun. The mushroomy earthiness of the truffles and richness of the foie gras were a great counterbalance to the savory sausage and sea salt (which really unlocked the awesome power of foie!) The bun played the straight man to all the insanity contained within.
I only had a single bite of the wild boar dog, but it was, of course, amazing. It was leaner than the sausages I had ordered and the bitter spiciness of the chilies was welcome change. I particularly enjoyed crispiness of the onions a the kick of spice it had going down.
I have lived in Chicago for one year, one month and three days, and I can finally say I have eaten at Hot Doug's (though committing to the line really validated the experience). I regret not trying the Chicago Dog, but at the same time, it would probably have created a standard by which I could never enjoy another street corner hot dog ever again. I couldn't live like that.
