Join Darley Newman in Montgomery, Alabama to eat hot dogs that reportedly inspired Hank Williams to write “Hey Good Lookin” at Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs.
In the first episode of my new podcast, I’m traveling to Alabama’s capital city of Montgomery, less than two and a half hour drive from Atlanta or a direct flight from NYC. It’s my second time visiting this Southern city, where top places to eat are mixed in with sites, museums and a vibrant riverwalk. Our first stop in Montgomery is to meet the family behind a hot dog restaurant that’s been in business for over 100 years, back when hot dogs were sold for just 15 cents. It’s located just a few blocks from Alabama’s State Capital Building and along the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail.
Hank Williams, Dr. Martin Luther King and Elvis Presley once dined at Chris’ Hot Dogs. Owner Theo Katechis bellies up across from me at the retro white bar counter, where guests order a dog and dine.
Theo hands me a hot dog that’s covered in a ketchup based chile sauce, a recipe that Theo’s dad, who came to Alabama from Greece, created. Cradled in a white paper boat, the sauce oozes over into the container as I take a bite.
Find out more about what’s in the secret sauce at Chris’ Hot Dogs by listening to the podcast. Chris’ Famous Hot Dogs is located across the street from where Rosa Parks worked as a seamstress and just a few blocks from the Dexter Ave Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr preached and along the Selma to Montgomery March Route, where Dr. King led the 1965 march for voting rights, ending on the steps of the State Capital and passing by Chris Hot Dogs.
This episode of the “Travels with Darley” podcast explores Montgomery, Alabama’s rich culinary history at iconic eateries and restaurants including Chris’ Hot Dogs with Theo Katechis, Brenda’s Bar-B-Q Pit with entrepreneur Donetta Bethune, Plant Bae with Dr. Quebe Merritt and Ravello with Chef Eric Rivera.
Preview the podcast here and subscribe and follow on iHeart, Amazon, Spotify, Podchaser, Podcast Addict, Jiosavvn, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Audible, Apple, and wherever you listen to your favorite podcast!
Watch this segment in the PBS and streaming episode of Travels with Darley.
