Haute Sausage

I feel like this place is a series of goods and bads. One followed by another. It's frustrating because the potential is there.

Allow me to walk through them ...

Good: Bought the $10 Groupon for $20 worth of sausage. Nice. And it lasts forever, per the offer? Even nicer. Easy buy. Had heard the reputation prior but had never tried. Was excited to taste.

Bad: Got to the HS2 truck, where the guy had said on Twitter he would be stationed until 12:30. It was 12:17 and he was starting to pull away. I waved at him and he just stared at me. Then he kind of rolled his eyes and put it in park. Dude hadn't driven an inch. I was bringing him business, but he looked annoyed. Hmm.

Good: I had the duck sausage. Rich, meaty, moist, flavorful.

Bad: The bun was adhered to the wrapper. That's bad. Wrigley Field bad. Bun was soggy and flavorless.

Good: All the other duck accompaniments were tasty too. It saved the sausage.

Bad: I thanked the guy for stopping and tipped him a dollar. He barely acknowledged me, then muttered something about getting there before he leaves next time. I couldn't believe it. Normally, that would be it -- someone in service mouths off to me, I am done. But the Groupon meant I was invested.

Good: I found the HS1 truck over by 600 W. Chicago and gave it another try. I wanted to at least break even. Found parking and rolled up. Hilariously, this guys was pulling away about 30 minutes early, too, but he was happy to stop and serve me. Different guy.

Bad: He informs me that the day I came was the final day HS would be honoring the Groupon. It was Groupon's fault, and he (the HS guy) was pissed. Sorry, but NMP.

Good: He offers me 3 sausages that day and apologizes profusely. What can I say? I am a softy. I tell him to surprise me with three different ones. He says he'll give me 2 premium sausages, which normally cost a buck extra. Nice.

Bad: The one labeled "Chicken Masala" (sounds good, right?) was actually a "Cabo Bacon Cheddar." Also sounds good -- and tasted decent -- but not what I was expecting when I bit into it. Chutney and guacamole are two slightly different flavors and textures.

Good: The duck again was great. And the bun was good this time. The Cabo tasted OK, but the guac got cooked. This is a fundamental problem: They pre-make their dogs. The hot tray cooks them more, so things that are meant to be cold (or served to order) like the guac turn a different texture than intended.

Overall, I think they need to work out some serious kinks. I feel like they maybe should watch that Great Food Truck Race show or something. A few things just fell short. It has potential for 4 stars, maybe 5 with some serious work, and some elements are already strong. But overall, it's a 2.5-3 star operation now, sadly.

Yum. I only eat two of the items on their list: The alligator and the Duck Foie Gras. Both are very tasty.

Nice Moroccan Lamb and Board and Fennel minis from the stop at UChicago.  I'll be back.