Very Hot Dog

It had been a while since I last ate hot dogs at Mr. Mac's Canteen (having been waylaid so often by the pizza at Carminuccio's just up the road), but the hot dog urge at lunch yesterday was powerful; and it was Monday, so Big Ed's was closed. Those are the circumstances that conspired to provide me with a virtual tube steak theophany -- the rediscovery of Mr. Mac's superb chili dog. A sign at the counter advises it is hot, and the warning should not be taken lightly. This chili is lip-numbing and sinus-draining. But it also glows with the sweet vegetable flavor of the chili pepper -- a yin-yang taste sensation that is one of Connecticut wienerdom's highlights.