Chicago food fans know that their classic hot dog has been dragged through the garden. Yet, ketchup never touches that sesame seed bun. This summer, an iconic restaurant brand launches a limited-time menu item that captures classic Chicago food flavors. Ready to take a bite of Portillo’s Char’diniera Dog?
For decades, Portillo’s has delighted guests with its menu staples. The beloved Italian beef with its spicy giardiniera is always a top choice. Who hasn’t ended a meal with the uber indulgent chocolate cake. The restaurant always delivers delicious food.
With many food and beverage brands celebrating America 250, Portillo’s wanted to celebrate its heritage. In collaboration with Vienna Beef, its special offering takes the humble hot dog and makes it a Chicago legend.
As Denise Lauer, Chief Marketing Officer at Portillo’s explained, “In Chicago and all across America, hot dogs play a major role in food culture. And hot dogs have shaped our brand from day one, with Portillo’s getting its start in a humble hot dog trailer back in 1963. That’s why we’re proud to team up with Vienna Beef to introduce the all-new Char’diniera Dog – an innovative twist on an American classic, available only at Portillo’s. The Char’diniera Dog captures the iconic Chicago flavors that our guests crave, now in a Portillo’s hot dog that features our signature snap, the heat of giardiniera, the richness of provolone cheese, and elevated with char-grilled goodness.”
What Is Portillo’s Char’diniera Dog?
According to Portillo’s, the Char’diniera Dog starts with a Vienna Beef hot dog and infuses it with giardiniera and provolone cheese. The hot dog can be ordered Maxwell style, with mustard and grilled onions, Chicago-style, mustard, relish, onion, tomato, celery salt, sport peppers and pickle. Also, guests can have it without a bun or with any topping they please (even if they dare to order ketchup).
Available on June 30, for a limited time, this hot dog is a smart choice for Portillo’s. Instead of a red, white, and blue item or something simple, celebrating Chicago and its iconic flavors sets the restaurant brand apart.
The infusion of giardiniera and provolone cheese sound like a nod to an Italian beef. But, the reality is that those ingredients are Chicago classics. The hot dog is beef and stands up to the spicy condiment and tangy cheese.
While people love hot dogs for summer, this specialty item proves that the meal is not child’s play. Sure, there is a time and place for simplicity, but flavor matters.
More importantly, the hot dog, itself, matters. Sports stadiums can pile on toppings and entice people with over the top bites. But, if the beef does not deliver big flavor, the resulting meal is subpar.
Portillo’s Char’diniera Dog is ready to win the summer hot dog season. How many will you order this weekend?
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