How Many Carbs Are in a 6 in Lonnies Italian Beef

On my last trip to Chicago, I made a 40-minute trip by bus and train, then walked a half-mile to Hot Doug's, "the Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium."

Hot Doug's is probably best known as a purveyor of haute dogs — foie gras and Sauternes duck sausage with truffle aioli, say, or cognac-infused lamb sausage. I tried a few of those, and I was one wowed rube from the sticks.

Then I tried the Hot Doug's version of the classic Chicago dog. That's the dog that made Chicago famous: an all-beef hot dog with a bit of snap, yellow mustard, neon-green relish that looks like a special effect from a '50s sci-fi flick, onions, tomatoes, sport peppers and celery salt. Served on a poppy seed bun. The Hot Doug's version looked and tasted just like those found in humble hot dog stands all across Chicagoland. There's a reason it's the Chicago classic: even surrounded by those highfalutin versions, that Chicago dog was the best.

For a decade, I've counted Louisville lucky that we can get a Chicago dog fix right here in town at Lonnie's Best Taste of Chicago. When Lonnie and Diane Edwards opened in 2003, they proved that it is, in fact, possible to export the Chicago dog to another city. Of course, Lonnie and Diane came to Louisville with plenty of experience; their first shop, Lonnie's Palate Pleasers, was located on Chicago's South Side.

I bring Lonnie's to your attention for three reasons: 1. Summer is hot dog season, and Lonnie's offers the best in town (though I am also partial to the chili dogs at Dairy Kastle, 575 Eastern Parkway); 2. A second Lonnie's recently opened on Preston Highway; 3. The original Lonnie's has a fabulous Wednesday soul food special that's worth checking out.

The original Lonnie's (in St. Matthews) is a cozy, friendly spot where you'll always find Lonnie working the open kitchen, and Diane taking orders. Service is quick and personal, and every detail is pretty much perfect.

Offerings include a great chili dog (Vienna beef is the sausage of choice at Lonnie's), Polish sausage, Italian sausage, thick Italian beef sandwiches (I prefer them wet, moistened with plenty of broth, and a dollop of spicy, chunky, pickled giardiniera). You'll also find gyros, grilled chicken sandwiches and good burgers. And the french fries are always piping hot and crisp.

You'll find pretty much the same menu at the new Lonnie's on Preston Highway in Okolona. That location occupies a former Moby Dick location and has lots more seating. Moreover, Lonnie's on Preston serves beer (though only mass-market lagers). And I think we can all agree that beer goes nicely with hot dogs and burgers.

Are there other differences between the two operations? Some, but none that affect the quality of the food, as far as I can tell. David Boggs, who owns the Preston Highway location, has worked closely with Lonnie, and if you did a blind tasting, I think you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Boggs does offer a South Side Dog that riffs on Southern ideas: It's topped with a crisp, pleasantly tangy slaw. And the Preston Highway location is open on Sundays.

Both places keep prices low, with dogs in various configurations running from about $3.50 to $4.50; Italian beef sandwiches in the $6-$7 range (both offer a 3-inch "baby Italian beef" that costs around $4.50). And both locations have a neighborly feel about them.

It's all good, and it's good to have two locations in town — especially this weekend, since the original Lonnie's is closing at 4 p.m. today, and will be closed on Saturday. So Okolona is Chicago dog central this weekend.

LONNIE'S BEST TASTE OF CHICAGO

3 Stars

Address: 8129 Preston Highway; 121 S. Matthews Ave.

Telephone: Preston Highway, (502) 384-7900; St. Matthews, (502) 895-2380

Cuisine: Hot dogs, burgers, sandwiches.

Alcohol: St. Matthews, none; Preston Highway, beer.

Vegetarian: Few options.

Price range: Inexpensive; exclusive of alcohol, two people could dine for under $15.

Reservations: No.

Credit cards: AE, D, MC, V

Children's menu: Yes.

Smoking: Patio only.

Access: A low step at the St. Matthews location will necessitate assistance for people using wheelchairs; the Preston Highway location appears to be fully accessible.

Hours: St. Matthews, Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Preston Highway, Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-7 p.m..

STAR RATINGS

4 outstanding

3½ excellent

3 very good

2½ good

2 fair

1 poor

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Source: https://www.courier-journal.com/story/entertainment/dining/restaurant/2014/07/23/hot-dog-taste-of-chicago/13038793/

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