Off the Menu: Station 22
Chicago Dog
Story and photo by Jack Barten
Take a moment and imagine this: a horrifying world where the birds cease to sing, and artists refuse to create new works for lack of a muse. That’s the dimension where hot dogs were never invented. Thankfully for all of us, Station 22, located inside Dawson Trail Brewery, is making all of our dreams come true with their Chicago Hot Dog.
Originating in Chicago in the 1920s, this style of hot dog quickly became the favourite “sandwich” of the Windy City. The Station 22 version features an all-beef wiener, Shaw Bakery bun, pickles, sport peppers, tomatoes, onions, mustard, relish, and celery salt. With the basics covered, let’s get to the dog.
On the first bite, one is struck by the perfect Shaw Bakery bun, which provides excellent support for the abundance of toppings and adds a wonderful crunch due to being toasted. The wiener itself is that perfect ballpark style. It’s dense, juicy, and distinctively flavourful—this isn’t your typical backyard dog. Now, it wouldn’t be a Chicago dog without the condiments. First, the pickles and onions add a distinct sharpness that complements the slight smokiness of the dog itself. Next, one may notice the essential addition of a slice of tomato. This adds a fresh element to the sandwich while also providing a bit of juiciness to everything. The sport peppers (small pickled chili peppers, common in Chicago) are not to be forgotten, with their distinctive hint of spice and vinegary flavor. The peppers also serve a dual purpose by providing a unique texture that combines nicely with all the other elements.
Finally, we come to the mustard and relish. The mustard further enhances the tanginess of the dog, while the relish cuts through it all with its signature sweetness. Last, but certainly not least, there’s the clever addition of celery salt, which slightly opens up your taste buds, allowing you to better experience the vibrant palette of flavours on display.
In summary, hot dogs make the world go round, and a good hot dog can change a life. Here, Station 22 not only provides a good hot dog, but an exceptional one.
Station 22
1181 Golf Links Road
807-935-7168