Being part of a series involving Chicago and its surroundings.

The family was sitting outside around a black metal table. An older gentleman set down a tray of food in front of them. In a deep, rolling cadence he recited, “I will now give you the anatomy of the Chicago hot dog. First. You start with a steamed, poppy-seed bun. Then. A Vienna Beef hot dog. It was created for the Columbian Exposition, the World’s Fair. Chicago. 1893. Next. Neon-green relish. Mustard. And these little peppers. They call them sport peppers. And the secret ingredient of the Chicago hot dog–”

Here, his voice went down to a whisper.

“Celery salt.”

The members of the family smiled at each other around the table.

“No ketchup. The Chicago hot dog does not have ketchup. I’ll go get you some if you like, but the Chicago hot dog does not have ketchup.”

Everyone shook their heads no and then took a first bite.