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)

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.

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.

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

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!

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.