omnivorous
Schwartz knows his Polish. He calls himself the “official schmoozer” of Vienna’s 1,200-some vendors and, as the bio in his new book Never Put Ketchup on a Hot Dog (out September 2 from Chicago’s Books Press) puts it, he’s “spent the last third of a century developing and enhancing strong emotions for the business and for the people who operate hot dog stands.”
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Two years ago Schwartz started the hall of fame at viennabeef.com, recognizing Chicago stands that had been in business for at least 20 years and had had some notable impact on their communities (and had sold Vienna products, of course). Those included venerable local stands like Skyway Dog House, on the 9400 block of South Ewing, where owner Bob Polk has a “Where Are They Now?” gallery of high school kids who’ve worked for him since his opening in 1969. It was while writing Polk’s induction letter that Schwartz had the idea to write a history of Chicago hot dog stands.
Sat 9/6, 2-3 PM, Borders, 3232 Lake, Wilmette, 847-256-3220
Thu 9/11, 7-8 PM, Borders, 1144 Lake, Oak Park, 708-386-6927
