To the Slaw Dog:

I confess, I don't know what it is about you. You are such an odd, under-appreciated, misunderstood combination of things I like, but don't particularly crave - simply, a hot dog, and cole slaw. That's it. Of course, I elect to douse you in sriracha, but that is merely the cherry on top of the lovely foundation that you provide. You do not claim to be a city favorite, a regional specialty, a grandma's-famous-recipe holder. You are unassuming. You are perfect.Have you ever had a bite of such a lovely thing? It's deliciousness far surpasses the sum of its parts. The humble hot dog - sold from gas stations to sporting events to grocery stores; from backyard grills to street vendors. It defies logic - if I am at one of these events, and hot dogs are being served, I don't bat an eye. It doesn't arouse my taste buds in the slightest. However, the very instant that I know slaw is also available, I see nothing else. I am on a mission to construct this majestic abomination and consume it - and then repeat, repeat, repeat. Which brings me to the slaw - the discarded, unloved side that unfortunately comes with fried chicken. The topping that you never understood for a fish taco. The ridiculous combination of cabbage and a creamy white mayo base. To think about what it is makes it infinitely less appealing. So don't. Think about, dream about, how it tastes. Of how these two lowly food items, taken for granted or just downright disliked, come together and change lives. Once the cool, crisp slaw becomes nestled atop the meat, something wonderful happens. The mayonnaise tang combined with the salty meaty goodness - it's unforgettable. It's addicting.My first bite of you was in Birmingham, Alabama. I was out of my home state, beginning my first year of college. My new room mate at the time insisted I try you - and at that moment, I became a better person. I won't drag on about how we began, or how many times I've eaten you and your siblings since, but I just want you to know that I appreciate you. I love you.First the warm, soft bun. Then any hot dog you want - I prefer mine slightly charred. Topped with a mayonnaise based cole slaw, with JUST cabbage - carrots or onions or what have you just clutter the experience. After this, if you're like me, then you'll top it with a fine sprinkling of cayenne pepper and sriracha. If you take this route, you'll notice something: the cole slaw does double duty, and not only provides a lovely counterbalance to the dog, but it also extinguishes the spicy flames of these condiments in your mouth. As the battle wages, you realize: my god - THIS is how food is meant to be. This is bliss.Please, feel free to post as many pictures of slaw dogs as you want. They can have chili, onions, hot sauce, barbecue sauce... anything. As long as there is a dog and some slaw, post a picture of that bad boy. Thank you all. via /r/food http://ift.tt/2tALNjo