10th Annual Jersey Hot Dog Tour - Sept 21th , 2013 - past trip reports

Hi John. In spite of your advice, I usually like to splurge and have an order of french fries or onion rings at some point during the day if one place has really good ones. Do you have a recommendation as to which place may have the best fries or rings? I know Galloping Hill has great onion rings, but I don't want to start off by overdoing it at the first stop.
 
Thanks, see you all tomorrow!

Ken,
          I don't eat onions so I wouldn't know about the onion rings. As for fries I've heard Out of This World has good ones. I haven't had them. I have had the fries at Jack's and they are very good. Fresh, not the cheap frozen fries that most serve. Manny's, GHI, are ok, but not worth spending the calories on. I'd go with Jack's or Out of This World.

http://southorange.patch.com/articles/meet-the-man-who-made-hot-dogs-his-hobby
 
Part 2 in the Patch Series about the Tour. I'm not the guy pictured.

Hello all ,
Looking forward to seeing everyone tommorrow on the 8th Annual Jersey Hot Dog Tour
Remember to bring your cameras and your appetite
Pace yourself and remember , no one on the bus is a stranger , just a friend you have not met yet (:
Benzee

Thanks John for the info on the fries, looks like Jack's will be the fry stop for me (I have not been there yet, been saving my first visit for the tour).
 
See y'all tomorrow!

Let me be the first to thank Benzee and John for their efforts on the tour-everything was great, and let's all forget about the owners of Out of This World who underperformed.  I had been there a month ago and asked them about their ability to move 100 people through-and they said they'd have it covered.  Again, Benzee, John, Bear (our tour guide on bus 2) kudos to all.

WELL?????
Where's the photographic evidence of the gastronomic experience? We Want details...
 
or
 
Are you all still in a hot dog induced coma?

I haven't been able to figure out how to post pics here, but I put up plenty on the Hot Dog Nation facebook site.

Well darn it, last minute problems at home kept me from coming. I was sure looking forward to this. I hope y'all had a great time.

Another Tour completed. I'd like to thank my partner Benzee, who does a great job every year organizing this Tour. And also our drivers, those who worked hard preparing our food; and last, but not least, all who attended who helped make this a special day for me.
 
I'd like to apologize for including Out of This World. A new place that serves good hot dogs but wasn't ready for our large group. We had to leave before most were served or we would have been there all day. I always am in contact with the people who run all the places we stop at, and I was assured by the owner that they would be ready for us. I should have known better.
 
The other stops made up for it. We had excellent German style dogs at the Galloping Hill Inn, as it is our meeting point and the only place that has been on every Tour. After Out of This World, we went to Soup or Dogs, a first time inclusion on the Tour. We enjoyed excellent dirty water Sabretts. Very good tomatoey chili as well as a variety of soups.
 
Next was Jack's Frank & Fries, another first time stop. They also offered natural casing beef franks, but you had a choice of steamed or grilled (griddled). Most got griddled. Another excellent dog, reminiscent of Papaya King and Katz's in NYC. I loved their thick chocolatey chili.
 
Manny's was next. A Tour veteran, it's been a few years since we went to Manny's. Despite a crowded restaurant and our large group, we were seated quickly and served in an amazingly short amount of time. Excellent service at Manny's. Known for their famous Texas Weiners, Manny's was a favorite.
 
Our last stop was Jimmy Buff's. Another Tour veteran, Jimmy the owner was taking orders and making sure everything ran smoothly. We enjoyed their signature Italian Hot Dogs along with their delicious natural casing beef franks.
 
Votes on the bus I was on for favorite stop was pretty evenly spread out this year. Jimmy Buff's received the most votes, followed by Manny's. Soup or Dogs and Jack's also got a lot of votes. Galloping Hill Inn had a few while Out of This World didn't receive any. Too bad that most didn't get a chance to sample their dogs which are quite good.
 
Thanks again everyone for making this day special and enjoyable. We had people from 10 different states this year including Burt Fleischer from Chicago, Norwood Fleming from Alabama, Johnny McLanahan from Oklahoma, ScreenBear's friend from California, and others that perhaps Benzee can name. And of course Ellen Fried from New Jersey!

 Some of our stops have web sites and Facebook pages. You might want to let them know what you think. And of course feel free to share your comments, suggestions, and criticisms here as well.

Hello all ,
Great tour once again , photos are posted on FB Hot Dog Nation and Erwin Benz pages . I never have  been able to post pics here myself.
 
2012 Tour is scheduled for Sat Sept 22nd , of next yr , an easy date to remember as its Johns birthday (:
Great Job by John anoouncing the stops and the intinerary
Great job by our drivers Dennis and Gary .
Screenbear for handling the announcing duties on second motorcoach , great job as well .
Everyone liked the shirts designed by Coney Island Lou , he has to be contacted to see if  he can order more .
Jimmy and his staff at Jimmy Buffs were fantastic once again , refreshments were gratis
James Jr is opening another Jimmy Buffs soon and John will get all the info on here soon
Mannys Texas Weiners served us smoothly and swiftly , Mannys wife handled our group as Manny is in Greece with his ailing Mom and we  wish him well he was missed , but the rest of his family odviously share his enthuisiasm for Texas Weiners for sure
Soup or Dogs for a  truck were swift too , great shrimp bisque soup . One note is we were told the samples of soups would be gratis and for larger bowls you would purchase , but when we arrived  they were charging $1 a sample , not a biggie but not what we were told either ,
Frank and Fries were great as well , owner very accomodating to our group , more so than the Sprint store next store who s manager complained about our busses blocking his biz , well I'm sure they were all heading in to get their phones repaired because mine has not been able to recharge and I have to get it looked at , yes Sprint . Interacting with him and his unprofessional behavior just might tip me into leaving them finally after all these yrs. Great stop though !!
Galloping Hill Inn  is  a mainstay , great big parking lot , great food and friendly employees and they embrace our group every yr .
Out of This World failed our group , they were not prepared despite telling John otherwise , the Alien guy out front was nice in costume  m but after a half hour of orders being taken and no food coming out I kinda wish he would have hopped behind the grill to help
Never done before we actually aborted the stop and left before all had been served , apologies to those that were really looking forward to one their , but had we stayed we would have been there all day  for sure , I myslef would never return there .
All in all another great day.
Norwood from Alabama , Johnny McClanahan from Oklahoma , Burt Flreischer from Chicago Ill , Screenbears friend from California , The Kramers from Maryland , NY , NJ , PA and CT and Owen Pollock from MA . Ten States , Two Motorcoaches  , Six Stops , Hot Dog Nirvana , Always a pleasure (:

Thanks once again John and Benzee for a great tour! My group (none of whom had been on a tour before) really enjoyed themselves too. My personal favorite yesterday was the Texas Weiner at Manny's. I had been there before, but they seem to have kicked it up a notch with both the sauce and the dog itself, cooked perfectly. And the service was amazing, they were really on the ball.
 
It didn't bother me that the soup samples at soup or dogs were $1. I'm guessing the $1 portions were bigger than what they would have given out for free. And I can't wait for that first 20 degree day in November, when I plan to drive down there and get myself a full order of that Hungarian Goulash!
 
Hopefully someone can post a group picture here, or I may finally have to join Facebook just for that.
 
Thanks again guys!
 

Just joining in on shouting out an enormous THANK YOU to Benzee and all of his partners in crime.  Heather, Matt and I were first timers who drove 3 1/2 hours from MA and we had a fantastic time.  We're not sure what was better - the food or the free comedy on the bus.  Don't think we'll be eating for days!!!!

John Fox


http://southorange.patch.com/articles/meet-the-man-who-made-hot-dogs-his-hobby

Part 2 in the Patch Series about the Tour. I'm not the guy pictured.

 
your right John.. he's lot more famous then you !!!!

Really? Not that that's saying much. Friend of yours?

Hello all ,
Believe thats Samuel Applebaum a friend of Scotts and a nice guy as well
Benzee

Does anyone know how I can see the tour pics without joining Facebook? I'd sooner shop at Walmart. 
 
  The Bear

ScreenBear


Does anyone know how I can see the tour pics without joining Facebook? I'd sooner shop at Walmart. 

The Bear

 
When I post mine on flickr, which may take a few days, I can send you the link to my set. You can send me your email address in a message if you want. I took 70-something pictures and some videos. 

Sounds good, but I fear even that may be beyond my skill level.
 
  The Bear

No no, you just click on the link I send you and it takes you right there, I promise. I can't post 70-some photos on here, I'm sorry. Ellen might be able to post some of hers, I'm sure.

A write up in the Suburban News.
 
http://www.nj.com/suburbannews/index.ssf/2011/09/hot_dog_tour_stops_at_soup_and.html

Hello all ,
The buzz was to get together after the tour to visit Charlies Pool Room in Alpha NJ , many tour attendees had not been there yet and it is Hot Dog Nirvana and a one of a kind experience .
Therefore on Tues Oct 18th we will have a meet up at Charlies Pool Room in Alpha NJ High Noon
John Fox and Benzee will be in attendance ( John pending he does not get called into work )
I have posted another thread under meets and greets so respond there if you are coming so we have a head count .
Benzee

i'm looking at hot dog locations , i think theres a fair share to share with the tour, i'll comply a list. i  think theres  a interest for a mid year mini tour.
suggestion's from other hot doggers will be great, we have a fairly large group of solo fliers.  so i'm sure there plenty of ideas and locations.
 
 
 
 

Dog Boss ,
Feel free to share any possible  stops for next yrs 9th Annual Jersey Hot Dog Tour with John Fox . Some great ideas from attendees . Always looking at possible get togethers  , especially in the Spring
 
Benzee

Hello all
 
The 9th Annual Jersey Hot Dog Tour is scheduled for Sat Sept 22nd , 2012 .
We already have the attendee list up and reservations coming in .
Benzee

well, i guess this place lost a little bit of it's steam ........... gotten quite around here................

Dog Boss ,
Feel free to visit Hot Dog Nation on Facebook as many have gotten  ahold of us there
We are accepting reservations for the 9TH Annual Tour and already have close to one motorcoach filled.
We expect to sell out two again .
Usually not too many posts over the winter for this thread but with the hot dog groups growing on Facebook its understandable .
Those  interested can sendme a message on here or FB either is fine
Benzee

The 9th Annual New Jersey Hot Dog Tour will be on Saturday, Sept. 22nd. It's been mentioned here before, but I'd like to remind everyone. Those who want to attend, contact Benzee (Erwin Benz) who handles the travel arrangements and reservations. He does the lion's share of the work. Send a message here or email him at benzee95@hotmail.com. I'm responsible for the itinerary and contacting the establishments and making sure they can handle our group. I try to get discounts, and freebies but will not add a place unless they put out a good product regardless of what they are willing to do for us. Different styles of hot dogs are featured.Old favorites are rotated while new places are added. I also try to get media coverage. I'd love to have television coverage for once.

The final itinerary is not set yet, but I do have a few places picked out which will be revealed at a future time. There will be at least 2 places that have not previously been on the Tour. And probably 3. Two are fairly new. There will be a nice surprise waiting for us at some of the stops. There is also a great chance that a local television station will do a short piece on the Tour. I'll know for sure soon. Hopefully one of the newspapers will be there.

Since we've expanded to 2 buses in the last few years, time is an issue. It takes longer at each stop with one extra bus. We were almost charged a couple of hundred dollars for exceeding the time alloted or agreed on. We do not make money on this Tour. What's left over gets spent on refreshments on the bus and goes to supplement the driver's tip. For this reason we will have to have the stops closer together than in the past. This may mean not having a stop I'd like to have included. Another place making a product in the same style (and of the same quality) could replace this one. Fortunately the stops I have in mind are fairly close together, including the newer ones.

This year's Tour is shaping up to be the best one yet. There will be a 2 bus limt even though we can fill more. Reserve early to be a part of the Ninth Annual New Jersey Hot Dog Tour.

Hello all ,
Great post by John Fox  on the tour .
Reservations are now being accepted
benzee95@hotmail.com or message me here
Dont get shut out , checks and now paypal accepted .
Benzee

How much does it cost to join the tour, if you don't mind my asking?

Hello all ,
$35 per person includes R/T Deluxe Motorcoach and refreshments on bus
We expect to be getting at least one T shirt gratis thanks to one of the stops , possibly two shirts .
Benzee

The itinerary is set for the Ninth Annual New Jersey Hot Dog Tour. Once again we expect to fill 2 buses. There are still some seats left. If you are interested in attending, please contact Erwin Benz at benzee95@hotmail.com. The Tour is on Saturday, September 22.

Because this Tour has gotten so big it does take a bit longer for us to get from one stop to another. In the beginning we had one bus. We added another and can fill more but 110 people is enough to be descending on any one place. One bus would be the perfect size but we would like to include as many people as we can. Because of this we can't choose a lot of places that I would like to have on the Tour. We also have time constraints. We seek to add new stops each year plus rotate old favorites. Galloping Hill Inn is the only stop that has been on the Tour every year since they are kind enough to let us use their lot, it is conveniet to get to being right off the Parkway, and it is one of the best and most popular hot dog stands in the state. Because of the time constraints and the size of our group Benzee and I almost had to pay a considerable fee for coming back late last year. This is why Jimmy Buff's East Hanover is not included on the Tour this year. Jimmy did a great job and because he serves a unique style of hot dog that his family originated, was an exception as far as being on the Tour the last 5 years despite being much further away from the rest of the stops. There will be at least 2 stops that will be serving a top notch Italian Hot Dog on the Tour this year.

This year the stops will be close to each other. I don't want to be rushed and we will have enough time so that if we finish early enough we might be able to squeeze in another stop. The order will not be determined until I find out what time a television crew will be at one of the stops to do a piece on the Tour. I'm told that this will be more than just a couple of minutes which is another reason why we're being careful about the time. I want to be able to have us spend some extra time at this particular place.

Without further ado, the itinerary. And again the order is yet to be determined.

1) Galloping Hill Inn, Union. Our starting point and always the first stop. We meet at around 11:30 and plan on departing for the next stop at noon. The dogs here are a grilled 6/1 collagen casing beef and pork blend from Grote & Weigel of Conn. based on a recipe from Gaiser's Pork Store in Union, N.J. A very good hot dog and the favorite of many; especially our New York contingent. Basic toppings and a very good Dusseldorf mustard. A large and unique bun that is good quality but some consider too big. I usually get a double but you might want to pace yourself. There will be 6 stops so you may want to share or even skip a place that you may not like. Some do not eat dogs with pork.

2) Manny's Texas Weiners, Union. Manny's has been on the Tour a few times and serves a Jersey special; the Texas Weiner. A grilled 6/1 beef/pork dog from Grote & Weigel. This is their standard recipe frank. GHI above is one of the few places that does have a special recipe frank. The chili here is dark, thick, and spicy. Manny's is able to seat our entire group and serve us quickly. Amazing service and a good example of a Jersey Texas Weiner.

3) Uncle Petey's Weenies, Colonia. One of the better hot dog trucks in the state. The basic dog here is an 11/1 boiled or "dirty water" Sabrett. Common among carts and trucks. When judging these places I look for natural casing first and if the dogs are hot and fresh. Yes and yes here. Prepared perfectly. What sets Pete apart from almost every other truck is that he has a griddle and offers more than a dirty water Sabrett. He is the first truck I know of that offered an authentic Newark style Italian Hot Dog. Very good and with pizza bread. You will have to come back for this one as it won't be offered on the Tour because it would take too long with over 100 people attending. Petey's does offer a grilled beef and pork frank that he gets from a butcher shop. I've had it and it's excellent. Natural casing and bigger than 4/1. Closer to 3/1. These will be available for the Tour. It might be a good idea to share one of these since they are so big. Pete offers the standard toppings including a spicy homemade chili.

4) Marci's Dog House, Clark. Marci's is another truck specializing in dirty water Sabretts. The basic dog here is a 10/1 natural casing Sabrett. Homemade toppings include 2 homemade chilis and an outstanding homemade sauerkraut called Strubelkraut. Marci's has a griddle and a deep fryer. He also offers an outstanding Italian Hot Dog which is my personal favorite. There will be extra people on hand to help and the Italian Hot Dog will be available for the Tour. In addition to the dirty water Sabrett and IHD, Marci's offers a 6/1 natural casing all beef dog from Best Provisions. It's great to see that hot dog trucks now are not limited to just dirty water dogs. Marci's and Uncle Petey's have grills and make authentic Italian Hot Dogs that are as good as, or surpass the quality of the bigger places that specialize in them.

5) Jerry's Famous Frankfurters, Elizabeth. Jerry's is a walk up storefront that serves up some of the best dogs I've had. The frank here is an 8/1 natural casing frank from Best's. It's prepared a unique way here. Boiled, then finished off in a steel compartment that is like a grill. This adds a little snap and flavor. Delicious and easy to down 4 or 5 in a sitting. Standard toppings including a homemade chili that resembles a Paterson area Texas Weiner chili. You can taste a little clove/nutmeg. These dogs are great with just mustard. Other than Galloping Hill Inn which is down the street from where I live; I've probably eaten more hot dogs from Jerry's than any place else.

6) Tommy's Sausage and Italian Hot Dogs, Elizabeth. Two doors down from Jerry's, Tommy's is known for their Italian Hot Dogs and sausage sandwiches. But they do serve regular hot dogs. The regular dogs are 8/1 Best's that are boiled. I would suggest getting a regular dog at Jerry's and an Italian dog or sausage sandwich at Tommy's. But Tommy's does have their own homemade chili. I've never had it since there are onions in it that are visible. I've heard it's a spicy chili. The sausage here is homemade and considered very good although I've never had it because I've always gotten an Italian Hot Dog. Tommy's is popular for their IHD's. Named the best in the state by the Star Ledger in 2006, it is definitely one of the three or so best in my opinion.

There are a lot of choices here. I encourage sharing and if you live in state or nearby, returning to sample some of the other dogs (and topping combinations) offered by these fine places. The Tour has been to 4 of the stops previously so I know that they can handle our large group. Uncle Petey's and Marci's are new to the Tour but they will have extra people on hand and I can guarantee that they will provide excellent service.

It will be a fun day. Again I urge everyone to pace yourself. I wouldn't fill up on things such as french fries because it may cause you to have to miss a hot dog later. Remember, this is a hot dog tour. But eat what you want. Manny's has a Diner's menu and some decide to order something else as a change of pace. This is the highlight of my year and a time to see old friends and meet new ones. And to eat great hot dogs. Please be on time as we hope to depart Galloping Hill Inn by noon and sometimes we are stuck waiting for those who haven't shown up. I will give out my phone number shortly before the Tour so that you can contact me if you can't make it or get lost.

See everyone on the 22nd.

Hello all ,
We are one month out to the 9th annual Jersey Hot Dog Tour , a few seats are still available .
Great intinerary once  again by John Fox
We will have a mention in the Sept 2nd NY Times so if you are interested plea let me know before than.
Also getting weekly  coverage  on Access #23 TV Time Warner in the Hudson Valley
There will be some special guests and suprises , expect some TV  and internet coverage as well
 We will be planning the 10th Annual for 2013 shortly as well .
You can go to Facebook - Hot Dog Nation page for daily updated info an to talk as well
 
Benzee

Hello all ,
A few weeks till the 9th Annual Jersey Hot Dog Tour on Sat Sept 22nd and then we will  be on our way to the 10th Annual in 2013 . Anyone interested in up to the minute news on the tour  feel free to visit   the Hot Dgog Nation page on Facebook or message me here .
Benzee

Hooray, 
 
  Only 12 days until the 9th Annual New Jersey Hot Dog Tour. I'm psyched. How about you?
 
  The Bear

  
 

  
 

Hello all ,
Coney Island Lou who normally puts together a official tour shirt could not get it done this yr .
We are  hoping for shirts  for all at one of the stops and will have some more for  raffle prizes during the tour .
We have had to switch to two air conditioned school busses due to a scheduling error .
The cost is reduced to $30 per person and the additional 5 will go towards the raffle and 50/50 with 50 % going to the drivers tip , or i will refund it to you and you are not in on the raffles
The trip is sold out and anyone wishing to be on the waiting list feel free to pm me here or at Hot dog Nation on FB
 
NOTE: The 10th annual is booked and scheduled for Sat Sept 21st 2013 .  John and I will be handling the shirts which will be included in the price of the tour . We will be taking reservations for next yr on this yrs tour , first come first serve .
 
Benzee

Hey, Benzee,
I got a few phone calls today from friends, who told me Lou is gonna be able to come thru with the T-shirts, after all.   I just ordered 4 of them.  Perhaps he can post the link on here, for others who are interested.
 
I remember those school busses from our HDT 3 or 4 years ago.  They were bumpy, but cozy, LOL.
At first I thought u were joking, April Fools style (!!), when u said we're gonna be downsized to the school busses this year.    It's ok, it's all about the food & the comraderie, anyway .
 
Special shout out to my good friend in Massachusetts, GREGG SIMONSEN !!
I'm so glad I was able to nudge U to send in  35 bucks to Benzee for our HDT !!
(hey, we don't know for sure if you're gonna be able to actually MAKE IT  on the tour, but at least u sent in your 35 bucks, LOL !!  )

OK folks - for those that did not see - the shirt is available here:  https://www.bsnteamsports.com/index.php - enter this code: hotdog6Q6  place the order and I will get the delivery and distribute at Galloping Hill Inn 
 
THIS MUST BE ORDERED BY TONIGHT 9/13!!!!!!!
 
sorry for the delay - many many hassles getting this done this year!! 

Hello all ,
Please do not contact John or I on the shirts , this is Lous dept for the tour this yr .
I have already gotten emails and FB questions , contact Lou we are not getting involved .
Love the shirt thank Lou , dont get the shirt blame Lou , hate the shirt dont buy it (:
You get the idea but dont contact us thanks
No Ellen it was not a joke , full size AC school busses that hold less than the motorcoach so we are SOLD OUT
Not  downsized on purpose , there was a scheduling error with company .
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon
 
Benzee

Hello all ,
Less than a week to go for the 9th Annual Tour , all set to go . 10th Annual is already scheduled for next yr and reservations will be accepted day of for those on this yrs tour . Go to FB to see the date or I will post on here next week with a trip report as well .
Thanks to John for all his work in planning out the stops . Certainly a highlight of the yr for many
Benzee

The highlight of the year for me. Thanks to Benzee who does the lion's share of the work for this Tour.

what time is everyone meeting at GHI?
 
Bill M

Around 11:30. Bus will depart GHI at 12 noon.

Hello all ,
Thanks in advance of tommorrows 9th Annual NJ Hot Dog Tour presented by Hot dog Nation , to John Fox who  picks the stops and coordinates with each stop to ensure quick and efficient service .
We will be meeting at GHI between 11 am and Noon and the busses wil depart at Noon for the  stops .
Looking forward to seeing old friends and new ones and anyone that cannot make the entire tour is welcome to stop by and say hello to us at the beginning or any of the stops .
 
I cannot believe this will be the 9th year we are doing this tour , amazing .
By the way the 10th annual is already booked for Sat Sept 21st , 2013
 
Benzee

Hello all ,
We have had some cancelations in the last few days and have seats available for anyone interested , tour starts at GHI about 1130
Benzee

Have fun everyone!
 

Hello all ,
Great tour again as usual , reports will be coming in soon , you can go to our Hot Dog Nation Facebook page for many pics and reports already up as well
Benzee

 
Thank you to Benzee for all the work he did for this Tour. And thanks to the owners and people who provided us with great food and great service. And thanks to all who attended the Ninth Annual New Jersey Hot Dog Tour. You made this a special day for me. It was nice to have my family attend and my father show up. Thanks to Rob Marciano for the wonderful cake and to all who provided gifts to be raffled off. Shirts from Uncle Petey, Mustard slaw from Mista Dale, hot dogs from David Rosseler, CD's from Benzee, hats and shirts from Rob Merlino. Thanks Rob for filming and recording this event. Thanks also to ScreenBear who provided commentary and described each stop and what they offer.

I also appreciate all the pictures and comments included here. As for the dogs I always take a poll asking for favorite dog of the day. Some years one place gets most of the votes, other years it's more spread out. This year each place got it's share of the votes. I loved all of the dogs I had. Can't pick a favorite today. Loved the cake at Marci's and the chee... secake at Manny's. I ate so much I had to take a nap.

Some brief comments. I passed on the dog at Galloping Hill Inn. I live down the street and can have one anytime. At Marci's I had his regular Sabrett but with Mista Dale's mustard slaw. There are like 4 kinds. I had the regular. Very good and reminiscent of Rutts Hut relish. Excellent dog. Then to Uncle Petey's. I had his jumbo, which is a pork/beef dog from a North Jersey butcher shop. Split it with my wife. Very good. Prepared in water and on the grill. It's great that trucks like Pete's and Marci's offer grilled dogs. I had another dog at Pete's. He just introduced a 7/1 beef dog from the same butcher. It's all beef, but very mild in the German style. Doesn't have the garlic and paprika that a Sabrett or Best's has. Similar spicing to the beef/pork frank. I liked it and it's my favorite dog out of the three he offers.

Jerry's in Elizabeth was next. An 8/1 natural casing Best's boiled, then grilled. Very popular today and one of my very favorite hot dogs. It was good, but not as flavorful as usual. I believe this was because the owner had a lot of dogs in the water for longer than usual. Ellen commented the same thing. I went back when everyone was served and ordered another dog. It was much better. Got almost as many votes for favorite dog as did Tommy's which was next. Tommy's serves a massive Italian Hot Dog as well as a regualr 8/1 Best's. Almost everyone ordered single Italian Hot Dogs. Most I spoke with said this was the best Italian Hot Dog they ever had. The potatoes were especially delicious and were ordered by many as a side dish in a cup.

Last, but not least was Manny's. We got to relax inside and service was fast like it always is. They serve a grilled Texas Weiner; Grote & Weigel 6/1 with a dark, spicy, thick chili. The favorite of more than a few.

Thanks again to everyone who made this a great day. Already looking forward to next year's Tour.

An article and video of the Tour. Main video is at the bottom. This perfectly captures what the Tour is about.
 
http://hotdogstories.com/the-9th-annual-new-jersey-hot-dog-tour/

Sorry I missed the tour this year, but thanks for the link to that great video, really well done.
 
I had a long-standing commitment to attend a retirement party at our branch in Pittsfield MA on Friday night and spent the night there. I did get to Teo's Hot Dogs in Pittsfield and started off my own party with 4 little dogs and a draft Genny Cream Ale.
 
Coming home Saturday I stopped for dogs at Capitol Lunch and Sycamore Drive in in CT and was thinking of you guys all the way.
 

Hello all ,
As usual John nails the report . It was a fantastic day spent with roadfooders , hot dog nation , friends , family and more friends . It was a pleasure meeting new friends Rob from Marcis  Dog House and Pete from Petey Weenies . Rob Merlino of hot Dog Stories covered the entire event and did a great job , video shows that .
Manny from Texas Weiners once again greeted us all , a pleasure always seeing him .
Oh did I say the food was  good at all the stops .
Thanks again to Galloping Hill Inn for allowing us to use their establishment as the starting point for all these yrs .
We had some great raffle prizes including 10 shirts from Unlce Petey Weenies , Mista Dales Slaw and Johns huge birthday cake from Marcis Dog House ,  6 Cd's from National Recording acts I donated , Two  CI Lou  Tour shirts  donated by Christopher Donald. More hats and shirts from Rob Merlino and Onion Crunch . And Roeslers Hot dogs bought down by Jon Sullivan .
Great talking to all the returnees and meeting our newbees , including those that we found thanks to the NY Times piece in their Sunday paper a few weeks back .
 
To Screenbear for his Emceeing the second bus , rave reviews once again .
And to John Fox , who meticulously picks out the stops every yr , with some input from  me , and who finds out all there is to know about each stop , history , style , etc .
Thank you John it is with amazement every yr that I watch and listen and learn some more
Our 10th Annual NJ hot Dog Tour is scheduled for Sat Sept 21 st , 2013 . BE THERE !! . Message me if interested or go to Hot Dog Nation on Facebook for more info
 
Benzee

It was a fun event. I will be in Jersey before next year's tour (which I plan on attending). While in Jersey, I want to explore the Italian hot dog some more. I'll probably stop at a few different places. Thanks to John and Benzee for inviting me down and I am looking forward to next year!
 
-Rob "The Hotdogman"

Hotdogman, 
 If your visit comes on a Saturday and the creek ain't rising, I'd be happy to help point the way.
 
  The Bear
  Docent, Bus #2, 9th Annual N.J. Hot Dog Tour

Will do, Bear!

The 10th Annual NJ Hot Dog Tour will be held on Sat sept 21 st , 2013 .
We will have one motorcoach , so reserve early please if interested .
John and I are already working on a super special intinerary that will take into account some of our favorite stops over the years .
No seats will be held without payment , including media contacts .
Contact me for reservations .
 
Benzee

Hello all ,
Everyone at Hot Dog Nation the official Facebook page of the Annual Jersey hot Dog Tours would like to wish everyone a Happy Holiday season .
Antone interested in joining us next yr for the 10th  Annual NJ Hot Dog Tour please PM me here or on FB at Erwin Benz or Hot Dog Nation.
One motorcoach , seven stops , hot dog nirvana .
Benzee

Hello all ,
One motorcoach for the 10th Annual is filling nicely .
Those interestred at hopping onboard can pm me here or email
benzee95@hotmail.com
or Erwin Benz on Facebook
Benzee