Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Texas Wieners, South Philly

Last Thursday, Cathy and I played hooky from work for the specific purpose of going to Texas Wieners, near the intersection on Broad and Snyder in South Philly. The hours are terrible but the food is magical (hence the need for time off work). It doesn't look like much, but what it lacks in presentation it makes up for in taste and ambiance. These will most likely be the only hot dogs you will ever eat that are endorsed by the actor Mark Wahlberg. You see Texas Wieners has a signed "Invincible" poster, complete with inspirational quote "Hold Fast To Your Dreams." As always, Marky Mark is right, holding fast to our dreams is exactly what we're doing here at Don't Buy All The Hot Dogs, dreams of writing about hot dogs like it's our job.

On to the deliciousness, I had two hot dogs, The Texan (see Cathy's PS) and a Texas Tommy. Both were out of my mind good. The Texan was my favorite (hash brown patty!) but the Texas Tommy held it's own. They didn't scrimp on the bacon and it was dripping in delicious orange cheese. Adam was also along for the ride, bringing with him the shocking revelation that he used to eat at Texas Wieners several times a week when he lived in the neighborhood. Tempting yes, but it's seriously amazing he didn't develop a chronic health problem as a result. On a related note, there's a special deal for a box of 21 hot dogs, called a Blackjack. I'm glad that exists.

Everything was super cheap too, we got 6 loaded up hot dogs, two sodas and a strawberry milkshake for just over 20 bucks!

The inherent problem with hot dog photography... So as some of you may know, I have a degree in photography. Those of you that didn't know prior are, I'm sure, very surprised. Here's the deal (i.e. why my photos always suck), I get hungry. After researching, planning, coordinating schedules, time and travel, I am really looking forward to eating. There is not a single part of me that wants to fuss with angles, arrangement and lighting. I want to quickly snap the damn thing so I can eat it. Once I am full however, I'm filled with the immense regret of not artful styling our photos for the blog. So here are some crappy pictures, next time they'll be better really (well probably not really).
Please note: Adam's subconscious thumbs up.


Cathy’s P.S.
First, I love how hot dog recon requires me to take a day off of work. Second, I am regretting my shirt choice for this trip and will probably never wear that top again, but that is neither here nor there. As for hot dogs, I got The Works and The Texan. The true standout for me was The Texan (home fries, onions, and peppers). I was expecting the potatoes to be more like sliced fried potatoes, but it was a whole hash brown a la McDonald’s breakfast or a giant, flat tater tot (and you know how I feel about tater tots). I almost wish I had gotten two Texans. Every bite was comforting, like it should have stirred up a fond memory of my childhood, but my childhood was devoid of Texans so instead it just made my brain confused with joy. The Works was ok (mustard, onions, and sauce), but I don’t know how I feel about Greek sauce yet. It did nothing for me.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Red Rooster Drive In, Brewster, NY


Mikey ate this meal a few weekends ago after one of his races. I thought the picture was so glorious that it needed to be posted. He emailed it to me from the road to turn my blue eyes green with jealousy, but I still love him.

A brief service announcement

We added a new page to the blog. Please check it out and send us your suggestions.

Rap Music Loves Hot Dogs

In our attempt to cover all things hot dog related, I wanted to share this awesome Kid Sister video.

Dude, how come no one raps in front of hot dog stands I go to? (This is a call to action people)

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

FREE(DOM IS) HOT DOGS

Thank you Stacy and Cathy for your invitation and for tolerating my delayed posting. This is foreign correspondent Kacie, currently stateside to bring you belated hot dog tales.

Part of this year's Wawa Welcome America celebration, the 2nd of July was the annual Independence Park Picnic, otherwise known as Free Hot Dog Day. It was billed as “great food and history free of charge” and unlike the disappointment that was the giant hoagie, this event delivered.

Though crowded (I went at the peak hour of 1pm) it was well organized-- I waited less than 5 minutes before the perky Dietz and Watson staff gave me my dog. They then directed me to the mustard and toppings bar featuring five mustard varietals, an unexpectedly impressive offering for a free event. As for the dog itself? No surprises: tasty and properly grilled, though its only real defining characteristic was its lack of cost... which is fine by me. My America: consistent and free.






Monday, July 12, 2010

No Libs Hot Dog Cart . . . Part II

On Saturday, I decided to give it another try and track down the dudes of Dapper Dog. Success! Hot dogs abound! Mikey and I both ordered Chicago Dogs (mustard, pickle, relish, onion, tomato, celery salt). While we waited, I checked out the operation: two guys standing back-to-back in a little metal food cart, but they were workin’ it. I hope they make some more money soon and buy a bigger establishment, because I’m sure it’s sweltering in there on a humid Philly night (and I worry about everyone’s hydration levels all the time). After receiving our modestly priced dogs ($3.50 each), we plunked down on the curb to stuff our faces. I was immediately smitten with this hot dog. It was just a perfect dog. Normally, I don’t like the hoagie style roll that this hot dog was served on, but the roll really played a major part in the experience as it held up to the tour de force of toppings. After a “perfect storm” bite where all flavors combined into one lovely mouthful, Mikey declared, “It ruled my world.”

In other news, I continue to be a photo failure and forgot to charge the digital camera. Here are more camera phone pics.










Sunday, July 11, 2010

Hot Dogs, Veggie Style


Having a BBQ, but don't know what to make for your brother's vegan girlfriend that he met in art school? Try veggie dogs! There aren't a lot of brands to chose from, but I recommend Smart Dogs. They come in regular size or jumbo.


In the spirit of the 4th of July, I recently made some Smart Dogs on the George Forman grill. A regular grill also works great, but for apartment dwellers the George Forman is all we got.



As with most "fake meat" products, it's all about the toppings. The actual veggie dogs don't taste like a whole lot so you have to load them up. I went for chopped onions, dill pickles and mustard. I also recommend BBQ sauce. We used pita bread as buns.



On a diet? The regular sized Smart Dogs only have 45 calories!



Happy Grilling!



Colleen, Veggie Dog Correspondent




Thursday, July 8, 2010

Best Interoffice Mail EVER

Surprise, surprise. Apparently, news of my love of hot dogs is catching on. Today, I received a very special interoffice envelope from a very special friend of mine who knows of my very special culinary obsession. It made my day. Please note that this hot dog also has the ability to stash stash-ables (change, lip balm, cocktail weenies) and act as a key chain. Multi-purpose, plush, vinyl hot dog of my dreams! Thanks, Liz!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

No Libs Hot Dog Cart... Part 1

The hot dog cart floating around Northern Liberties has become my own personal Moby Dick. I've tried to go and it constantly eludes me (Cathy too). So of course I was surly when Adam appeared one Saturday night, half eaten hot dog in hand from the No Libs hot dog cart. How could he so casually live out my dream (and not even bother to pick me up one? I mean seriously dude, come on). He was working his way through a Mac and Cheese Dog and was raving about it, something about the bun to hot dog placement (a good thing). I took a bite. It tasted like vomit. Adam maintains I just don't like lots of Parmesan cheese (kind of true), but I don't remember Parmesan cheese straight up tasting like puke. But that's just me. I'll totally go and give it a legitimate try if I can ever find the damn thing. But for now, I will post this unappealing hot dog cell phone photo.