Man Bites Dog: Hot Dog Culture in America

They go by many names… Frankfurters. Franks. Weiners. Tube Steaks. Coneys. Grillers. Shaggy Dogs or just “dogs.”  But when and why did hot dogs become such a quintiensccial part of American culture? This hour on Focus, Jeff Bossert talks with Bruce Kraig, co-author of the new book “Man Bites Dog: Hot Dog Culture In America.” Bossert talks with Kraig about what’s in a hot dog, how they are made and how hot dogs, like sausages, have played a role in city politics in Chicago. We’ll also talk about the virtually limitless recipes and ways to prepare them.

This hour we'll also hear from long-time Wonderdogs owner Jay Feitz. He left a career as an engineer to run the hot dog shop located in Campustown in Champaign nearly 30 years ago and is officially closing his doors this week. 

Do you have a favorite local hot dog shop? What are your toppings?