Hot Dog Cookoff Pits Wiener Vs. Wiener At Montrose Saloon

IRVING PARK — It's a dog-eat-dog world out there, and that's a good thing.

Saturday's fourth annual Gapers Block Hot Dog Cookoff will pit wiener vs. wiener in a competition for the most creative use of the classic red hot.

The real winners? Attendees, who get to sample each of the souped-up frankfurters. Last year's entries included a hot dog tamale and Philly cheesesteak-style hot dog egg roll.

Participating chefs include Taco In A Bag's Pat Bertoletti, who knows a thing or two about hot dogs, having consumed 55 of them, and their buns, in 10 minutes during the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.

The cook-off also includes a cash bar with drink specials from Finch's Beer Co., raffle prizes, music and games of bags.

The event is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. at Montrose Saloon, 2933 W. Montrose Ave. Judging begins at 4:30 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults or $10 for kids under 12 and can be purchased in advance online or at the door.

Proceeds will benefit Reach Out and Read Illinois, which promotes early childhood literacy by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together.

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