A TASTE of Chicago
By Steve Fiske
Sears Tower, Michigan Ave.
State Street, Lincoln Park, Soldier
Field, Wrigley Field and Water
Tower Place, icons all, however
none are arguably more popular
with locals and visitors alike than
the ubiquitous ‘Chicago-style Hot
Dog’. From the
blue collar suburban
South side
and the surrounding
collar counties
to the affluent
North side communities, one
will see a plethora of small hot dog
establishments all boasting ‘Chicago
style Vienna Beef Hot Dogs”.
One may experience the authentic
“Chicago-style” hot dog with all
of its accouterments at Henry’s ,
located at 33135 U.S. Hwy 19 N.
in Palm Harbor, thanks
to a Chicago ex-patriot,
Rex Haslam,
Mark Haeger and
Randi Wille who still
lives in Chicago. They
have brought the complete
package to the Tampa Bay area.
These are no copycat wannabees;
Henry’s is the real deal. All of the
ingredients that make a real Chicago
–style hot dog are brought in,
much to the delight of those of us
who have periodic cravings for “a
taste of Chicago’. Experts say that
the popularity of the Chicago style
hot dog begins with the quality of
a Vienna beef
hot dog, perfected
by two
German immigrants,
who
came to the
United States in
1893 and settled in Chicago. They
were virtually penniless, until they
began selling their hickory smoked
sausages from a push cart at the
World’s Fair/Columbian Exposition.
The original presentation has
not changed over the years and
locals as well as visitors to Palm
Harbor may enjoy the
Chicago style hot dog
at Henry’s .
The original recipe
for a Chicago style hot
dog starts with a steamed
poppy seed bun, then yellow mustard,
green relish, chopped onion,
tomato wedges, a kosher pickle
spear, two sport peppers and a
dash of celery salt. I like
to order this with Henry’s
crispy fries, again Chicago
style.
The atmosphere in Henry’s
is all Chicago,
with posters
and photos
adorning the
walls. It’s fun
for those of us
who have any
kind of connection
to the Windy City to renew
our love of the unique things that
make Chicago such a special place.
The photos and posters on the wall
transport us back to the Second
City enhanced by the aromas from
the steamed Vienna Hot Dogs and
the simmering Italian beef, topped
off by the Midwestern friendliness
of proprietor
Rex Haslam , who
says, “We wanted to
bring a part of Chicago
to the Tampa
area”, indeed, he has
accomplished that mission.
This is not just about hot dogs
either, as terrific as they are. Italian
beef lovers should not miss
the authentic Italian Beef rolls,
stacked with juicy and succulent
shaved Italian beef brought in from
Chicago and served on a Chicago
baked roll. YUMMY! Those who
remember the thin crusted Chicago
pizza will appreciate Henry’s thin
and crisp Chicago style pies. Thin,
crispy and topped off with real Chicago
tomato sauce and two fresh
cheeses. Raw sausage is optional,
again all of the ingredients come
from Chicago.
Do yourself a favor and ‘go down
by der”, bring your friends and
tell them that you read about it in
TASTE magazine. It gets me extra
sausage on my pizza! A must for
Chicago area ex patriots.
Henrys is open from
11AM to 9 PM Mon-Sat. and
11 AM-6 PM Sunday.
www.henrychicagostyle.com
Phone 727-785-7300 for pick up
orders and/or special events.
aste of
North Pinellas 14
/www.henrychicagostyle.com
