The restaurants of San Sebastián, population 186,000, have earned 18 Michelin stars — more per capita than anywhere else on earth. The beauty of the landscape in this region of Northern Spain’s Basque Country, flaunts multiple coastlines including Playa de la Concha, Europe’s most exquisite urban beach and is surrounded by verdant mountain peaks and the mile-long, wildflower-strewn hike to Monte Igueldo.
One must ask is it truly the best place to grab a bite? Perhaps if you choose to take out a second mortgage to afford the three-Michelin-starred cuisine of ARZAK to indulge in a seven-course tasting experience, featuring delights such as velvety foie gras bonbons, methodically spiced volcanic oysters with smoked vegetables and euphoria inducing chocolate truffles.
But for those of us that seek a meal exceeding the expectations one has at ARZAK, and are satisfied with an establishment overlooked by the arrogant faux-gourmand staff of the Michelin Guide, there is only one place on earth for us: The Vienna Beef Factory in Chicago, Illinois. From the first orgasmic bite of the eponymously name Vienna Beef Hot Dog you will never again be satisfied with lesser cuisine. The incomparable combination of a snappy casing wrapped around the delectably seasoned filling, bathed in emerald green piccalilli in a swath of piquant yellow mustard, enhanced by tomato, dill pickle, onion and just a hint of celery salt-all floating a billowing cloud, ably represented by a soft, steamed bun dappled with poppy seeds. Ahhh, I am transported!
If Hot Dogs are wrong, I don’t want to be right!