Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (eruby)

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:20:09 GMT

Finally watched the episode on DVR. The new format (non-blind tasting and only 3 judges) fails IMHO. Even though when they had the blind tasing and super fans and you could still tell which item was which if you had eaten both before, I still think it was more fair than the current format.

I've seen the Po'Boy show, the Chicago pizza show and the cheesesteak show as I've been to both places in all three instances, but I doubt I'll be watching this program anymore. The hostess is a bit too annoying for my taste and as others have posted, If I want to know who is better, I'll have both and decide for myself.

If I'm in/near Newark, I'm definitley trying Jimmy Buff's. If it works out, I'll hit Charlie's, but Jimmy Buff's will be a sure thing.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (rebeltruce)

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 07:37:52 GMT

DPuro329

It was a nice episode, although I did feel bad for Jimmy Buff's. Has anyone been there since the show aired? Does the line stretch down to Best buy? I look at all of these shows as entertainment and make a mental list of places I'd love to eat at. Has anyone seen the previews for the Food Network's Food War's ripoff show? It looks exactly the same and I'll probably watch it although I'd rather share a meal with Camille Ford as opposed to Michaerl Symon.

Dave

I can't believe Michael Symon is doing this....."Food Feud"....give me a break.

I have the utmost respect for Michael Symon....but when I saw the ad for the new show I lost just a little of that respect.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (David_NYC)

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 11:32:38 GMT

DPuro329

.........Has anyone been there since the show aired? Does the line stretch down to Best buy?...........

Your question would make for an interesting topic on the Restaurant Professionals Forum. Does it make business sense for a Roadfood place to be featured on one of these low-brow pure entertainment shows?

It is a little like those college professors who having been making the case for years that cities that fund stadiums for professional sports teams don't reap the returns they expected.

These types of programs must be really cheap to produce. No need for a set. What I don't know is if any money changes hands, either the production company reimbursing the restaurant for actual expenses incurred, or if the restaurant has to pay to get exposure on the air.

But how much additional tourist trade can be attributed to exposure on these shows? Then for the incremental tourist trade there is the question of fairness. If tourists make their decision on where to eat based on the "judging" by persons of dubious qualifications, how do the mom-and-pop owners feel about this?

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (DPuro329)

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 02:44:25 GMT

It was a nice episode, although I did feel bad for Jimmy Buff's. Has anyone been there since the show aired? Does the line stretch down to Best buy? I look at all of these shows as entertainment and make a mental list of places I'd love to eat at. Has anyone seen the previews for the Food Network's Food War's ripoff show? It looks exactly the same and I'll probably watch it although I'd rather share a meal with Camille Ford as opposed to Michaerl Symon.

Dave

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (sk bob)

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 22:48:55 GMT

with all that stuff on there + the giant bun, you only put 1 dog in there? why bother?
put in 3 dogs now you're talking
1 dog with all that filler is not even a tease.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (leethebard)

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:09:28 GMT

Stephen Rushmore Jr.

Of all the Roadfood-type shows, this one bothers me the most. I can't stand the thought that their is a loser. Determining the better restaurant is a very personal decision, and all of the places on the show are institutions that have been around for a long time, so in my opinion that makes them both very successful winners. I realize people like competitions and controversy, but I will continue to appreciate Roadfood restaurants for what they are and I really don't care about what three people think is marginally better.

Totally agree, Stephen...controversy makes good programing, but in this case not honest evaluation...a fair analysis would have to be a blind taste test..even Bobby Flay's Throw Down show isn't a blind test...knowing where the food came from can well sway a vote...these shows are JUST entertainment(at best) not accurate analysis.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (Stephen Rushmore Jr.)

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 15:29:33 GMT

Of all the Roadfood-type shows, this one bothers me the most. I can't stand the thought that their is a loser. Determining the better restaurant is a very personal decision, and all of the places on the show are institutions that have been around for a long time, so in my opinion that makes them both very successful winners. I realize people like competitions and controversy, but I will continue to appreciate Roadfood restaurants for what they are and I really don't care about what three people think is marginally better.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (rebeltruce)

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 12:30:26 GMT

Any idea why they've changed the judging from 3 impartial and one super fan from each place?

I've noticed that being the case on the last couple of episodes I've seen, including the Jimmy Buff's vs Charlie's.....

I don't like the 3 judge format at all.....it isn't even a blind tasting........

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (John Fox)

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 06:38:42 GMT

Jimmy Buff's, Charlies, and Tommy's are the 3 best places to get an Italian Hot Dog. Out of these 3 my preference is for Jimmy Buff's for several reasons. One, their bread is superior. One of the judges, Pete Genovese, alluded to this. I also like the fact that Buff's sautees, rather than deep fries their dogs. All use the same brand, but Buff's franks are juicier and have more flavor while Charlies has more crunch from deep frying. The judges stated afterwards that they liked the crunchier dog from Charlies. Not me. And Charlies does not use natural casing dogs as stated in the program. I had someone pick up an Italian Hot Dog for me 2 days ago after hearing the owner state that they use a natural casing dog on a preview clip from Food Wars Facebook page. Charlies always used skinless dogs. The dogs were skinless. People may think they have a casing due to them being deep fried and having a more crunchy exterior than Buff's. Or maybe Charlies used natural casing dogs for the tasting.

Buff's is also more consistent. You will always get a great dog there. Not so at Charlies. And I've eaten many dogs from them as my daughter worked there. Occasionally you will get burned potatoes or undercooked ones. Sometimes the bread is not fresh.

When both are at their best, you are in for a treat. People have different tastes. Some like crunchier dogs; some like softer, juicier ones. Dickie Dees has hard peppers and potatoes cut in chunks. Some prefer that. I'd say try both and decide for yourself. Buff's has the best bread, and I love the texture and flavor of the hot dogs. The potatoes and peppers are cut the way I like, and I like the fact that they are cooked in the same oil at the same time so that all the flavors blend together.

One other thing. Two of the judges never had an Italian Hot Dog before so they really did not know what to expect or look for. And as I stated afterwards, they focused more on the texture of the hot dog rather than the sandwich as a whole.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (signman)

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:31:09 GMT

Wow, a 3zip knockout for Charlies over Jimmy Buffs.
So John, after all the drama, give us the inside story.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (John Fox)

Sat, 29 May 2010 06:17:41 GMT

Here's a different one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHlloQ12PNQ

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (pimple2)

Sat, 29 May 2010 00:55:05 GMT

The Jimmy Buff video has been deleted on the link!

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (dasolutionsinc)

Wed, 19 May 2010 15:39:42 GMT

John Fox

Yeah, but I'm not at liberty to say.

Jimmy Buff's

Jimmy Buff's is my favorite anyway. Good luck to them.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (John Fox)

Wed, 19 May 2010 14:58:08 GMT

Yeah, but I'm not at liberty to say.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (dasolutionsinc)

Wed, 19 May 2010 12:20:37 GMT

John Fox

The Food Wars taping will be next Wednesday, May 26th from 5PM to 8PM at the Jimmy Buff's East Hanover Restaurant. Show up and be prepared to tell your favorite Jimmy Buff's story.

The actual tasting will be the next day at Miami Mike's on Rt 10 West, East Hanover. Thursday, May 26th starting at 6PM. Dickie Dees will not participate. It will be Jimmy Buff's vs. Charlies Famous.

any idea why Dickie Dees will not be part of it?

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (John Fox)

Tue, 18 May 2010 19:32:42 GMT

The Food Wars taping will be next Wednesday, May 26th from 5PM to 8PM at the Jimmy Buff's East Hanover Restaurant. Show up and be prepared to tell your favorite Jimmy Buff's story.

The actual tasting will be the next day at Miami Mike's on Rt 10 West, East Hanover. Thursday, May 26th starting at 6PM. Dickie Dees will not participate. It will be Jimmy Buff's vs. Charlies Famous.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (billyboy)

Fri, 07 May 2010 09:25:48 GMT

I have to concur with the esteemed Mr. Fox. I had never heard of an Italian hot dog until I started reading Roadfood and I had never even come close to trying one until I went to Jimmy Buff's on the NJ Hot Dog Tour last fall. Wow!! The combination of textures and flavors was just wonderful. The pizza bread was fresh and held up to all of the justly greasy filling. Everything stuffed in there made perfect sense to me. Looking forward to my next one! Thanks, John.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (John Fox)

Fri, 07 May 2010 08:25:18 GMT

Michael Hoffman

John, the fact is, after seeing pictures and reading descriptions of the Italian hotdog I had not the slightest interest in even trying one. After watching that video, I really can't wait to get one. Thank you.

Here's another video: http://vimeo.com/9039971

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (John Fox)

Thu, 06 May 2010 20:31:48 GMT

An Italian Hot Dog is my favorite thing in the world to eat. More of a meal than just a hot dog. And my idea of of a balanced meal. Bread, meat, vegetables, and potatoes; what more can you want?

I spoke with a producer of the show today. Filming was delayed for a couple of reasons. There are still a few minor details to be ironed out, but they hope to film soon. Unfortunately there won't be any new episodes shown until August.

I'm glad that the Travel Channel will have an episode on Italian Hot Dogs. A popular regional style that has been around for years, but isn't known outside of North Jersey. Even people who write about hot dogs aren't familiar with them, choosing instead to focus on the trendy new "haute dogs" which feature all kinds of toppings that should never see the light of day as far as I'm concerned. And as appetizing as an Italian Hot Dog looks, it tastes even better.

I'll let you know when the filming will be as soon as I know.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (Applecheeks)

Thu, 06 May 2010 12:55:00 GMT

John, the fact is, after seeing pictures and reading descriptions of the Italian hotdog I had not the slightest interest in even trying one. After watching that video, I really can't wait to get one. Thank you.

Michael, You don't know what you're missing. I was raised eating IHD's and can't imagine life without them. I don't eat them so often these days - health concerns, of course. But every so often, I will endulge myself in the guilty pleasure of those 2 perfect dogs nessled into a fresh pizza bread with a few sweet peppers, tasty onions and fried potatoes on top. Oh and I can't forget the mustard on inside of the bread. It makes the sandwich.
Funny story, a co worker from Barbados had never had an IHD. I talked hgim into trying one and he hated it. He on the other hand talked me into eating a Roti. I almost barfed. I guess it is all in what you are used to.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (dasolutionsinc)

Thu, 06 May 2010 12:53:27 GMT

Michael Hoffman

John, the fact is, after seeing pictures and reading descriptions of the Italian hotdog I had not the slightest interest in even trying one. After watching that video, I really can't wait to get one. Thank you.

Jimmy Buff

Oh man I grow up on push cart dog dogs and Jimmy buff Italian hotdog from West Orange, NJ.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (Michael Hoffman)

Thu, 06 May 2010 12:27:32 GMT

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (dasolutionsinc)

Thu, 06 May 2010 12:17:56 GMT

John Fox

Taping for the Italian Hot Dog episode has been delayed indefinitely due to an illness to Camille Ford, the host of the show. I'll post when the new dates are announced.

Any update on the filming? I can't wait to see this episode.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (big g in joisey)

Thu, 06 May 2010 12:12:56 GMT

Dickie Dee's & Jimmy Buffs two of the best, it would be great if they included Tommy's in Elizabeth and Charlie's Famous in Kenilworth for the best Italian hotdog.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (joerogo)

Wed, 05 May 2010 19:05:26 GMT

sk bob

yeah, its hard to replace her

I guess she would rather a burger in Wisconsin

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (sk bob)

Wed, 05 May 2010 17:54:04 GMT

yeah, its hard to replace her

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (John Fox)

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 06:09:54 GMT

Taping for the Italian Hot Dog episode has been delayed indefinitely due to an illness to Camille Ford, the host of the show. I'll post when the new dates are announced.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (John Fox)

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:01:36 GMT

Filming for the Italian Hot Dog episode of Food Wars will be Wednesday, April 28th. We need people to come out and support Jimmy Buffs. Come on down from 4 PM until 8 PM at Jimmy Buff's East Hanover location. 354 Route 10 West and River Rd.

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (Benzee)

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 21:38:14 GMT

Hello all ,

Congrats John , Certainly a well deserved honor , keep us posted and throw a plug in there for the 7th annual Jersey Hot Dog Tour in Sept if you get a chance

Benzee

Re:Food Wars: Jimmy Buff's vs. Dickie Dees (John Fox)

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 14:45:26 GMT

The show will be taped sometime at the end of April and will be shown in June.