EXISTING MINDSET

So a few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I went to the Cubs v. Rockies games at Coors Field. The whole week leading up to that Sunday, I had been reeling around our apartment singing “Hey Chicago,” and reminding my boyfriend that I would promptly leave him for Ryan Theriot as soon as I got the chance. More so, I was excited that I’d get a ballpark hot dog for the first time in months. I figured Hey! It’s a baseball stadium, they at least got to have decent dogs, right?

On our way to the bleachers, I saw a sign that said “Chicago Style Hot Dog.” I was so excited that I cut off a five year old to hop in line. So I got my dog, and we headed to the bleachers. Then something very strange happened…

I looked down to discover that my “Chicago” dog was not on a sesame seed bun, was NOT vienna beef, and most importantly MISSING RELISH. In relish’s place– cucumbers. WHAT?!

As if the looks weren’t bad enough, it had to be the most disgusting hot dog I have ever eaten. It was bitter and the bun was stale. I must admit, I was hungry and low on cash– so I did eat it. No wonder people are afraid to try an actual Chicago dog when they visit Chi… I mean, they’ve been trained to think it’s quite possibly the most disgusting food on earth!

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Then, last weekend… I was in Chicago. Oh, how I had dreamed about having a proper Chicago dog from my favorite joint in Chicago, Wiener Circle.

It’s known for it’s employee’s rude (and patron’s equally rude, if not appalling) behavior in the wee hours, but that’s not really a factor here. In my opinion, they have the best hot dogs in the city– char dogs. YUM.

I was only back for a wedding (in the burbs), so I had limited time in the city– read: ONE NIGHT ONLY. And unfortunately for me, a Thursday night.

After meeting up for drinks, we decided it was time to cab it over to Clark St. before Wiener Circle closed. It was 3:50 A.M. when we got there. They close at 4 A.M. “We started closin’ at 3:15 sweety.”  EPIC FAIL! My hopes for having my Chicago char dog were utterly crushed.

Until next time Chicago, I guess I’ll be continuing to search for a decent Chi-style hot dog in Denver… no matter how impossible the task seems.