World's Best Hot Dog

Last week Leesa and I vacationed in Phoenix. We drove to Sedona to see the red rock formations. While in Sedona we came across The Black Cow Cafe. I saw a sign that proclaimed, "World's Best Hot dog." Believe me that caught my attention. After getting Leesa to take my picture by the sign we went inside to explore the veracity of their claim, that is, I went in to eat a hot dog. I walked up to the counter and declared I wanted the world's greatest hot dog. The lady said they only serve them during lunch time. It was 3:30 in the afternoon. While processing my feelings of denial I asked her when was the earliest these legendary dogs would be ready in the morning. She said at 11:00 AM to my dismay because I knew we needed to leave Sedona by 9:00. Why couldn't they serve them for breakfast? Surely the best hot dog on the planet could be eaten any time of the day. When my denial began to dissipate I realized that no hot dog no matter how good was worth pleading for. I told Leesa on the way out of the cafe that I wouldn't let this ruin the rest of our vacation. I did enjoy the rest of our time in Arizona. No hot dog, no matter what it's claim to fame, is worth that. However, for some unexplainable reason I keep dreaming of black cows eating hot dogs. Go figure!

The Flying Wienie

Flying Wienie

This past Monday our architect, Tom Smith, was here. He came with master plan version #5 for us to examine. We took Tom to one of my favorite lunch spots. You guessed it, the Flying Wienie. I don't think Tom really believed a restaurant would have a yellow airplane on the roof, much less be named after a hot dog. By the way, we didn't take Tom there for the great architecture or to give him ideas for our new church facility. Tom got a gyro and fries. I got my usual "double play." Kim got Italian beef and John got ribs. And you thought they only had hot dogs! As usual, it was an enjoyable experience.

When the temperature is warm it is nice to sit outside and give someone the “full Cedar Rapids experience.” You know, the sound of trucks and trains, the smells of Quaker Oats, Cargil and Penford, and the sight of the river – almost! However, it was a little chilly for that. So, we settled on eating inside.

So, why did we take Tom to the Flying Wienie? The obvious would be the good food. However, I think the reason I like this haven for Chicago dog lovers so much is because it is unpretentious. It is a “What you see is what you get” type of place. Some would call it a “dive.” Others wouldn’t be so nice. There is nothing fancy only airplane paraphernalia. It is what it is.

If only we could be the same – authentic. The Apostle Paul put it this way, “But by the grace of God I am what I am.”

What about this blog?

Sonny Bryan's in Dallas

Last week I was at a conference in Dallas with Kim Pagel, Gary Hoobler and John Maehl. We were eating supper at my favorite BBQ place, Sonny Bryan's. If you go to Dallas be sure to eat at Sonny Bryan's! There are several locations throughout the city, but I recommend going to the original location at 2202 Inwood Road for the full Dallas experience. I was about half way done eating mouthwatering brisket when I realized that the other three were done eating all of their food. I commented on how I am such a slow eater. Kim responded that they were "professional" eaters while I was a "social" eater. By that he meant that they eat food just to eat. When I eat food it is an experience to be enjoyed to the fullest. Eating a delicious meal is enjoyable not just for my palate but also for my soul.

This experience in Dallas is an illustration of what I want this blog to be. A place for me to share thoughts on two dimensions of life - the physical and the spiritual. I hope to share my experiences with food and restaurants. Also, I want to share food for the soul - lessons God is teaching me.