New Orleans, a city of such amazing gustatory splendors and wonders that hundreds of books have been devoted to the culinary adventures awaiting the would-be Gourmand where the Saints come marching in.

From Cajun and Creole traditions like Jambalaya and Etouffee to boiled crawfish, Muffalettas, Po'Boys and just great seafood. N'awlens is a city of varied and wondrous food cultures.

So, what's the topic of today's exploration of gastronomic excess in the Big Easy?

Hot Dogs

Wait, what?

Yes, Hot Dogs, more specifically...Lucky Dogs.

I have had street vendor dogs in New York City, not bad. Chicago, always good. But I'm sorry friends, nothing beats a Lucky Dog. The fact that you can enjoy a large tumbler filled with a Hurricane while you're walking down the street with your Lucky Dog is just a bonus.

Steamed dogs, steamed buns, onions, mustard, chili, relish (NOT Squeeze Relish, grrr). The steamed buns are so soft, the skin of the dogs is firm and they are plump and juicy. They are flavorful and a bit salty, without that strange, my god where did this come from, aftertaste of some Hot Dogs. The chili, also cooked by the same steam, doesn't taste like it was poured out of a tin can a half hour before either.

They may not be able to boast the wide variety of toppings found on your typical Chicago style hot dog. But please believe me when I say that, even Hot Dogs are a step above in the Bayou.

Oh, and as if you needed more incentive than my worthy recommendation to sample a Lucky Dog while getting your Drink on in the French Quarter...they've long been touted as the World's Finest Hangover Preventative. I can't speculate one way or another, but...I will say that the only hangover I ever got in New Orleans came the one time I didn't have a Lucky Dog.

You can bet there won't be a second time.