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Yesterday Janelle and I went to a local restaurant called Hot Doug’s Sausage Superstore, a hot dog establishment. We heard we had to try it, but as we were walking up we were dismayed to see this line. Since we are on summer break and no longer have time restrictions we opted to stick it out. We thought the half-block line would move fast enough, but it still took an hour and a half before we were able to place our orders. Before we got to the end of the line we saw the sign saying the place was cash only. Since we had only $15, we figured we would have to stick to the regular menu ($1.75-$3.00 dogs) and forego the special menu ($7.00-$9.00 dogs).
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| Doug at the counter |
Doug, of Hot Doug fame, took our order and, after requesting two Chicago-style dogs, we asked him what on the menu we needed to eat before we died. Without hesitation he went right to the most expensive dog on the special menu – Foie Gras and Sauternes Duck Sausage with Truffle Aioli, Foie Gras Mousse and Fleur de Sel. (!)
I showed him our meager $15 and explained we were on a budget. He responded, “It’s my store. Let’s just pretend you have enough money, alright?” Then added with a smile, “I love doing this.” He grabbed $12 of our $15 on the counter, which was enough to pay for (only) our 3 hot dogs and went on, “You also need to have the Duck Fat Fries,” then closed his eyes as if imagining that he were eating them right there, “yes,” and nodded in agreement with himself.
“And grab some drinks while you’re at it.” I think we were both pretty confused with what had just hapened but we grabbed our drinks and had a seat.
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| Our discounted feast |
The food was unusual and delicious, but I was more impressed by how nice Doug was. I’m sure I missed most of the nuanced subtleties of the luxury dog that Janele and I shared, but I certainly did notice the hunk of foie gras that fell off the dog into my root beer. Darn.
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| The foie gras in my root beer |
All in all it was a fun experience, if a little long. We’ll definitely come back to Hot Doug’s again.
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4 Comments:
what a cute man!! you just have to appreciate that kind of passion for hot dogs! we had a similar wait at pinks in hollywood. also worth it. also, i was sad looking at your ruined drink. :(
mmm. i can still taste those yummy dogs. yes, i see hot doug's in our future.
That is the reason for his success! The hot dogs must have tasted twice a good when presented to you in such a kind way - I'm sure they were amazing but even better for the service with a smile :)
and...what was all that stuff on the dog? I'm not sure I could pronounce it let alone think to put that on a hot dog! ;)
Sounds like it was a fun adventure!
When we come to Chicago that will be on the list of thing to do.
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