Ahhhh...Wrigely
Field. The second oldest ballpark in MLB and by the accounts of many,
the stadium with the most baseball charm. I used to agree, then they
put up that abomination of a scoreboard in left field. Now it looks
like your grandma trying to sport an Apple watch. But you can't deny
those that still believe; the brick, the ivy...the Chicago dogs.
The
Chicago style hot dog is undoubtedly the most famous in all of
baseball. While most ballparks offer some sort of specialty dog,
nearly all also offer a Chicago somewhere on the concourse. If just
one hot dog had to carry the mantle of the perfect ballpark meal, it
would be the Chicago dog. And there is no better place on earth to
eat one than Wrigley Field. Everything in the baseball universe would
be perfect while eating one in the friendly confines if it weren't
for one thing: the Cubs play there.
In
case you haven't heard, the Cubs have not won a World Series in over
100 years...seriously. They have come close, but always choke.
Someone in the Windy City has seriously pissed off the baseball gods.
No one is more aware of the pain and hearbreak of being a Cubs fan
than Cubs fans. And while they are perennial losers, Cubs fans remain
loyal. In my opinion, Cubs fans are the most ardent and faithful fans
in baseball. Some fanbases come close, but none beat the Cubbies
supporters. And after rooting for the underdog for over a century, I
think they have earned our respect.
That
is why I designed the Underdog specifically for the boys on Addison
Avenue. It's hard to improve on a ballteam's eats that owns the
Chicago dog, so I pay homage to a great dog and abysmal team by
taking the Chicago dog and building it backwards. It is basically an
upside down Chicago dog. Underdog. Get it?
To
make one start with a poppyseed bun, sprinkle in some celery salt,
put in some tomato wedges, a pickle spear, spicy brown mustard,
onions, relish and then put the frank on top. If you want to go
really tradition use a Vienna Beef frank, but I used Hebrew National
(because they taste better).
In the
2016 season, as I write this in the middle of May, the Cubs have the
best record in baseball, as well as perhaps the best roster in the
game. But it's early, and even if it all goes in their favor, the
Cubs will find a way to blow it. They will choke. And Cubs fans, for
all of their hopes and dreams, know it.
Beer
pairing: it's Wrigley Field! You MUST down this dog with the beer
that defines Cubs baseball: Old Style.
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