The rumor is true. Not the one about me being in the center of a love
triangle with Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan (after all, who hasn't been),
but the rising from the ashes (literally and figuratively) of Hot Doug's,
the Sausage Superstore.

And now we're even harder to find.

Watch for our grand reopening in early January 2005 at 3324 N. California
Avenue, right on the corner of Roscoe and California -- one-half mile due
west of the original location.

The new store will have expanded seating and in the summer an outdoor area
for al fresco dining (not the Al Fresco who sells Chevys on Western). And
yes, the duck fat French fries will remain on the menu on Fridays and
Saturdays. Of course, our inconvenient hours will remain the same.

I personally want to thank everyone who e-mailed, phoned and stopped me on
the street to offer their condolences about the fire and to ask when I was
reopening. While I at first wasn't totally convinced that I would attempt
to start Hot Doug's up again, your encouragement and positive words helped
me make up my mind. That and the fact that thanks to Bravo I've now seen
every episode of "West Wing" about seven times.

Again, thank you for your continued interest and I look forward to, once
again, serving you the finest in encased meats.

Happy Holidays.

Sausagely,
Doug