Hebrew national hot dogs

Forgive me for not using the search engine properly. I did a search for the Hebrew National hot dogs and there were litterly 100's of choices. I hate to be simple but I just bought some for a friend and I hope they like them.

Please give me your thoughts. I bought the long ones. They were sort of expensive for hot dogs.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

http://www.hebrewnational.com/pages/products/franks/index.jsp

quote:

Originally posted by Sundancer7

Forgive me for not using the search engine properly. I did a search for the Hebrew National hot dogs and there were litterly 100's of choices. I hate to be simple but I just bought some for a friend and I hope they like them.

Please give me your thoughts. I bought the long ones. They were sort of expensive for hot dogs.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

They are the only hot dogs my kids like...although I confess that I get the 97 or is it 98% fat free ones for them. I find them to be good, but as you say, pricey. Around here (NY) I can get Sabrett or Boars Head for a bit less. I wait for them to go on sale (2 for 1), which is quite often. Like a lot of kosher dogs, they are a bit spicy, and some say a bit garlicy (nice made up word)...but I like them fine. The regular ones (not low fat) are even better. I like them grilled as opposed to boiled...kids prefer them boiled.

Thats about all I know about that! Hope your friend likes them!!

Hebrew National is a quality frank. I don't know if I'd consider it spicier than other beef franks, but it is saltier due to the koshering process (brining the meat or soaking it in salt). The only thing about Hebrew National is that it is available at supermarkets in the skinless version only. There are certain kosher delis that have this dog with a collagen casing. One such place in N.J. is Goldberg's Kosher Meats in Old Bridge. There are some other places in N.Y. as well. Best's beef franks, which are my favorite all beef dog, are also only available in stores in the skinless version. But fortunately the factory in Newark sells the natural casing dogs to the public. And they're available at Syd's and Jerry's, 2 of the best places in Jersey to get an all beef dog.

The one sold for $1.50 with a soda at Costco has a much milder flavor profile.

Sundancer,
I think my esteemed colleagues here will agree with me that Hebrew National is the perfect example of an Eastern, Greater Metropolitan area, Jewish style hot dog.

Indeed, it is a tad spicy, and there certainly is a garlicky taste...not overwhelming, but more than a hint. However, spicy as it is, I consider it less spicy than a few dogs I consider "gourmet dinner dogs," like Boars Head and Dietz and Watson.

In the category of the Hebrew National, I place Best Provisions (Newark, NJ), a local dog that I don't think gets too far out of NJ (correct me if I'm wrong, John); Sabrett (an awfully good dog); and Shofar, though you really can't find them of late.

However, at Sears, Watchung, NJ, the hot dog stand has a Shofar umbrella. Hence, I asked the lady selling the dogs if indeed they were Shofars. Unfortunately, we had a language barrier, and she couldn't answer my question.

But she pointed in the direction of the cafe sequestered on the Western side of the building, as if to say that someone in there could answer my inquiry. When I have a chance, I'll check it out.

A note: I think Grote and Weigel, the Connecticut Co., comes awfully close to this particular taste I speak of.

Bottom line. All the major players in this category do a fine job. The wonderful thing about Hebrew National is that it's, well, national.

I agree with John Fox, though. Best Provisions is my favorite all-beef dog also.
The Bear

Buy me some Sundancer! Hebrew National are the best retail dogs in my book. That's all I'll buy.

I love Hebrew National!

Hebrew National hot dogs are really good. It is one of my favorite brands.
I think they are high quality and very yummy.
What a nice person you are to buy your friend some Hebrew National hot dogs!
I wish I had a friend like you!

A friend of mine who was a USDA inspector and would only eat a very few brands of barkers as he called them, listed Hebrew National as one of his top brands. I understand it was due to the quality of the product and the overall packing process. Jim

Hebrew National's are very good kosher hotdogs. They are more expensive and that is due to the fact that they are kosher. the process is more labor intensive and the supervision itself costs. All of these costs are passed on to the consumer in some fashion. I stock up when they go on sale for 2 packages for 5 bucks.

Another kosher brand I love is Abeles and Heymann. Found mostly in the NYC, NJ, CT area and at east coast kosher butchers. Probably the best hot dog I have had.

John Fox - Goldberg's Kosher has been my family's butcher for 29 years!

Abeles and Heymann? Never heard of them. You learn something new every day. I'll keep an eye out for them. Thanks.

Does hebrew national pack hot dogs with skins anymore? All the ones in Safeway and Giant are skinless. (I'm not sure what HN hotdogs are at Wegman's, 'cuz when I'm at Wegman's I only get Hoffman Hot Dogs and Coneys)

Those were my dogs of choice when I first moved to Maine,and couldnt find my usual Maple Leaf Frankfurters after Tyson bought everyone and their brother out within the last 2 years...(and quit making alot of other product also!) Boo Tyson!
I like them alot, and yes..$$$ they are $4-5 bucks a package here in Maine...
But it seems any "premium" hot dog is around that price..I just bought some John Morrel's beef dog's and they were on sale for $3.50/6 pack..
Have not tried them yet, still searching for a replacement for that SNAP!
Tara

quote:

Originally posted by ScreenBear

Sundancer,
I think my esteemed colleagues here will agree with me that Hebrew National is the perfect example of an Eastern, Greater Metropolitan area, Jewish style hot dog.

Indeed, it is a tad spicy, and there certainly is a garlicky taste...not overwhelming, but more than a hint. However, spicy as it is, I consider it less spicy than a few dogs I consider "gourmet dinner dogs," like Boars Head and Dietz and Watson.

In the category of the Hebrew National, I place Best Provisions (Newark, NJ), a local dog that I don't think gets too far out of NJ (correct me if I'm wrong, John); Sabrett (an awfully good dog); and Shofar, though you really can't find them of late.

However, at Sears, Watchung, NJ, the hot dog stand has a Shofar umbrella. Hence, I asked the lady selling the dogs if indeed they were Shofars. Unfortunately, we had a language barrier, and she couldn't answer my question.

But she pointed in the direction of the cafe sequestered on the Western side of the building, as if to say that someone in there could answer my inquiry. When I have a chance, I'll check it out.

A note: I think Grote and Weigel, the Connecticut Co., comes awfully close to this particular taste I speak of.

Bottom line. All the major players in this category do a fine job. The wonderful thing about Hebrew National is that it's, well, national.

I agree with John Fox, though. Best Provisions is my favorite all-beef dog also.
The Bear

Well, at least she didnt offer to blow her Shofar... Total pun intended!---

It is a funny thing this topic came up. My local store began selling the quarter pound Hebrew Nationals two weeks ago. I bought some yesterday. Problem was that they were not that good. It was like "Hebrew National Lite". It just does not seem as though the recipe and spices were the same as the dogs I had before. I wonder if all the nation wide marketing is watering them down. I would hate to think that quality would suffer for the over all big picture.
JMHO
Rick

Hebrew National Hotdogs are the best. I am a true fan of Chicago dogs and although you can not get them just anywhere, this is my thoughts about the Hebrew Dog, SPECIAL!

I am sure your friend enjoyed them, especially if it was their first try.

Hope all is well!

quote:

Originally posted by Sundancer7

Forgive me for not using the search engine properly. I did a search for the Hebrew National hot dogs and there were litterly 100's of choices. I hate to be simple but I just bought some for a friend and I hope they like them.

Please give me your thoughts. I bought the long ones. They were sort of expensive for hot dogs.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

quote:

Originally posted by ScreenBear

Sundancer,
I think my esteemed colleagues here will agree with me that Hebrew National is the perfect example of an Eastern, Greater Metropolitan area, Jewish style hot dog.

Indeed, it is a tad spicy, and there certainly is a garlicky taste...not overwhelming, but more than a hint. However, spicy as it is, I consider it less spicy than a few dogs I consider "gourmet dinner dogs," like Boars Head and Dietz and Watson.

In the category of the Hebrew National, I place Best Provisions (Newark, NJ), a local dog that I don't think gets too far out of NJ (correct me if I'm wrong, John); Sabrett (an awfully good dog); and Shofar, though you really can't find them of late.

However, at Sears, Watchung, NJ, the hot dog stand has a Shofar umbrella. Hence, I asked the lady selling the dogs if indeed they were Shofars. Unfortunately, we had a language barrier, and she couldn't answer my question.

But she pointed in the direction of the cafe sequestered on the Western side of the building, as if to say that someone in there could answer my inquiry. When I have a chance, I'll check it out.

A note: I think Grote and Weigel, the Connecticut Co., comes awfully close to this particular taste I speak of.

Bottom line. All the major players in this category do a fine job. The wonderful thing about Hebrew National is that it's, well, national.

I agree with John Fox, though. Best Provisions is my favorite all-beef dog also.
The Bear

ScreenBear,

I've seen Best's frankfurters in southern Connecticut (Norwalk) and Philadelphia. So I assume that they are available in New York as well. But again, only in the skinless version. Which is still a quality dog, and from what I've heard, the best selling hot dog in New Jersey. But the natural casing dog is unsurpassed.

I agree with you totally when you say that all of the major players in this category do a fine job. Anyone sampling the hot dogs named will have a preference based on their own individual taste. Each of these dogs is a quality product, but differ slightly when it comes to taste and spicing.

A few months ago I had a Shofar dog at the Sears in Watchung. The dog itself was cold and flavorless. Not sure if it was that particular sample, or if Shofar is just not that good. Someone I know told me that Shofar is milder and of much lesser quality than Hebrew National. I saw this brand (made by Best of Chicago; not to be confused with the Newark Best) sold at Restaurant Depot as of 6 months ago. I went recently and they no longer carry them. I'm sorry that I didn't buy some and prepare them at home. But I wouldn't want to commit to a 5 pound bag with the chance that my aquaintance was right about these dogs not being all that good.

quote:

Originally posted by ScreenBear

Sundancer,
I think my esteemed colleagues here will agree with me that Hebrew National is the perfect example of an Eastern, Greater Metropolitan area, Jewish style hot dog.

Indeed, it is a tad spicy, and there certainly is a garlicky taste...not overwhelming, but more than a hint. However, spicy as it is, I consider it less spicy than a few dogs I consider "gourmet dinner dogs," like Boars Head and Dietz and Watson.

In the category of the Hebrew National, I place Best Provisions (Newark, NJ), a local dog that I don't think gets too far out of NJ (correct me if I'm wrong, John); Sabrett (an awfully good dog); and Shofar, though you really can't find them of late.

However, at Sears, Watchung, NJ, the hot dog stand has a Shofar umbrella. Hence, I asked the lady selling the dogs if indeed they were Shofars. Unfortunately, we had a language barrier, and she couldn't answer my question.

But she pointed in the direction of the cafe sequestered on the Western side of the building, as if to say that someone in there could answer my inquiry. When I have a chance, I'll check it out.

A note: I think Grote and Weigel, the Connecticut Co., comes awfully close to this particular taste I speak of.

Bottom line. All the major players in this category do a fine job. The wonderful thing about Hebrew National is that it's, well, national.

I agree with John Fox, though. Best Provisions is my favorite all-beef dog also.
The Bear

I do not claim to be a very good example of a real good hot dog. I have mostly bought cheap ones in the past.

When I upgraded to Hebrew National, for the first time, I realized what a good hot dog was.

There may be some a lot better. I do not know but I will say this, at this point until I have something better, I will buy hebrew national.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Too bad Isaac Gellis kosher hot dogs can no longer be found. They were awesome.

Shofar is milder and of less quality.

John Fox, have you had an Abeles and Heymann? Not sure if you are into other sausage products or just hot dogs, but this company makes some old time jewish deli products that are no longer made by many such as cervelat, and rauchfleisch.

heb nats as we refer to em are the best store bought dog you can get (in my narrow opinion)

My local supermarket has Hebrew National hot dogs on sale this week, two packages for $5.
This thread inspired me to try them.

As I expected, the dogs were good and typical of the NYC style dog. I am no fan of the NYC style dog, however. The Hebrew National hot dogs were acceptable but are not on my list of favorites.

My main complaint with Hebrew National is that they are very skinny hot dogs, so much so they seem skimpy to me. I prefer the larger thicker natural casing dogs typical of Western, NY that will fill a bun and not get lost in it as the Hebrew National's seemed to. I think I could have fit two Hebrew National's into a single bun with room left over. I may try doing this and see if it is an improvement.

On the positive side, the flavor was not bad, texture was good and not at all mushy feeling like many inferior dogs are.

Another brand that competes with Hebrew National is Empire National which I can't find around here anymore. I would like to try Empire to see if there is a significant difference.

I have tried many hot dogs this year, mainly on the recommendations of other posters in this forum. In my opinion the best NYC style I have had this year is a Grote & Weigel product called "Red Hots" My local Hannaford market used to carry them and they seemed to sell well. At six or so to a pound, they are the right size for me and while not really hot they do have a bit of red hot pepper in them which is a definite plus.

Suddenly Hannaford stopped stocking this very good selling product to make more room for Oscar Meyer and something called NASCAR hot dogs. I can't figure this out...perhaps they are trying to protect their nonprofit status or something.

Greygoast,
One of Hebrew National's most popular dogs is a 1/4 lb. variety (4 to a pack). In fact, it's the one many Costco's use for their great deal of $1.50 or so for a dog and unlimited soda.

While not a natural casing frank, it's quite good. I prefer about a 6 to a lb. size dog, but for this one I make an exception. You might like those if you can get hold of them.
The Bear

Thanks for the info Screenbear. Sounds good.

quote:

Originally posted by renfrew

Too bad Isaac Gellis kosher hot dogs can no longer be found. They were awesome.

Shofar is milder and of less quality.

John Fox, have you had an Abeles and Heymann? Not sure if you are into other sausage products or just hot dogs, but this company makes some old time jewish deli products that are no longer made by many such as cervelat, and rauchfleisch.

It seems that everyone who has had an Isaac Gellis hot dog loved it. They are no longer being made, and unfortunately I never had the chance to try one.

I agree about Shofar, unless the last one I had was an aberration.

I haven't yet had an Abeles and Heymann frank. They are available at a Shop Rite near me. I suppose I should get a pack before they disappear too. I think they come in all beef and beef and chicken. I eat other sausage products when they are served to me, but with the exception of bratwurst and Italian sausage, I don't usually go out of my way to buy them. I think I'll start, though. Some of the sausage I have had has been very good. One in particular, a Polish style slim jim, only better, is called Kabanosy.

Too salty for me Sundancer. Taste is Ok, but I prefer the garlic overtones of Nathans.

For all the Philly dog lovers,I've seen Abeles and Heymann dogs in the Kosher department of the Shop-Rite on Roosevelt Blvd & Red Lion . I haven't tried them yet but I will now. They also make a spicy brown mustard with horseradish that is one of my favorites.

quote:

Originally posted by John Fox

quote:

Originally posted by renfrew

Too bad Isaac Gellis kosher hot dogs can no longer be found. They were awesome.

Shofar is milder and of less quality.

John Fox, have you had an Abeles and Heymann? Not sure if you are into other sausage products or just hot dogs, but this company makes some old time jewish deli products that are no longer made by many such as cervelat, and rauchfleisch.

It seems that everyone who has had an Isaac Gellis hot dog loved it. They are no longer being made, and unfortunately I never had the chance to try one.

I agree about Shofar, unless the last one I had was an aberration.

I haven't yet had an Abeles and Heymann frank. They are available at a Shop Rite near me. I suppose I should get a pack before they disappear too. I think they come in all beef and beef and chicken. I eat other sausage products when they are served to me, but with the exception of bratwurst and Italian sausage, I don't usually go out of my way to buy them. I think I'll start, though. Some of the sausage I have had has been very good. One in particular, a Polish style slim jim, only better, is called Kabanosy.

Renfrew,

I finally got to try the Abeles & Heymann franks. I was wrong about it being available at the Clark Shop Rite. I got it confused with Aaron Rubashkin, another kosher dog. I e-mailed the company and was given a location close to me that carries this product. It's the Shop Rite on West Grand St. in Elizabeth.

These franks are Glatt Kosher, which is a step above Kosher in terms of strictness and procedure. I'm not familiar with the specific differences, but to me it doesn't matter. It's all about taste. The franks came 8 to a lb and were skinless. High quality beef, with a distinctive spicyness. There was an herbal flavor to this dog, which accounts for its distinctiveness. You would be able to pick this dog out in a blind tasting. Overall I liked this dog. I can see how some people would consider it to be the best. All of the high quality beef dogs are good; it's just a matter of what kind of spicing you like. Abeles & Heymann are distinctive in the way Usinger's are. Different and/or unusual spices. I paid $6.99 for a pound. I was told that they will again be making Bison Dogs that should be available in about 3 weeks.

I also bought some Empire National kosher franks. They are available at a place called Seroff's on Mill St. in Irvington near the Union border. Until now I've only had Empire franks in the giant 1/3 lb size with collagen casing sold at Tabatchnik's in Union. These dogs come 8 to a lb, but are sold in a 24 oz (1 1/2 lb) package for $5.00. Each frank is individually wrapped in plastic. This company is located in New York (Brookln, I believe) and is not to be confused with Empire Kosher, which is known for chicken, turkey, and turkey hot dogs.

The Empire National dogs were also very good. Typical of the Eastern Jewish style. I think I like this size better than the giant dogs served at Tabatchnik's, even though those dogs had casing. Empire isn't as distinctive (unusual spices) as Abeles & Heyman, or other dogs like Usinger's, but is of very high quality and true to this style, sort of like how Boars Head is a great example of a kosher style dog.

I think I'll get a package of Hebrew National dogs similar in size and compare them side by side with the Empire National.

Which did you like more, Isaac Gellis or Abeles & Heymann?

John,
Are the bison dogs by Abeles and Heymann?
The Bear

Mike,
Yes. What I meant to say is that the Bison Dogs are and have been made by this company, but were not available recently at the Shop Rite in Elizabeth. One of the owners e-mailed me and said that they will be back on the shelves and he will let me know when. He also said that they are a favorite of his family.