Gold Coast Dogs: Home of the Char Dog

2009-07-14-IMG_3355
Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Gold Coast Dogs

It was my last day in the city on this Chicago trip. I needed a new briefcase and then had a bit of time before heading to the airport.

Found a nice luggage store and got a great back on sale and, in need of a hot dog, asked where to get a good Chicago dog. After some consultation with the other staff, it was decided that Gold Coast Dogs was the best place.

I left the store and headed a few blocks over and saw it. I'd passed it before. Looked good on the outside, inside, a bit non-descript, but what does one really want a hot dog place to look like (here's a quick aside, the location is also an outlet for another fast food place - won't name it here - and that's what shows up on your credit card; who would get THAT food when they have a choice of the hot dog here is beyond me!).

First thing you'll notice, see the picture above, is that this is the home of the "char dog". Not your typical Chicago dog, nope, here they split it and grill it. Wow!

On top of the dog is the list of ingredients that are mandator to the Chicago dog:

• poppyseed bun
• yellow mustard (NEVER ketchup!)
• chopped onions
• tomato wedges
• pickle spear
• green relish
• hot peppers
• celery salt

In this case, though, the char just really takes it a step above. Kim & Carlo's was great, with a great location, but for just the dog, Gold Coast is my number !!

More photos. See the website for some additional locations.

Meal: Lunch
Rating: ****
Date Visited: 14 July 2009
Address: 17 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL‎
Website: http://www.goldcoastdogs.net/

Kim & Carlo's Chicago Style Hot Dog Store

2009-07-10-IMG_3122
Originally uploaded by martin_kalfatovic

Kim & Carlo's Chicago Style Hot Dog Store

The Chicago Hot Dog is something special. It's not the dog itself, but wnat goes on it! For the desperate traveler passing through O'Hare, there are a number of spots where you can get a nice Chicago-style dog.

This post, however, is going to focus on a fabulous little stand outside of the Field Museum, Kim & Carlo's.

My hosts at the Field Museum offered the choice of the Corner Bakery (inside the museum) or the hot dog stand.

Not really a choice!

We headed out and the group looked over the choices: turkey dog, tofu dog, brats. Again, it's a hot dog stand, go with the Vienna frank, then make it Chicago-style!

And just what makes it Chicago-style? Here's the list:

• poppyseed bun
• yellow mustard (NEVER ketchup!)
• chopped onions
• tomato wedges
• pickle spear
• green relish
• hot peppers

and the key (in my opinion):

• celery salt
  

Kim & Carlo's does it good! Not stinting on any of the ingredients, they pile it all on and still leave you wanting more.

More pictures.

Meal: Lunch
Rating: *****
Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr., Museum Campus between Mcfretridge Dr. & Waldron Dr.), Chicago, IL 60605
Website: N/A