If you live in Chicago, you’d never dream of doing a Chicago dog at home, because no matter where you are in the city it seems you’re never more than a few steps from someone who does it for a living. But what about those of us who fall in love with the Windy City way with dogs and then have to return home? How are we supposed to satisfy our cravings? The yellow mustard, Kosher-style pickle spear, fresh tomato wedges, chopped fresh onions, and celery salt we can handle. Sport peppers and Christmas-green Chicago relish? We have to find substitutes. Poppy-seeded hot dog buns? Have to use plain ones. Chicago’s famous Vienna Beef franks? Gotta use the local dog. What we end up with is something reminiscent of a Chicago dog, but…
Why make do when you can create the real thing at home? For $89.99, Vienna Beef (see the Roadfood.com review of the factory store and restaurant) will send you their Chicago Style Hot Dog Kit. You get 16 dogs, along with a lovely matching set of poppy seed buns.  Also included: celery salt, yellow mustard, and bright green relish (sport peppers are also available). You can place your order online. This is a gift guaranteed to bring joy to your favorite Chicagoland expat.