LTH Chowists make the best On Star operators

Recently, ErikM phoned from his car about how to locate a restaurant in Milwaukee. I provided instructions on how to reach this restaurant via mapquest. The conversation lasted from Dempster through the Illinois-Wisconsin border with my providing directions and pointing out areas of interest along the way. At the conclusion, Erik joked. "I heard On Star was a terrific service. I didn't realize you would spend so much quality time with me. I better let you go to take care of other clients." Cute!

Another time I am on Lake Shore Drive heading to another Chowist to drop off some strawberries in exchange for some rhubarb. Cell phone takes off; it is SteveZ inquiring about his magnolia tree. Who knew On Star is so darn versatile. It actually took a visit to Steve's place to verify the problem, my first thought was correct though sometimes I do question myself.

Sometimes On Star is a television guide. I once received a phone call at 10:30 PM asking to verify if the program's host was indeed someone we knew. It was a PBS program about Korea hosted by Bruce Kraig of Culinary Historians. Though the voice was recognizable, the physical appearance wasn't. I advised he is 5 years younger but most importantly, his hair is combed, which naturally throws you off.

I have long considered obtaining a personal digital assistant (PDA) to store food destinations. Occasionally, I have a trace memory of a post, something darn attractive to pursue, I know I am near but I don't remember the precise name and address to get me there. A PDA would be a beautiful addition though I recognize I don't need to feed this obsession more than I already do. I do have my handy dandy cell phone with a few Chowist phone numbers, which if I catch somebody then I am back on track. If I am luckier, they will drop everything and join me!

Recently, I was in Evanston near Old Orchard, I am heading south on Crawford on my way to Dempster for a hot dog at any of golden three hot dog emporiums: Poochies, Herms or Hot Dog Island. I had George R's post on my mind but didn't quite know where these places were located. At a stoplight, I searched my cell phone directory for the likely person who could answer my question: Gary!

The following is a rough reenactment of Chowist conversation on the fly:

C2: Gary, I'm on Crawford heading toward Dempster, I want to get a hot dog, where can I find those hot dog places George R talks about?

Gary: Let's identify what you really want: simmered or grilled hot dog.

C2: Simmered.

Gary: You want fries?

C2: Yes!

Gary: Hand cut or thinly cut?

C2: Thinly cut.

Gary: You will want to go to Herms for your hot dog. I recommend when you order the fries request extra crisp. It guarantees your fries will be fresh from the fryer. You will not have to eat fries that have been standing under the heat lamp wilting.

C2: Ok, great, but when I come to Dempster, do I go east or west?

Gary: C2! You expect everything, don't you? Turn east, you will go past Poochies Plaza. Did you know they make a great grilled salami sandwich? You will find Herms just a bit east of there.

C2: Thanks, Gary! You're a sweetheart. Bye!

I have since returned to Herms a half dozen times for a hot dog with everything, extra onions, extra pickle, fries extra crisp and medium Dr. Pepper with no ice. After two visits, they simply remember me and give me my usual. The hot dog does snap, the fries are delicious and I read the Chicago Sun Times, while making my way through my lunch.

I find my personal On Star network works like a charm, I highly recommend it!

Herms Palace
3406 Dempster Avenue
Skokie, IL
Phone: 847/673-9757

Cathy2 wrote:Gary: Let's identify what you really want: simmered or grilled hot dog.

C2: Simmered.

LOL

Yes, but will you take our calls at 2:30 AM when we're deciding what all-night place to eat at?

Or do we have to wait until 5 for breakfast time?

Dick,

I am a night owl but not quite in your class of late night living! If you were to call at 2:30 AM, I can almost guarantee the phone will be picked up in 1-2 rings. We have clients and suppliers overseas who have open permission to call in case of need. So the occasional late, late night phone call is not uncommon.

So if your pda dies on you and you need your On Star friend, call away! Of course my phone number is in your pda, isn't it? I am in the phone book, just not under Cathy2.

Regards,