Another birthday!

Happy birthday, Michael!

To mark this special occasion I'm making a cafe variation of one of his favorite foods - the hot dog. Yep, today's sandwich special is The Weenie Panini - roasted 100% beef hot dogs, homemade chili and cheddar cheese stuffed inside a ciabatta sub roll.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup (vegetarian)
African Peanut Soup (vegetarian)
Sweet Potato Dahl Soup (vegetarian)

By unspoken consent, Michael and I aren't specific about how long we've been friends, but suffice it to say it has been a long time. Early on I was regaled stories of the mythical Teo's hot dogs of his youth. These mini dogs are served on buns from a local bakery and are eaten 3-4 at a time. "With the works" means onions, mustard and their signature chili heaped on mini red hot dogs nestled in a soft steamed bun. Paired with the locally brewed Genesee beer and a bag of chips, it sounds like a real treat and the kind of place visitors are unlikely to patronize unless taken there by a local. Bring cash.

I've never been to Teo's but a pilgrimage to Pittsfield, Massachusetts to try these weenies seems inevitable.