As I’ve moved across the country in life, every area has had it’s comfort food that I yearned for when I left and wherever I move never seems to have it. When I left upstate NY, it was Papa John’s Pizza. There was one in Chicago, but it was 5 miles North of the city and took the dedication of a 45-minute drive to go retrieve. But it was worth it the few times I did that. Fortunately, Papa John’s is out here in the Northwest!

Now that I’ve been out of Chicago for a short while, I’m already starting to miss the classic “Chicago Dog” - yes, those lovely culinary creations with green relish, hot peppers, pickles, onions, and tomato that you can never eat without making an absolute mess of yourself. Just try to find one of those suckers out here in the Northwest, I challenge you! I thought I had gotten lucky when I saw Matt’s Famous Chili Dogs, but alas the location near me was torn down recently to make room for a high-rise. Argh! I’ll have to make a special trip to one of their other locations to satisfy my craving, it seems.

Matt’s Classic Chicago Dog… … … … … … … . . $2.99 A gourmet hot dog served with mustard, diced white onions, sweet relish, tomatoes, Kosher dill pickle, sport (hot) pepper and celery salt.

Now that’s what I’m talking about…

What’s your comfort food that you miss?

Update: I forgot to mention - I also miss Buffalo wings, from both places. I tried to find a good place out here, but eventually had to settle on Rock Bottom. I know where I’m going the next time I’m back in Chi-town!