Home > The M.O. > Archives > 2008 > October > 29 > Entry
Wisps of the Windy City on a poppy-seed bun
But, eventually, “Chicago got a little cold,” as Miller likes to say, and he decided to head back down south to warmer climes and an opportunity to be closer to his brother and nephew.
Miller spent much of the last four years working in various capacities for multiple Central Market locations, but eventually he “got hungry” for a taste of home and wanted to realize the dream of self-employment.
Surveying the food scene in Austin, Miller realized that his adopted hometown, for which he professes the love and appreciation of a native, was in dire need of a true taste of Chicago. And nothing says Chicago like a boiled Vienna hot dog.
The classic Chicago style ($3.75) comes as previously described, but for those who don’t want to stray from their favorite preparations, you can get a dog with toppings of your choice ($4) or experiment with “The Austinite” ($3.75, with mango salsa and avocado) or take the healthier route with the veggie dog ($4, which you can get with homemade veggie chili).
While many folks in Austin may know the pleasure of snapping the casing on a Vienna dog and the subsequent burst of flavor, some might be a little less familiar with another Chicago staple, the Italian beef sandwich ($6). The beef, slow roasted by Miller for three hours, is best served “sweet, hot and wet,” as Miller describes it, meaning you get both sweet and hot peppers and extra au jus sauce, leaving a succulent shaved beef sandwich that melts in your mouth. If you want to really step your game up, you can go with Miller’s favorite, the Italian Deluxe ($7.25), which is a 6” Italian sausage topped with roast beef.
As a testament to his love and respect for these regional favorites, Miller went to great lengths to describe his dedication to authenticity. With vending from a trailer making impossible the ability to keep the traditional Gonnolla bread fresh, Miller has moved to ordering his rolls from Phoenicia Bakery and is in discussions with South Austin’s Moonlight Bakery to develop the perfect roll for his Italian beef sandwiches. So, traditionalists can rest easy.
But the food is only part of the appeal of this recent addition to Austin’s burgeoning trailer scene, one Miller credits for expanding Austin’s palate. Miller’s effervescent personality has already made him famous among regulars, several of whom he now counts as good friends, and he and his big smile can be found manning his trailer seven days a week.
Austin’s new champion of the flavors of Chicago envisions opening a full-service restaurant eventually, but for now Chris Miller is grateful to be “living his dream,” combining his two favorite things - Austin and Chicago style food.
Chris’ Little Chicago
3600 S. Lamar [map]
512.300.1791
Monday: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Tuesday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
(Chris hopes to have his Web site up by the end of November. In the meantime, here are some photos of his menu.)
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment Categories: Food
Comments
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By melonhead
October 30, 2008 6:39 AM | Link to this
the Italian Deluxe, extra wet, please!!
By Steve B
October 30, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
Oh boy! I have been missing this food ever since the demise of Lucky Dog! I am a Native Texan who lived in the Chicagoland area and came away with an addition to the local food.
Chris I’ll be customer for as long as you are open (and may it be a long and fruitful career)! See you this weekend!
My first order; Chicago Dog & a Beef extra wet with sweet & hot peppers!
By Bill
October 30, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Oh man, I hope this is as good as it sounds. I’m having Italian Beef withdrawals as I’m typing this. Hope he starts another store up on the north side of town!
By eric m
October 30, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
i am so proud of you man. your regular press and customer base is a testament to the quality of your food. that’s all that really matters, a inner drive for perfection and authenticity. the classic style is just that, an honest to goodness chi’town dog. thanks.
By JULI
October 31, 2008 9:05 AM | Link to this
CHICAGO STYLE HOT DOGS…
YUM yum yum yum
By sonya
October 31, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
Besides great food C.L.C. is located on 2 acres overlooking the greenbelt. He has horseshoes (soon to add a basketball net). It is kid and dog friendly and a great place to kick back. The canopies have lights which makes dusk great to watch the sunset and eat some great food.
By Chris
November 1, 2008 1:30 AM | Link to this
Hey from Chi-Town Bud ,
Great to see the good press and responses your gettin I might just have to do a Fly-By just to Feast & golf woohoo!!!!!!!!