John Fox-Please help !!!

Hi John,

Let me begin by saying that you are my hero and I hope that one day I can be half the man you are.

Hmmmm.

Anyway, the reason for the post and cry for help is that I recently (this morning) visited the Wegmann's at Woodbridge and proceeded to buy 25 " Red Hots Hoffmann German Brand Franks". One of the counter clerks said that it was a combination of Beef, Pork and Veal. I also purchased 4 Thumann's natural casing franks. The question is (and the reason I ask is that back in 2004 you submitted a post where, among other things, you wrote: "...In fact, you can get Thumann's and Hofmann's loose at the deli counter in Wegman's. Thumann's is clearly better in my opinion. Schickhaus is another dog that I prefer to Hofmann's." Posted - 09/17/2004 : 14:50:26 ), are the Thumann's they sell individually the same as what Rutt's sells? (The kind you can fry). If so, then I have found Heaven on Earth.

I proceeded to grill 2 Hoffmann's on my skillet (it was raining and I didn't want to bother violating town ordinances by lighting up my grill on the fire escape)because, frankly, I just couldn't wait.

Opinion? It was mild and pleasing; similar but somewhat different than Thumann. It compares very well with another fine beef and pork dog (my humble opinion); Shoprite's Black Bear (Dietz and Watz, I believe).

Thank you in advance for your help. You and the rest of the forum have been most helpful and understanding.

Robert

Robert,

The Thumann's that you bought at Wegmans is not the same as what Rutt's serves. Rutt's, and other places that deep fry their dogs buy a frank from Thumann's that is specifically made for deep frying. The one you purchased is known as Thumann's griller. It is sold loose at Wegmans or in a blue and white package. It is my favorite beef and pork dog. This one tastes best prepared on a griddle or on the backyard grill.

The Thumann's sold at Rutt's is not sold in supermarkets. When I've gotten them, I bought them from a pizzeria who uses Thumann coldcuts for their subs. I know the owner, and had him put in an order for a bag (5 lbs) from the Thumann's distributor. Then I paid the pizzeria owner. If you really want these franks, e-mail me and I can make arrangements to get them for you.

Thumann's also makes their beef/pork franks in a skinless version. They make an all beef frank as well. I agree with you about Hofmann's; mild, but pleasing. I haven't tried the Black Bear beef and pork dog yet, only their all beef.

By the way, how were the hot dogs from Allen Bros. that you sent away for?

John, the only hot dog to claim #1 fame from Forbes Magazine & The Chicago Tribune is from Fluky's www.flukys.com which is produced produced in Milwaukee, WI by Klements Sausage Company. www.klements.com Compare the Fluky dog to the Allen Bros dog http://www.allanbros.com (go to steak burgers & hot dogs). That's one expensive Chicago style Klement's all beef hot dog.

CSD

CSD,

They're probably the same dog, aren't they? Klements dog served at Fluky's and the one sold by Allen Bros. Haven't had it yet. I did read recently about a place in Chicago called U Lucky Dog. As you know, this used to be a Fluky's. I read that the owner changed the name partly because he did not like the fact that the other Fluky's were using Klement's beef dogs rather than Vienna Beef, which he uses. In fact, I think he was the last Fluky's to use Vienna Beef. Previously, all Fluky's used Vienna, if I'm not mistaken. Do you know why they switched to Klements? And what is your opinion of Klements?

Forbes Magazine and the Chicago Tribune have yet to sample a natural casing beef dog from Best Provisions in Jersey.

I never did buy the Allen Brothers hotdogs. I concluded that it wasn't worth the price to send for franks from some dark and forbidding part of the world (Chicago) when I could just as easily (and safely) go to my local Shoprite or Wegmanns and buy quality Thumanns or BlackBear.

Besides, I found out from some helpful member of this forum that Allen Brothers buys their dogs from another vendor in the midwest and re-labels them.

I did encounter a package of Sahlens (spelling) natural casing dogs at another Wegmann's. Next time I am in the area, I will buy a package.

Thank you for your help, John.

Robert

I should read all posts before replying. The vendor that supplies Allen Brothers is in fact, Fluky's.