I have recently completed eating a hot dog a day for an entire month. I ate hot dogs at 31 different venues including two cookouts, three baseball fields and 26 carts, trailers, trucks, stands, and diners. At these 31 different venues, five different brands of hot dogs were represented. Here's the breakdown:
Nathan's- 1
Shields- 1
Old Neighborhood-4
Pearl- 4
Kayem- 22
Yeah, I know that adds up to 32, but Zippity Do Dogs serves BOTH Kayem and Pearl franks.
Just because July is over, it doesn't mean I will stop doing Hot Dog Stories. Next weekend, Mrs. HDM and I travel to Maine and we'll stop at two or three places- we have a little surprise in store, too. I will also continue to take reader suggestions. Readers have suggested Top Dog in Rockport, Hot Dog Annie's in Leicester, Onleyville New York System in Rhode Island, and Boston Speed's in Boston. I'd also like to hit Gilley's in New Hampshire. There will be others: I want to hit a bunch of hot dog joints in Southeastern Mass and Rhode Island- there's a very rich tradition in that region; I'd also like to get to the western part of the state to check out some iconic joints. I will also continue to seek out hot dog joints while traveling.
I won't be doing any stories this week- until we go to Maine that is and after that I will most likely be limited to one or two stories a week- unless I get a TV contract or some kind of sponsorship to make my little hobby a true avocation. Regardless, I'll still be on the hunt for fun, unique and tasty hot dogs where ever I happen to be.
What's Next for the Hotdogman
The Best Hot Dog
As the Hotdogman, I get asked who has "the best" hot dog all the time. It's a tough question and I have an answer that sometimes frustrates people. I have eaten at over 70 hot dog joints in the past year, some places I have been to three or four times. I have been to Casey's Diner hundreds of times.
As of this writing, the list of hot dog joints I have visited on Hot Dog Stories has 57 different places to get a hot dog in Massachusetts, Maine, Canada, Florida, and Nevada. The places listed here (if they are still open) ALL have good hot dogs. If the hot dogs weren't good, I wouldn't put them on my site. I have visited many more places than there are on my site- not every place makes the cut.
Hot Dog Stories and my stunt to eat a hot dog a day in honor of National Hot Dog Month are NOT about finding "the best" hot dog, nor rating different hot dog joints in relation to one another. Each individual hot dog joint brings something to the table because each place is unique. I have two fundamental criteria for a good hot dog experience: a "premium" hot dog (not the 10 for a dollar variety) must be used and the hot dog must be HOT. Beyond that, each individual hot dog joint needs to distinguish itself in it's own way.
Expectations have a lot to do with it. I know that when I pull up to a simple hot dog cart at the side of the road, I am not going to be bombarded (in most cases) with a plethora of choices- I am looking to get a simple, quick lunch. At a cart, I expect a HOT dog with the basics- I am most likely ordering my dog "all around." At a trailer, truck, or stand, where there are more cooking resources, I will be looking for the "signature dog"- the hot dog that makes the place special. At a place like the Dogfather there are many choices; at George's or Nick's it's the Coney Island hot dog; at Snappy Dogs, it's the Friday special; at Mad Dogs in Florida, I can get any number of regional style hot dogs; at Windy City Eats I'll have a Chicago Dog. And so it goes.
I don't want to sit here and pit these places against each other for who is the best. A Chicago Dog doesn't compare to a Shnurble from Fred's Franks. The two hot dog styles are so completely different, "rating" them against each other wouldn't make sense. It would be like comparing a lobster dinner to prime rib- both are delicious if well cooked, but they're at opposite ends of the spectrum. I won't make it my business to mess with someone else's business. I am happy to give a quality hot dog vendor some positive exposure, but I don't want to go out and bury someone because their hot dogs suck; if they do, they won't be in business for long anyway.
What I do is celebrate the hot dog. I seek out hot dog joints that show the hot dog the love it deserves and present them in a fresh, unpretentious and fun manner. The thing that makes hot dogs so special is that every place puts their own spin on things to create a unique, epicurean experience. Whether it's a special topping or, like with Eugene's Coffee and Hot Dogs in West Newton, a brand of hot dog that is unique to the area or an innovative cooking method, or even a proprietor's infectious personality, each establishment distinguishes itself in its own way.
Let's call a spade a spade here. We are talking about hot dogs, not filet mignon. I sometimes get a kick out of reading hot dog joint reviews that try to sound like a Zagat's review of a five star restaurant. I could wax elegant in my stories and break out some serious rhetoric (along with my Thesaurus) while describing my experiences, but such pretentiousness isn't what hot dogs are all about. Hot dogs should be fun. And hot.
The Rachael Ray Hot Dog Bracket: Our Search for the Best Hot Dog in the U.S.
Phantom Gourmet "Great 8"
Here's a video from the Phantom Gourmet where he "rates" the top 8 Hot Dog Joints in New England. While these places are good (some have been visited on Hot Dog Stories), he tends to rely on "safe choices."
Over at my Hot Dog Stories site, my aim is to give people a glimpse of a host of different hot dog joints-if I don't like the food, I won't publish the story! One of the hot dog trailer owners I visited called me the "Phantom Gourmet of hot dogs."
I may not have the production values or budget of the Phantom Gourmet (yet), but what I promise to do at Hot Dog Stories is give readers an in depth examination of the available choices in New England (or wherever I happen to be) for a good hot dog!
Enjoy the video-every one of these joints offers EXCELLENT CHOW.
A Dog a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
******DISCLAIMER******
I'm not a doctor, but I've watched them on T.V.
******DISCLAIMER******
The Hot Dog is a much loved food item. When prepared properly, they are a uniquely delicious delicacy. To experience the truely authentic hot dog, you can't get them any old place. Don't ever buy a hot dog at a gas station-the kind you'll find there have most likely been sitting in the little "roll-o-matic" for weeks. Hot Dogs at Baseball Parks are also over-rated; I've been to Fenway (duh), Yankee Stadium, Jacob's Field, Riverfront (old Cincinnati Reds Park), and Camden Yards and I have yet to find a good hot dog at a ball game. Youth sport venues also have some pretty crappy hot dogs, but at least you know you're helping some youth sport league while you poison yourself with some lame skinless frank. To get a truly great hot dog, you need to seek out the local hot dog "joint." The Hot Dog Truck falls into this category, so when in the area.....
But I digress-
Yes, hot dogs are yummy. They also get a bad rap as (gasp) "junk food." Obviously, the folks who label hot dogs as "junk" haven't read THIS. While I do eat a dog or two on most work days, I rarely take my work home with me. Maybe I should....
So I say-eat up those hot dogs and live healthy! Two dogs a day keeps the doctor (and the hungries) away!
BRRRRRRR
It is so friggin' cold out today! If I had the Hot Dog Truck open, I'd be cold and miserable. This is why I closed this winter! People just don't want to stand outside when its 10 degrees (go figure).
This makes the argument for an indoor location even stronger. Folks would eat dogs inside, not standing in the cold.
I discussed the whole cafe idea with the wife last night and we are attempting to move forward!
Stay tuned....
Cafe?
In my quest for a new spot, I have come across an opportunity to lease a small cafe. It is less than 2 miles from where the Hot Dog Truck used to be, so I will still be able to service my loyal clientele. If this happens, it will happen fast-by the end of the month!
I went and looked at it today and it oozes "classic hot dog joint." I am pretty excited. It would mean a lot more hours and responsibilities, but I am used to working long hours. I'd have an expanded menu, but hot dogs would still be the "anchor" item. I'd be able to make my homemade relishes too.
I'll keep y'all posted.....
The End of the Season
The Hot Dog Truck went out with a whimper. Yesterday was a strong sales day, today was not. Of course more folks came by to get their last dogs of 2007, but many more were at company Christmas parties or just not working.
Many people will be running around, making last minute preparations for the long holiday weekend. Unfortunately, hot dogs weren't in the picture. I was a little melancholy as I packed things up for the final time this year, but I'll be back soon.
Only 55 days until pitchers and catchers report!
That's Snow Biz
It was another crappy, snowy New England day today. I ALMOST didn't open the Hot Dog Truck. Tuesday a couple of guys from BOSE said they were coming down with "a crowd" today so I felt obligated to open. BOSE is having a Christmas party tomorrow and nobody will be coming out for Hot Dogs.
The guys showed and pigged out as the snow fell. A lot of other people came out too. I was very busy, despite the snow. Everyone is coming to say goodbye to the hotdogman until spring and to get their last fix of the best hot dogs in 2007.
Tomorrow is the last day of the season. I'll be spending the next week with the family, celebrating Christmas, taking a road trip to Montreal and generally relaxing.
Let it SNOW!
Countdown to the End of the Season
Lots of customers are coming by to say their farewells to the hotdogman before I close up the Hot Dog Truck for the season. Yesterday, one guy drove an hour out of his way just to get his final dog for 2007! Tomorrow I am expecting several large parties from nearby offices who want to have a Holiday Hot Dog Party before I shut down for the season.
It has been very cold and snowy here, so it is an easy decision to close, even if it's bittersweet.
Snow Day
The hotdogman took a snow day today. I needed to shovel out the Hot Dog Truck AND my own driveway to prepare for the weekend storm or I'd be behind the 8 ball next week.
Next week is the last week of the season for the Hot Dog Truck with Friday December 21 being the final day for business.
I feel I am prepared to open Monday as long as a decent plow job is done on Sunday after the storm passes through. I must say the plow guy at this site did a far better job than the guy at the other site!
See you Monday, enjoy the storm!
Why close for the winter?
Many people ask why I am closing for the winter. The answer is a purely economic one. In January, February and a decent chunk of March, it is a break even business. I can break even at home!
Seasonal workers (landscapers, painters, pool cleaners etc.) aren't out in the winter. Office workers won't leave their cubes to stand outside in 10 degree weather to get a hot dog. Not to mention the fact that the soda, the condiments and even the chili freezes!
I know, I've been out the past two winters. I go home most days cold and broke!
If I knew I'd sell 100 or more hot dogs a day, I'd stay out there. It simply doesn't happen. So I'll see you in the spring!
Coming down to the wire
There are less than two weeks left in the season for the Hot Dog Truck. I am wishing a Merry Christmas and saying my goodbyes to many customers. Some hot dog lovers are ordering an extra dog or two, hoping that will hold them over until March.
I am a bit melancholy as I have never closed for the winter since my first season. I don't know what I am going to do with myself! I'll probably get a job (UGH) for a few months to earn some spare change.
There is a big storm that may hit this Sunday, a N'Or Easter, and THAT could wreak havoc on my final week.
Stay tuned.....
Advertising vs. Reality
You've all seen ads for various fast food joints where the food looks SOOOO GOOD it makes your mouth water. Reality doesn't always live up to the advertising however. Here are a few comparisons.
Subway Sub: Ad vs Real Thing
KFC Famous bowl Ad vs Real Thing
Taco Bell Nachos Ad vs. Real Thing
McDonald's Big Mac Ad vs Real Thing
The Hot Dog Truck Two All Around Ad vs. Real Thing
BE HUNGRY, BE AUTHENTIC, GET REAL, HAVE A HOT DOG!!
Cooling Up
It was still pretty cold out today, but the sun was out and there was no wind so it didn't feel so desolate at the Hot Dog Truck. It was a lot busier too. Verizon had crews pulling fiber in the area and I had some hungry Verizon guys munching on dogs at 10:30 in the morning. There were also some guys cutting trees along the power lines in the area who were hungry too.
A host of regulars made their appearance as well. The Monday and Tuesday crowd who didn't show earlier this week were out in force too. Many regulars are saying their goodbyes for the season and pondering where they'll get their hot dog fix in the next two and a half to three months.
You just never know in this business!
Winter Dog Blues
Today was like February. Cold, lonely and not profitable.
How cold was it? It was so cold the chili dogs were actually chilly!
Seriously, it was about 10 below zero with the wind chill and customers were few and far between. It was the second worst sales day in the Hot Dog Truck's history. Luckily a friend with nothing better to do came by and hung out for an hour or so shooting the s___ . I also got a new high score in Tetris (322,459)!
I will miss the Hot Dog Truck over the winter, but I won't miss days like today.
That's Snow Biz
Today was the day that makes me want to go home for the season. It SNOWED for the first time this season today!
Snow (or anything falling from the sky in abundance) is BAD for business. People just don't like standing around in the snow eating hot dogs-go figure. Don't get me wrong, I had customers and I made a few bucks, but nothing like a non snowy day of sales. It's supposed to melt tonight and tomorrow, so I'm not too worried, but it still sucks.
I just need to stay open until Christmas time so I'll have some extra cash for some presents.
GO AWAY SNOW!!!!
RELOCATED!!!!
I have relocated until the end of the season (December 21) about 300 yards south on route 30 in the parking area of Bartolini Construction, Next to Northern Corp. WATCH FOR THE SIGNS!
OPEN 10:30 AM-3 PM
What's Next
The Hot Dog Truck will be closing for the season at the end of the month and reopening in March (weather will dictate exactly when). This will be my first winter NOT being open in two years. Winter has not been good for business. From mid March through Thanksgiving, the Hot Dog Truck is ROCKIN and busy. During the winter it's cold, lonely and not very profitable. It would be nice to find an indoor location, that seems like the next logical step. I think with my current following, I'd do OK.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
A Sign for All Times
I stumbled on this sign at Tip O' the Day.
I've been accused of being a bit slow at times by some of my more "sensitive" customers. The reason there is a short wait for your dogs at the Hot Dog Truck is the grilled bun. A properly grilled bun is a key ingredient to a delicious hot dog. Each individually crafted dog takes time. So I'd say the service at the Hot Dog Truck tends to be in line with the first example in this sign.
It's All About the BUNS!!
