Hot Doug's

"There are no two finer words in the English language than "encased meats" my friend."

- Hot Doug's, Chicago

My mind was, quite

literally, blown yesterday for lunch. Several of my coworkers invited me to go along with them to Hot Doug's - a sausage emporium in Chicago. If you are ever in Chicago GO THERE. I cannot put it more simply. However, GO THERE EARLY AND BE PREPARED TO WAIT (see photo of line).

Don't get me wrong, I hate lines. I refuse to stand in at bars and rarely pay cover (totally unnecessary in Chicago). This was worth it. Actually I was spoiled because we had friends who weren't working and got in line early for us so we only waited about half an hour, a couple of them that had gone before waited over 2 hours. Also keep in mind that if you get there too late they will close the door in your face at 4pm - regardless of how long you've waited.

It's still worth it. Quite possibly the best sausage I've ever had - the Game of the Week which was Antelope with some sort of pepper sauce and a reallllllly good chevre. And the side? Duck fat fries. I'm drooling just thinking about it. Anyway, here's the gang including a special shot of the youngest member of our party (no sausage for her).