Here was my path to this epiphany:
I can be weirdly traditional and conservative when it comes to some foods. Chili, for example, DOES NOT include beans. I was raised in Texas on chili dogs from the 1920s Greek-family-run James Coney Island. I later broadened my horizons to include NY-style kraut dogs, and, then, upon moving to Chicago, the Chicago-style dog. The notion of catsup and/or cheese on hot dogs gives me nightmares.
Upon my first trip to Japan (Kyoto, last Jamuary), I discovered seasoned noodles on a hot dog bun, and my mind began to open to new ideas. Earlier this week, I was talking to a Zen Buddhist friend who had studied in Korea and who had developed a taste for Kim Chi. She mentioned that the children in her extended family had requested hot dogs for dinner, and that she had eaten a simple bun-less, undressed hot dog with a small side of the fermented cabbage. That brought about the vision. Of course! The Kim Chi dog, or Seoul dog.
I like condiments, particularly mustards, and I discussed this at length with a like-minded friend. We considered yellow mustard, brown mustard, Dijon mustard, but eventually arrived at the conclusion that they would be overwhelmed by the Kim Chi. The Plochman's Chili Dog mustard, we decided, would stand the best chance of standing up to the strong, peppery fermented pickled cabbage.
It did.
Cheers,
Wade
"Remember the Alamo? I do, with the very last swallow."