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Bar Sun Jul 28 2013
Bull & Bear's Dog Days of Summer Event
In honor of Hot Dog Week, I went to Bull & Bear's Dog Days of Summer event to sample their neighborhood-inspired dogs, and despite my general excitement, I was admittedly apprehensive. You see, I believe Jesus himself invented the classic Chicago-style dog: a beef frankfurter nestled in a soft bun, topped with white onions, relish, pickles, tomatoes, and mustard. No fucking ketchup. There's something delightful (pornographic even) about pushing this bread-enclosed sausage into your mouth, condiments oozing down your chin like nobody's business.
Nonetheless, I couldn't very well miss an opportunity to eat hot dogs, so I made my way to River North to try Bull & Bear's creations. I ordered the "Frank Plank" (a flight of all five specialty dogs in miniature form) and a side of their Parmesan truffle fries.
Monday: Pilsen Dog
Al pastor sausage, grilled pineapple & cactus relish, cilantro crème, fresh jalapeño, salsa habanero, bolillo roll
Tuesday: Little Italy Dog
Salami pepperoncini sausage, arugula pesto, grilled and pickled forest mushroom, aged provolone, fennel seed hoagie
Wednesday: Greek Town Dog
Spiced lamb sausage, tzatziki, feta, tomatoes, pickled red onion, pita
Thursday: Pulaski Dog
Smoked polish sausage, charred onion, brown mustard, spicy pickle, poppy seed bun
Friday: Uptown Dog
Asian spiced beef sausage, pickled carrots & daikon, thai chili mayo, dehydrated cilantro, jalapeño baguette
Maybe it was because I ate it first, but the Pilsen Dog won my heart by miles. The spicy salsa and sweet cactus relish melded perfectly with the al pastor sausage. The Greek Town dog, which tasted like a fancy gyro, followed in close lead. I give creative kudos to the Uptown Dog, which ate like a bahn mi from Argyle. And of course I can't forget the oh-so crispy, perfectly seasoned truffle fries, which I admit--beats Edzo's fries. As I stuffed my face in glorious wonder, I watched beach volleyball on their multiple TV screens and people-watched the ever young and well-dressed River-Northers.
Despite my initial reservations, I was impressed by Bull & Bear's specialty dogs. And I even got to meet the exec chef and wander into the back kitchen to photograph their other culinary delights.
Yes, I will be coming back to eat all that.
