Civil War themed hot dog joint......

Didn't see this posted anywhere yet.....

Dogs of war - Frankly, My Dear sells 2 Lincolns for a Lincoln ($5 bill)
BY PETE GENOVESE, STAR-LEDGER STAFF
October 21, 2005


Frankly, My Dear 150 Main St., Flemington; (908) 788-7035. Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

The staff is clad in Civil War garb, a CD titled "The Sounds of Vicksburg" plays in the background, photos of Union and Confederate troops decorate the walls, and the menu features such items as the Lincoln, Lee, Grant, Beauregard and McClellan

Not to mention pasta fagioli.

"When people think hot dog joint, they think roadside stand," said Steve Roll, co-owner, with his wife, Ruth, of Frankly, My Dear, open since last December. "We hoped to be a little unique."

Two people named Roll running a hot dog joint? That's unique. So are the hardwood floors, cozy dining room and the latest news about Civil War re-enactments. And don't forget the clever, channeling-Clark Gable name.

"They say the pun is the lowest source of humor," Roll said. "That's the kind of sense of humor I have."

The two Civil War buffs met at a Moravian College incoming-student get-together many years ago. They would go on to separate marriages - and divorces. About seven years ago, Steve answered a newspaper personals ad for someone who sounded a lot like Ruth. It was. They dated, and married. He is a former AT&T analyst; she is a psychotherapist.

"When she's not here, she's seeing patients," Roll said.

How are the hot dogs? Let's first talk about the rolls the Rolls use. Most hot dog stands use standard hot dog buns; the couple use potato rolls, which provide a tasty, pillowy bed for their Thumann's all-beef hot dogs.

All the dogs passed muster - the Lincoln (plain dog, $2.25, free toppings include mustard, relish, ketchup, raw onions); the Lee (dog with homemade chili, $3); the Valverde (with a wish-there-was-more-of-it bean-and-corn-studded homemade salsa, $2.50); and the Buffalo Dog ($2.75). The meat in the latter is from Hunterdon County's own Readington River Buffalo Co. Tastes like, no, not chicken, but a meatier, more muscular beef dog.

There's a daily soup ($3.95 small, $4.95 large). The Hungarian mushroom was a standard-issue cream of mushroom, but the pasta fagioli was a thick, beany brew - not the cheesy, salty pasta fagioli at Italian restaurants near and far.

One surprise: the Hunley (named after the famed Confederate submarine), a crabcake sandwich with sweet, crisp coleslaw (the coleslaw, on another visit, was middling). The Beauregard ($4.95) is a tasty, tangy although a bit dried-out pulled pork BBQ sandwich. The Spinola is a good news/bad news proposition - fine, slightly sweet sausage and a bland, doughy roll. And, at $5.95, overpriced.

Other items include the Monitor (grilled cheese sandwich, $1.95); the Goober (peanut butter and jelly sandwich, $1.50); the McClellan (vegetarian hot dog, $2.75); and the NY Draft Riots (a Reuben hot dog, $2.75).

Frankly, My Dear has a ways to go before entering Jersey Hot Dog Hall of Fame territory, if there were such a thing. But the Civil War-themed hot dog joint is a one-of-a-kind eating experience in colorful little Flemington.

What state is this place in? Looks like fun. I imagine they have a strong reenactment community nearby or are near a battlefield, otherwise it may be a bit much for the average patron.

Sounds like it's in the Jers

It is. 908 is the area code for Washington, Elizabeth, Warren, Plainfield and West Central New Jersey, New Jersey. To theme oriented for me. Civil War Hot Dogs, etc...

Correct, this is in central Jersey, not too far from the Pennsylvania border. It's about 20 minutes from my house, so I'm hoping to try it out soon.

quote:

Originally posted by jimmygags

Correct, this is in central Jersey, not too far from the Pennsylvania border. It's about 20 minutes from my house, so I'm hoping to try it out soon.

Jimmygags,
If you find yourself in Flemington on a weekend, it could take you 20 minutes to get from one end of town to the other; never mind the drive from North Brunswick. I lived there and graduated from the local high school in the 1960's and the traffic could be bad even back then. There are a number of outlet stores, Flemington Furs, Turntable Juction (a bunch of cutesy shops right off Main St.), and more that attract a whole bunch of shoppers, especially from now til Christmas. Throw the current highway construction problems into the mix and it can be a real p.i.t.a..

It is a really nice town though and, if you can afford it, a great place to live. Flemington is probably best known as the site of the Bruno Hauptmann (Lindbergh baby kidnapper) trial back in 1936. The courthouse still stands as does the Union Hotel (good food) right across the street where the droves of reporters stayed during the trial.

I noticed "Frankly My Dear" when I was there in July, but didn't go in. I was told they were doing good business. They must be doing something right if they're still going. The competition for the food dollar is pretty fierce in town and the overhead must be high. pb

Just remind everyone that only damn Yankees put ketchup on a hot dog.

The Rolls might also consider adding the Sherman dog, a very, very well done, almost crisp around the edges, grilled dog, served with everything possible out of the kitchen. (Except ketchup, for the afore-mentioned reasons).

This dog would be reminiscent of the Rutt Huts rippers.

We used to occasionally race at Flemington Speedway, the dogs from the pit concession always hit the spot, but then when your hungry a boiled stick would probably work as well. I seem to remember hearing the track closed Does "Frankly" use all yankee uniforms?

maybe a lindbergh baby dog is the next marketing idea?
mustard requires a ransom.

quote:

Originally posted by bill voss

maybe a lindbergh baby dog is the next marketing idea?
mustard requires a ransom.

And you have to take a ladder and pick it up from a second story window.

quote:

Originally posted by dreamzpainter

Does "Frankly" use all yankee uniforms?

Yes, they decided to go with the winning side.

Whenever I think of the Civil War, hot dogs come to mind right away.

Maybe there could be Springsteen dogs, Soprano Dogs, Sinatra dogs, Phillip Roth dogs(kosher)or Hoffa dogs. At least, these would have some connection to N.J."s mythical and/or actual history.

quote:

Originally posted by Tedbear

quote:

Originally posted by dreamzpainter

Does "Frankly" use all yankee uniforms?

Yes, they decided to go with the winning side.

What? They don't serve Yankee Dogs there? (Ala The Varsity.)

quote:

Originally posted by mr chips

Maybe there could be Springsteen dogs, Soprano Dogs, Sinatra dogs, Phillip Roth dogs(kosher)or Hoffa dogs. At least, these would have some connection to N.J."s mythical and/or actual history.

The now delusive dream of a short war had passed, and the return of peace seemed more and more remote. As as result, President Lincoln issued a call in July of 1862, for an additional 300,000 volunteers to be mustered into the service of the United States. New Jersey, being given a quota of five regiments, was quick to answer the call, having already started recruiting as early as May in anticipation of Lincoln's call, and were able to fully officer and equip all five regiments; 4,862 men by September 4, 1862. This along with two artillery batteries and one cavalry regiment would bring the total number of New Jerseyians serving to 15,905 by the end of 1862. New Jersey would eventually supply thirty-one regiments (including cavalry) totaling 25,257 men, of which 23,116 who would serve in the Army of the Potomac. New Jerseyians served with distinction, fighting in almost every major battle in the Eastern theatre of war from Bull Run, to Antietam, to Gettysburg, and Lee's surrender at Appomattox.

quote:

Originally posted by alesrus

quote:

Originally posted by mr chips

Maybe there could be Springsteen dogs, Soprano Dogs, Sinatra dogs, Phillip Roth dogs(kosher)or Hoffa dogs. At least, these would have some connection to N.J."s mythical and/or actual history.

The now delusive dream of a short war had passed, and the return of peace seemed more and more remote. As as result, President Lincoln issued a call in July of 1862, for an additional 300,000 volunteers to be mustered into the service of the United States. New Jersey, being given a quota of five regiments, was quick to answer the call, having already started recruiting as early as May in anticipation of Lincoln's call, and were able to fully officer and equip all five regiments; 4,862 men by September 4, 1862. This along with two artillery batteries and one cavalry regiment would bring the total number of New Jerseyians serving to 15,905 by the end of 1862. New Jersey would eventually supply thirty-one regiments (including cavalry) totaling 25,257 men, of which 23,116 who would serve in the Army of the Potomac. New Jerseyians served with distinction, fighting in almost every major battle in the Eastern theatre of war from Bull Run, to Antietam, to Gettysburg, and Lee's surrender at Appomattox.

Alesrus--Now why would you want to introduce reality into a situation where the uninformed are happily engaged in their stereotypically favorite sport of "Jersey-bashing"? Reality has no place here. And, besides, the state is crowded enough already. I don't want any additional people moving into this historically-rich and scenic state, and if they become aware of the truth, they may want to move here!

My apologies ,gentlemen, because I did not wish to bash New Jersey. I dislike theme restaurants that capitolize on pain and tragedy and I am well aware that New Jersey regiments fought with distinction in the War Between the States. But no major battles were fought in New jersey and again I fail to see the connection between Hot Dogs and the Civil War. And I promise not to let anyone in on Cape May, the Pine Barrens or the Delaware River.

quote:

Originally posted by mr chips

My apologies ,gentlemen, because I did not wish to bash New Jersey. I dislike theme restaurants that capitolize on pain and tragedy and I am well aware that New Jersey regiments fought with distinction in the War Between the States. But no major battles were fought in New jersey and again I fail to see the connection between Hot Dogs and the Civil War. And I promise not to let anyone in on Cape May, the Pine Barrens or the Delaware River.

Of course there is no connection between Hot Dogs and The Civil War, as was aluded to in some light-hearted posts. The fact that this strangely-themed hot dog joint in located in New Jersey is not the issue, I believe. The connection between tube steaks and a rebellion is tenuous in and of itself, and the location of it has no bearing on the lack of any apparent relevance in this theme.

When you say that "no major battles were fought in New Jersey", I assume that you are referring to the Civil War, and not The Revolutionary War. Of course, with the exception of Pennsylvania, no battles of The Civil War were fought in The North. But, if you study the history of The Revolutionary War, you will find that New Jersey was called "The Cockpit of The Revolution", due to its importance in that conflict.

I accept your apology, and I am confident that you did not intend to engage in any "New Jersey Bashing". In addition to the areas that you mentioned, you should be aware that there are many other areas of great beauty in this small state.

Those who only pass through on The NJ Turnpike are led to believe that most of the state is a smelly, highly polluted area, when nothing could be further from the truth. After all, when I drive through Gary, Indiana, I don't assume that all of Indiana looks like that. When passing through East St. Louis, Illinois, I don't automatically connect that economic situation with the rest of Illinois. But, for some reason, too many people seem to believe that all of New Jersey looks (and smells) like a few square miles adjoining the NJ Turnpike.

We have our problems, but then again, so do other states. Despite our problems, the incredible concentration of multi-millionaires in my county would seem to indicate that the quality of life is better-than-average. Would Malcolm Forbes, Jackie Onassis, the King of Morocco, Doris Duke, Douglas Dillon, and countless other mega-bucks types have located themselves in our midst if the state were as dreadful as the uninformed seem to think? Now that many of these people have passed on, their descendants have remained, and have frequently subdivided the old estates, retaining 30 acres or so for themselves, and allowing the remainder to be sold off to build some luxury homes for the newest crop of millionaires that our state has attracted. The last time that I checked, Somerset and Hunterdon Counties in Central NJ had the greatest concentration of personal wealth in the entire country.

Please visit our state, and enjoy the rich history, the great diversity of ethnic eateries, and the varied scenery. Just don't move here. We have enough people already!

I do apologize again for not specifying the Civil War because I have visited Washington Crossing State Park and Morristown and am even aware that William Franklin(Ben Franlin"s son) was the loyalist governor of New Jersey during the Revolutionary War. I visited New Jersey when I went to school in the midwest because my first wife's paternal grandmother lived in one of the Oranges. I thought Cape May was quite stunning and I really liked the Pine Barrens. The N.J. Turnpike is misleading(just as the eastern freeway entrance to Cleveland is misleading) and I am once again sorry if I caused offense.

quote:

Originally posted by mr chips

I do apologize again for not specifying the Civil War because I have visited Washington Crossing State Park and Morristown and am even aware that William Franklin(Ben Franlin"s son) was the loyalist governor of New Jersey during the Revolutionary War. I visited New Jersey when I went to school in the midwest because my first wife's paternal grandmother lived in one of the Oranges. I thought Cape May was quite stunning and I really liked the Pine Barrens. The N.J. Turnpike is misleading(just as the eastern freeway entrance to Cleveland is misleading) and I am once again sorry if I caused offense.

Please! No more apologies!
I am sure that you were speaking in jest, just as we all do frequently. Mostly, I was making a statement, in general, to try to correct the rampant misconceptions about my state. You seem to be much more aware of the area and its history than most people are, and you are to be complimented on that knowledge. I hope that I wasn't being too rough on you.

Hey all, New to this joint and this particular fourum interested me because of it's topic....I work at Frankly,My Dear and would be happy to clear up any questions you have so please go ahead and ask away...I have been working thier since January. Talk soon!!!!

~J~

quote:

Hey all, New to this joint and this particular fourum interested me because of it's topic....I work at Frankly,My Dear and would be happy to clear up any questions you have so please go ahead and ask away...I have been working thier since January. Talk soon!!!!

Since January? And the Star Ledger is just getting around to this now? Another reason to cancel my subscription......

Can you tell us how the dogs are prepared?

quote:

Originally posted by Botan007



Hey all, New to this joint and this particular fourum interested me because of it's topic....I work at Frankly,My Dear and would be happy to clear up any questions you have so please go ahead and ask away...I have been working thier since January. Talk soon!!!!

~J~

Since the connection between hot dogs and The Civil War seems to escape most of who have logged onto this thread, please explain this for us. Most of us would probably understand the connection between a staple like Salt Pork and The Civil War, but hot dogs seem to be a real stretch here. Can you enlighten us as to the connection here?

Well, first the connection comes from the owners who are civil war reenacters, since gone with the wind is a civil war movie, the line "Frankly,My dear", Hot dog also known as a Frank....Kinda see the connection..... any way..We grill the hotdogs until the seam breaks open a bit and then stick them in a seamer thing to stay warm until we use them. We dress in Civil war garb to keep wiht the theme, i dont mind and love wearing my dress. the boys just have to wear a shirt and a hat (blue or gray). Any other questions just ask away....just dont ask me on a date...Hehehehehehe..

Talk later
~J~

Just a little (no pun) tidbit of the era and location. General George B. McClellan one of Lincoln's Union Army Leaders for a considerable amount of the war years, and Lincolns opponent in the election of 1864, served honorably as the Governor of New Jersey for a number of years after the war.

quote:

Originally posted by Botan007

Well, first the connection comes from the owners who are civil war reenacters, since gone with the wind is a civil war movie, the line "Frankly,My dear", Hot dog also known as a Frank....Kinda see the connection..... any way..We grill the hotdogs until the seam breaks open a bit and then stick them in a seamer thing to stay warm until we use them. We dress in Civil war garb to keep wiht the theme, i dont mind and love wearing my dress. the boys just have to wear a shirt and a hat (blue or gray). Any other questions just ask away....just dont ask me on a date...Hehehehehehe..

Talk later
~J~

Normally, Civil War soldiers wore pants--even the Confederates who were frequently not that well outfitted.
Is this an indication of another connection with the hot dog theme?
Is this place "X-rated"?
Do I dare to bring the children?

Hello all ,

I do agree it is a stretch to put together Hot dogs and the Civil War , but its different and if its working , good luck to them .

I did the love the History of Jersey posts , very enlightening .

If they ever decide to start a chain , they could go into the civil war themed towns such as Gettysburg and Fredericksburg .

When visiting Gettysburg it is not out of the ordinary to see someone in Civil War era garb just walking down the street. We visit every year or so , drawn back to the battlefield , the history , the feeling that you are not alone out in Devils Den.

Benzee

Ok the boys can wear what ever pants they like, as long as they wear pants.

Anyhting else just ask.

~J~