Texas Tommies

We had a rare treat at home this past Saturday night; so rare, in fact, we've never had these before! Wait, you're probably thinking, "Hotdogman, you've had hot dogs at home before;" and you're right- I have.

That's not just a hot dog though, it's a Texas Tommy. I have my Texas Tommy topped with Colman's Mustard, Onion Crunch, and yellow mustard.

What's a Texas Tommy? Mosey on over to Hot Dog Stories to find out!

Trina's Starlite Lounge

Trina's Starlite Lounge is located on the Cambridge Somerville border, right where Hampshire Street turns into Beacon Street in Inman Square.

Mrs. Hotdogman, who makes her 2012 "season debut" on Hot Dog Stories, and I popped in for some cocktails and to sample Trina's Gourmet Hot Dog of the day.

Trina's Starlite Lounge is a funky little neighborhood bar with a kitschy, 1950's vibe. 

There's nothing like highballs and haute dogs on a Friday night!

There's lots of cool old signs and 1950's era memorabilia all over the walls.

They serve up all sorts of comfort food classics. I was hard pressed to stay focused on hot dogs because everything looked so good. Tonight's Blue Plate Special was a triple cheeseburger!

The manager and our server greeted us warmly, but were "camera shy."

Chef and chief hot dog maker Suzie Maitlin was more than happy to share her inspiration with us though.

We ordered up some onion rings and a corn dog to share. Mrs. HDM, after getting assurances that all the cheese in the joint was of the fresh, grated variety, ordered up a chili cheese dog while I opted for the dog of the day: The Parisian. This is a split, griddled, all beef Kayem frank served on a baguette with pecorino cheese, arugula, and the house spicy mustard blend.

Alas, it was very dark in the dining room, and we didn't get good photos of the dogs. I shot some "night vision video though."

Mrs HDM and I both give Trina's Starlite Lounge

TWO THUMBS UP!

Check out the whole story of our visit to Trina's on Hot Dog Stories. 

Hot Dog Pix-Name 'em if you like!

These were the first dogs of the day today, 2 with Kraut.


Here's one of the "regulars," Adam from Genzyme, enjoying the best damn hot dogs on the planet! (He was hungry today-3 dogs!)


The guy from Worcester Elevator got 2 with ketchup, relish and onion.


Some guy from South Carolina wanted 2 with chili, cheese, onions, mayo and ketchup.


Now doesn't that make you hungry?

Bye Bye Winter- Hello Breakfast!

Friday's "warm" and sunny 40 degree weather brought the near return of brisk business to the Hot Dog Truck. After freezing my butt off for the past three weeks with one or two "nearly good" sales days, Friday's weather brought some of the "cube dwelling crowd" out for lunch and drove sales past their minimum acceptable level for the first time since the last week of January.

It looks like we're done with arctic blasts until next winter (so sez the local weather media) so business should return to acceptable levels until next Thanksgiving.

In three short weeks it will be April and historically, that's when business starts to crank up. A typical day in season has me slinging dogs from 10:30 AM until about 1:30 PM with few breaks in the action. I like being busy-the day goes faster and the money is good.

Also, beginning Monday, April 2, 2007 I will open for breakfast! Hot dogs will be available as will a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on a bagel or english muffin. I'll also serve up grilled muffins and bad coffee! And remember-chili dogs aren't just for breakfast anymore....