When you mention Chicago food, a lot of people think of deep-dish pizza, but hot dogs are definitely another quintessential Chicago food. Whether it’s due to Chicago’s history of meatpacking plants or the abundance of baseball, Chicago loves their Chicago-style dogs.
If you’re curious what all the hype is about, or you’re a Chicago expat living in Park City, The Cabin has the cure for your cravings. Have you ever wondered why The Cabin has a Silver Star Chicago Dog on their menu? Naturally, a couple of Chicago guys are behind this story!
Todd Fischer, owner of Silver Star Ski & Sport, moved to Park City from the Chicago suburbs back in 1998. One of his first jobs was at the Jeremy Ranch Golf Club, where loading up the hot dog Ferris Wheel was one of his duties. Years later, he has his own hot dog Ferris Wheel at his Park City ski and bike shop next to the Silver Star lift.
Enter another Chicago transplant, Cousin Doug, who is the general manager of The Cabin. He’s not Todd’s cousin, but that’s what Todd calls him. It’s a Chicago thing. To honor Todd’s obsession with hot dogs, Cousin Doug added the Silver Star Chicago Dog to their menu.
What makes it a Chicago dog?
You gotta start with an all-beef dog. None of those nasty fillers. Vienna Beef is the dog of choice, although Nathan’s Hot Dogs are a worthy substitute. Next, come the toppings. No ketchup. If you eat ketchup on your dog, prepare to be heckled. (I speak from experience because I love ketchup on my dog!)
Next come the toppings: yellow mustard, pickle relish, white onion, tomato, dill pickle, sport peppers and celery salt. Don’t forget the poppyseed bun; it’s crucial. A can of Old Style or PBR makes a nice pairing.
For a bit of Chicago nostalgia, check out the merch at Silver Star Ski. He’s got fun t-shirts, ball caps and custom-designed bike jerseys and golf shirts featuring his late “shop dogs” Vidalia and Telulah, as well as lots of Chicago dog and hot dog logos.
For the Chicagoans craving a taste of home, head to The Cabin for the Silver Star Chicago Dog. If you’re lucky, they might even have the Cubs game on.
