Jim's Original 5.14.10

1250 S Union Ave.

In the world of Chicago grease joints, the hot dog has a common and closely associated cousin. A cousin who hails with inspiration from one of my motherlands, Poland. I, of course, speak of the Polish hot dog, which uses, as one might expect, a polish sausages instead of a hot dog. Now are they be judged in the same way? They do not have the same traditionally toppings. So I would think not. Can a Polish hot dog stand also accurately represent it's cousin, the hot dog? Well, this question needed to answered and so it was put the test at Jim's Original.

Jim, well, claimed to be the original maker of the Polish hot dogs, which grew to fame and prestige along with Maxwell Street of old. A place filled with low cost goods at even lower than expected prices and since shut down by the expanding wings of UIC (or UICC to real old school members of our society), Jim's now sits on Union Ave, just south of Roosevelt Ave, along side the Dan Ryan Expressway. It is a large shack with two order lines that brings one face to face with sweaty men slaving over the grilling of onions and steaming of hot dog buns. A long stainless steel ledge runs along the side of building for patrons of all ages, races and sizes to enjoy a true Chicago meal while soaking in the sights of the downtown, noises of a main artery and pleasure of man, woman and child enjoying food.

Anyway, upon coming up to window, I was prompted to order and so I did. One hot dog, one polish (free fries with both) and a can of RC. I was give the options of grilled or raw onions for both and went as tradition tells me. Grilled for the polish and raw for the dog. The items were quickly assembled with an interesting take on the mustard. It was spread on the bun first before putting in the hot dog.

I tried the hot dog first, which was made in the Old Chicago Style of mustard, onions, relish, hot peppers and fries. While other Old Chicago Style wrap the fries in the same paper as the hot dogs, they were in a separate bag at Jim's. The hot dog was very good. Nice snap, with an appropriate helping of onions, relish. The mustard I felt was unable to mix as well with the other ingredients as it was more of a spread than a topping. The hot peppers were not sport peppers and where the hottest peppers I have ever had on a hot dog. It took me quite a while to recover with help of my RC. I did also try to fries on top of the hot dog and it was a good combo.

As for the polish, I was surprised a bit by it. I had bought polish hot dogs from Vienna Beef recently and they were a larger than a hot dog, but stopped and started as hot dog does. The polish I got a Jim's was significantly bigger, had a rougher grind on the internal meat and seemed to be half of a larger link. There was no messing around. It did combine well with grilled onions and mustard (also placed on the bun instead of the dog.) I enjoyed my polish, but I think that I am more of hot dog man which is less meat based and more topping focused.

In short, the hot dog at Jim's original was very good. Yes, there were some issues, such as a mustard spread and a too hot pepper, but it was moment of goodness. It had been a while since I had had Old School Chicago dog and I really like them. They remind me of hot dogs I would eat as kid when we would go to Cubs games with our next door neighbors. That along with the ambiance of Jim's and the company of the meal, really made this 4 out of 5 celery salt shaker experience for me.

Dan

This was the first hot dog in a while that I was excited about. I believe my first words were "this is so f***ing good" and I was not lying. The hot dog was of the old school variety, meaning it only had relish (not neon green at that), onions, and mustard as toppings. I am generally more so a fan of the newer version of the Chicago style dog with the tomatoes and pickle, but I was pleasantly surprised by this hot dog. The bun lacked poppy seeds but held together well. In an interesting twist, the mustard was smeared on the bun itself rather than added as a topping. I thought that it worked well but it did diffuse the mustard taste a bit. I appreciated that as I am still a little hesitant about eating mustard in general. The dog had a nice casing and a satisfying snap and the onions and relish were not overpowering. This was the first establishment that has ever asked if I wanted grilled or raw onions on my dog, which was an interesting option. I went with the standard raw onions but appreciated the option.

The hot dogs came with free fries and normally that means the hot dog and fries are wrapped up together. This also means that some of the fries get stuck to the hot dog, creating an entirely new taste sensation. This is also most generally how the old school dogs come, so I was a little disappointed that it was not the case here. I tried adding some fries to the dog myself, but it just didn't taste the same. That's pretty much my only compliant, though, so all in all I give this establishment a thumbs up. The fact that the beverage options included RC in a can really pushes me in a positive direction as well. There is only a counter outside for "seating" but it was a beautiful day when we were there and it added to the experience to be able to enjoy the Chicago summer sun and look at the skyline. It would have been an eat in the car situation if it were cold or rainy, though, so I would recommend saving this place for a day you want to be outside. I would give Jim's Original Maxwell Street 4 out of 5 celery salt shakers, or an above average rating.

Aidan

As a transplant to Chicago, I had only heard rumors that tube steak (aka the hot dog) could be more complicated than toppings such as mustard, relish and onions or perhaps sauerkraut and spicy brown mustard. However upon arriving in Chicago I had my first “Chicago Dog” and I think it’s safe to say my perspective changed. Who knew an entire salad belonged on a hot dog? Who knew that while ketchup definitely belongs on fries that its distant cousin, the real tomato, would add a delightfully fresh touch to the hot dog?

Dan and Aidan, that’s who. They also apparently knew that Maxwell Street offers the so-called original version of the Chicago style hot dog. This delightful treat involves mustard, raw or grilled onions (I got mine grilled), mustard and mouth numbing inferno peppers. Ok, so maybe they weren’t that hot but my mouth could only handle one. This dog did not nestle down inside of a steamed poppy seed bun, nor did it have a pickle, relish or tomato on the top. However, it was delicious and a nice change from the Chicago dog I have become used to eating.

I think the best thing about this dog is how simple it is. There are a few ingredients but they are all quality. The onions added a smoky flavor to the dog and were a nice contrast to the hot peppers. I am very glad I got the onions grilled as this extra touch really made the dog and distracted me from the large amounts of napkins blowing down the sidewalk. Apparently eating next to the freeway does not promote use of the trash cans. In defense of the Maxwell Street establishment, it was a windy day.

Back to the food-In addition to the dog I also got some fries, which were delicious. Then again, I never met a potato I didn’t like!

I give Maxwell Street 4 celery saltshakers. I would go back again and dine on a dog especially if it means I get to actually have a lunch break during the week.

Elizabeth (guest blogger)

Herm's Hot Dog Palace 5.8.10

Address: 3406 Dempster St
Skokie, IL 60203


I tried my hot dog with mustard this time. I am usually not a fan of the mustard, but I felt it was time to let the symphony of the traditional Chicago style flavors wash over me. Who am I to alter greatness? In other news, I ate a hamburger with mayo later the same day. That was not by choice and was less enjoyable, but all in all still a sauce filled day. In any case, I enjoyed the mustard and may continue to go that route, or at least eat one hot dog with mustard since I usually get 2 wherever we go.

The hot dog itself was on the high end of average. It was nothing special, but all the necessary ingredients were in place (minus the celery salt). The bun held together well, the hot dog was Vienna Beef, and the toppings were acceptable. The more interesting part of Herm's is actually Herm's itself.

We arrived and placed our order and when were told to "sit down and relax" until our food was ready. I, for one, found this difficult, as we had not yet paid. I find it unsettling to try to engage in hot dog related conversation whilst wondering if I am going to be beckoned back to the register at any moment. It turned out that we ate our food and then went back to pay. The man behind the counter was impressive, both in terms of remembering what we had ordered as well as adding up the totals of said orders out loud. I'm guessing all prices include tax. It just seems like a strange system and one that begs for people to try to dine and dash. It also took away some of my enjoyment by leaving me on edge about what to expect.

Overall, Herm's was an enjoyable experience and the hot dog was pretty good. I would give it 3.5 out of 5 celery salt shakers and an I would go back but only if I was already in the area.

Aidan

I passed Herm's Palace many times during my youth on the way to my grandmother's house, but never stopped due to fact that she would inevitably have some amazing food and candy to be enjoyed. Aidan and I had seen and noted Herm's last year during our travels to Poochie's just a few blocks down the road and it brought back boyish questions of what was it like. Now was the time to learn and know for sure.

I was feeling a bit hungover due to a previous evening spent socializing with a side of dancing, but was game for the good times of a hot dog. Herm's apparently had recently gone under a freshen coat of paint ("makes everything look so much better", my grandmother correctly used to say) in the form of a Chicago themed mural with greats from the 80's and 90's (Not too many mural worthy members of the Chicago society during the 00's, I guess). In addition, there was large seating area, which was quite filled and a nice amount of natural light. The order taker jovially informed us a number of times to let him know when we were ready and finally it was decided. I went with a hot dog and fries, along with a cheeseburger to help with the nocturnal good times.

Upon placing our order, we were told to grab a seat. We did not pay at this time. This was the same paying set up as Poochie's and we nearly walked out of there without paying. So this time we were much more nervous and kept watching to see when you pay.

During this period of high anxiety, our food was brought to the table, with no mention of compensation. The hot dog looked good. Herm's had quite the extensive menu which in my current theory means they will be unable to give due time and effort to honing their hot dog skills. Yet, I think we have a found an exception. It was a steamed Rosen's sesame seed bun, natural casing Vienna Beef hot dog, mustard, neon green relish, onions, two big sections of tomato and a pickle spear. It also really good, with a nice snap, pleasing Vienna Beef flavor and the condiments along with bun joining hands in community and marching in unison with each other. It tasted like a classically prepared Chicago Hot Dog should and I believe is an accurate standard for an average hot dog. It did what it claimed it would. No more, no less.

The fries were also good and I believe of the thin Sysco variety. The cheeseburger on the other hand was low grade and limited in potential. It was a lot of bun with crispy meat and the "everything" condiment selection was identical to that of a hot dog. I am not joking, they put the required condiments of a Chicago style hot dog on my hamburger. Now I love the hot dog toppings, but there are not meant for the hamburger, which deserves its own unique pairing to bring out the burger's strengths. It was like drinking red wine with fish, if you get my drift.

In conclusion, Herm's Palace had nice ambiance, a very solid hot dog and a pay on the way out sort of compensation system (your order taker will attempt to remember what you had and then impressively add it up in his head. Long live mental math.) I would give Herm's Palace a very solid 3 celery salt shakers and would return for a hot dog if in the area but would head for Poochie's instead for my burger fix.

Dan

Fred Hots 5.2.10

Address:1707 Chestnut Ave.
Glenview, IL 60025

I’ll be honest and say that I went in with expectations that were on the low side. I had been told that Fred Hot’s was trying to be a sort of Hot Doug’s and that turned me off. To be honest, I don’t know that Hot Doug’s is good enough to inspire knock offs. Now I know that might sound blasphemous and probably is a story for the Hot Doug’s blog, but let’s just say that I think Hot Doug’s is good, but there are other hot dog stands that are better and don’t get as much respect. Perhaps my opinion will change on my next visit, during which I plan to try a specialty sausage. Maybe my issue is that I am basing my entire opinion on the Chicago style dog and missing the big picture. But I digress.

I ordered the fRed Hot and fries and an order of Fred Pups. I was expecting mini corn dogs and got mini hot dogs, but that was certainly at least half my bad for not confirming said expectation whilst ordering. The fRed Hot was a traditional Chicago style dog. The fries were fresh cut and were pretty good. Mine were a little on the undercooked side but I actually appreciated that. I got a side of cheese sauce with my fries. This is not a necessary part of the Chicago Style hot dog meal and so that needs to be noted. However, I am a man who has rarely met a cheese he doesn’t like and I will go ahead and say I didn’t like this cheese. I am a bit of a purist and a snob when it comes to my cheese fry cheese and I will also acknowledge that. It had a grainy texture and an oil sheen on the top. I believe it was Merck’s cheese. This might be a bonus for most people but I found it disappointing. I actually ended up eating most of my fries without the cheese. In other news, the meal came with a small drink that had unlimited refills, so plus one Fred Hots for understanding that it is necessary to remain hydrated while consuming massive amounts of nitrates.

Onto the fRed Hot itself…upon first glance it looked like it was going to be delicious. I forgot to take a picture, which I know is an amateur move. The hot dog was Vienna Beef and was delicious in and of itself. The bun had poppy seeds, there were 2 tomato slices, and there was visible celery salt. The relish was neon green, the onions were neither over or under represented, and the pickle had a good amount of crunch. Overall, there was certainly nothing wrong with the dog but there was nothing special either. I would have liked a place called Fred Hots to have a hot dog that popped. It wasn’t really any better than a hot dog I could get at any grease joint and that is a sadness indeed.

I might go back to Fred Hots, but if I do it will either be because I am already in Glenview putting in face time with my Grandma or because I am going back to try the Italian Beef. I give Fred Hots 3 out of 5 celery salt shakers as well.

Aidan



fRed Hots

I must say that I had mixed feelings about fRed Hots before I went. I had heard that they were a take off of Hot Doug's, with a variety of exotic hot dogs, such as boar, elk and the like. I must admit that I am not sure about this recent trend to vary the hot dog meats. Let us be real. The hot dog was and certainly still is a everything else type of sausage. The whole animal should be enjoyed and those parts that need to be ground up to very small pieces to be enjoyed with other sections traditionally found themselves in a hot dog. Are we doing the same thing with the exotic hot dogs? It seems there is a feeling of needing to class up a hot dog, which I disagree with. There is nothing wrong with a hot dog as it is and that just needs to be stated. Then again, who I am to stand in the way of progress and experimentation. All I am saying is respect the original.

Anyway, I had the fRed Hot and fries. The hot dog was good, but had no real wow factor. The hot dog itself was Vienna Beef with a natural casing, but seemed a bit tasteless this time. The bun had poppy seeds and was not really well steamed. The bun really seemed to dominate and my last bite, which I traditionally enjoy as it mainly hot dog with bun and random leftovers, was too doughy. The condiments were unremarkable, with the right mix of mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, pickle and celery salt. Most everything was right, but I wanted more and it did not materialize. The fries were fresh cut and well cooked. (I apparently got the last of batch order specially order "well done", which seems the way to go.)

I did also try the Smoked Salmon Dog. It was a smoked salmon hot dog topped with wasabi aioli sauce, red onions, chopped tomatoes and capers on a wheat bun. Overall, it was okay. The
Smoked Salmon dog and the wasabi sauce dominated, leaving little room for the bun, onions or capers to speak. The Smoked Salmon dog itself had a strange consistency that made me think, salmon was not meant to ground to the hot dog degree. The casing had a nice snap, but the inside was an off-putting combination of being flaky, airy and mushy at different points in time. You don't know what you were going to get.

As for the atmosphere, the order taker was a little pushy, asked me "if everything meant Chicago style?" (Seriously? Where are we?) and made my order feel rushed. I know they have people to serve, but it only takes a little while to make a hot dog. It was nice to sit outside though and enjoy the sunshine.

In conclusion, fRed hots was average, on the low side and I gave Donald's a 2. So I think that fReds Hots should receive a rating of 2.5 celery shakers. I don't think I would return, except for the Italian Beef, which is supposed to be good.

Dan