Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (kozel)

Sun, 05 Dec 2004 22:58:45 GMT

It looks like the folks over at eGullet are trying to put together a NJ tour, if anyone is interested.

... http://forums.egullet.org/index.php?showtopic=56763

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (John Fox)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 22:54:37 GMT

signman (or anyone else interested)

I love the dogs at Syd's, but they are fairly expensive ($3.29 including tax). What I would suggest, if you are in the area, is to buy some at the plant to cook at home. Best Provisions in Newark will sell them to you in 2 lb or 5 lb packages. They also own the store across the street. There you can buy the sturdier buns that they use as well as the mustard (Admiration deli mustard). In fact, Steve Keiner and his brother Dave bought some of these dogs before the tour on Saturday. To get the same dog served at Syd's, place the dogs in water (bring water to a boil, then shut off gas) and simmer for 7-10 minutes. Then put them on the backyard grill.

long dog

I agree that it would be a good idea to get different dogs cooked different ways. In Connecticut I've been to Capitol Lunch, Storrs, (grilled Rosol's dog, ok) Rawley's (deep fried Roesslers, ok) Swanky Franks (deep fried Hummels all beef I think, good) and Super Duper Weenie (Miller's split and griddled, very good). I have not been to Rosco's Big Dog, but I have had their dog (Thumann's on the griddle, excellent; best beef and pork dog I've eaten).

My vote for a few at least, would be Rosco's for one. It's a new place that has a great reputation as well as a great dog. I would also like to go to the Glenwood Drive Inn. They serve a long Hummel dog that is charbroiled. I had previosly thought that this was a Hummel beef dog, which, if it was, would be similar in size, style, and cooking method to Syd's and would make for a great comparison. I have since found out from the Glenwood and long dog that it is a beef and pork dog. Would still like to try it.

These 2 places I would very much like to visit. As for the others, any would be good including the places I've been to before. Long dog and the Connecticut people know these places well. I do recall one of the places, either Mr. Mac's Canteen, or something with a similar name that grew out of this one being named by long dog as one of the best. The Stern's also included one of these on their best of list if I remember correctly.

I can't wait!

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (long dog)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 21:38:29 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by booboobirdie

Yippee! Looking forward to the CT tour. Just to give me something to look forward to, can anyone tell me some of the places that might be considered? Danny's (of course), SDW (goes without saying), but how about The Cricket? Paul's? Swanky Frank's? Mr. Mac's?

October 30th is way too far away!

Be sure to consider The Greeks in Milford. These are the same people that were in Bridgeport in the 60's

BooBoo -
The thought is to do a variety of brands of hot dogs cooked different ways - not to get the same grilled Hummel's beef/pork dog from a bunch of different places. A family member told me last week that the Cricket is closing. I don't know the deatils.
Marc - The Greek may have its roots with Tomlinson's in Bridgeport, but there's no comparing them. I grew up on Tomlinson's, and the Greek's is nowhere near the quality of the old stand.

I'm open to suggestions from the board, but have a short list of far too many places in mind:
Rosco's Big Dog - Hartford
Capitol Lunch - New Britain
Guida's - Middlefield
Blackie's - Cheshire
Dino's - North Haven
Glenwood Drive-In - Hamden
Mr. Mac's Canteen - Milford
Legends Drive-In - Milford
Danny's Drive-In - Stratford
Cricket Car Hop - Stratford
Windmill Restaurant - Stratford
Super Duper Weenie - Stratford or Fairfield
Rawley's - Fairfield
Swanky Frank's - Norwalk

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (Bill M)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 19:07:33 GMT

It was great meeting people that have a mutual interest in hot dogs. My friend and I had a great time visiting Rutts, The Hot Grill, Tommys, and Jerrys. Thanks to everyone for a great time time and to the pin givers and John Fox for his coaching and transportation to the Elizabeth joints.

Bill

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (seafarer john)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 17:27:30 GMT

Mr Mayor: No Bourbon this trip, but, if I come to the Cadiz songfest and ham eating soiree I'd sure be proud to help you do away with the juices from a good bottle of something made in Kentucky.

What i did get on the hot dog trip, besides a lot of good company and hot dogs, was a neat little hot dog pin.

Cheers, John

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (mayor al)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 17:13:27 GMT

Hey Seafarer...Did you come away with some more quality Bourbon?
It does sound like you folks had a great time ...Again our Congratulations for making the event one to go into the Roadfood Journal !!

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (meowzart)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 17:10:44 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by Hillbilly

I have pictures of attendees, not food, but now I can't seem to get them out of "my pictures" file and onto this forum.

Hillbilly--photos have to hosted on a website before they can be posted here. Do you have a website you can post them on?

If not, I suggest using ofoto (http://www.ofoto.com/Welcome.jsp) or snapfish (http://www.snapfish.com/) or shutterfly (http://www.shutterfly.com/home/signin_newuser.jsp). Upload your pics there, and then post a link to the hot dog tour photo album here, like I did with the crabcake and cheesesteak pics.

Email me or The Mayor if you need help...

Meowzart

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (chezkatie)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 16:03:49 GMT

Your "hot dog tour" sounds like it was a great success.........why not? Who can resist a good hot dog or two or three and meeting really nice people.

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (aleswench)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 15:53:39 GMT

I am going to try tonight to put up some pictures - naturally my #$%&*! camera is acting up and so is my scanner. We lost power over the weekend and something went "kafluey" - I'll do my best!

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (crickett)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 14:41:38 GMT

I must say it sounds like you folks had a GREAT... sorry... time! I wish so much I could have been in NJ to join you. It made me homesick for some wonderful NJ "culture"! I really am enjoying this forum and will be watching and listening to all the conversation threads. Hopefully I can join up on one of the upcoming dog tours!

crickett : )

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (howard8)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 12:44:57 GMT

I am responding late due to craziness with my home computer.
Thanks to John for putting together a great tour.
It was a pleasure meeting and seeing
Hillbilly, Seafarer, Val and John, Signman and all the other hot dog aficiandos in attendance. Jane and Cheesewit, missed you guys.
Our party of four only went to Galloping Hill, Syds and Charlies, since we had a late afternoon committment. We do plan on completing our part of the tour with some hot dog eating at Jimmy Buffs, Hot Grill and Rutts.
My favorite for the dog was Galloping Hill. I liked the subtle flavor almost "brat" like. Syds dog has its place when in the mood for a spicy all beef dog. Since my youth was spent eating this type of hot dog, my current tastes are more toward the beef and pork, less spicy hot dog.
The Charlies Italian dog was fine. The "single" is huge, resplendent with it seemed like at least half a pound of potatos. And then there are the peppers, onions and oh yeah the hot dog.
The pizza type bread of a Jimmy Buffs or Dickie Dees is more substantial and holds up better to the ingedients. I like the somewhat greasier presentation of a "Buffs" dog, as well as the puffier, larger potatos.
All the stops we made offered quality hot dogs, all with unique flavors and styles and all very good.
I am looking forward to the Connecticut tour and seeing some of the same eager, happy faces awaiting more hot dog madness.
And thanks to the picture takers and pin givers, who helped make this another quality roadfood event.

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (markolenski)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 11:16:52 GMT

Be sure to consider The Greeks in Milford. These are the same people that were in Bridgeport in the 60's

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (booboobirdie)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 11:01:30 GMT

Yippee! Looking forward to the CT tour. Just to give me something to look forward to, can anyone tell me some of the places that might be considered? Danny's (of course), SDW (goes without saying), but how about The Cricket? Paul's? Swanky Frank's? Mr. Mac's?

October 30th is way too far away!

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (signman)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 10:53:16 GMT

Hillbilly,

You were definitely missed on the rest of the tour. I'm glad I did the complete circuit, but next time I am in the area, Syd's will be my one and only stop. I could easily have eaten a few more of those skinny suckers, and next visit I will. I'll also have to remember to have one with slaw. Very good fresh cut fries and onion rings there too. The Egg Cream wasn't up to snuff, but you've got to credit them for having it on the menu. Throw in a stop next door at the Bakery for some wonderful Danish or Rugelach and finish things off with some take home delly from Tabatchniks, a perfect trifecta.

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (Hillbilly)

Tue, 07 Sep 2004 10:14:30 GMT

I have pictures of attendees, not food, but now I can't seem to get them out of "my pictures" file and onto this forum.

After tackling the good dog at "Galloping Hill" and the excellent one at "Syd's", my wife and son convinced me that we needed to evaluate the other 3 and select just 1 more, even if it meant breaking away from the group. Sadly, we chose "Rutt's" because of the "5 grease stains" rating. The deep fried dog was just too greasy for our taste. We probably could have made the entire tour if we hadn't ordered a second dog (with a side order of coleslaw so the 3 of us could share this great dog North Carolina style)at "Syd's". Yes, it was as good as we had hoped.

IT WAS GREAT MEETING ALL OF YOU FOLKS AND PUTTING FACES TO SOME OF THE NAMES I KEEP SEEING ON "ROADFOOD.COM". Maybe I will again find myself in the area for some future roadfooder gatherings across this great country.

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (ConeyIslandLou)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 22:33:08 GMT

I forgot to add my little critique...

Galloping Hill- Nice pork/beef dog...excellent roll... 8 out of 10

Syd's- To me the best dog of the day..GREAT snap to it...tasty on its own with NUTHIN on it...(take THAT Chicago....lol)..I was impressed by the fact the little tie on the end of my doggie started to come undone! Nice home cut fries too BTW....and the burgers sure looked deelish too...lol 9.5

Charlie's- Not strictly a dog,but a sure different taste! The standard dog was ok....and those taters on the sandwich sure were good....8

Hot Grill...YUMMMY sauce...nice dog...what a great treat the freebie sauce is! Im going to try it on some Zweigles white hots I got here.... Great chocolate shake too...lol 9

Rutt's- Quite frankly,I have never been that much of a Rutt's Hutt fan...But it seemed to be OK....7

Someone say Connecticut??

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (long dog)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 21:17:23 GMT

John -

I bought the Thumann's beef, and one package of each of the Schaller & Weber.

Didn't notice any Sabrett's with casings or Schickhaus on Saturday.

I passed on the blue & white Thumann's.
I can get a 5 lb. bag at BJ's here for $17, as opposed to the $5.50 for a one lb. package that A&P had.

Everything else I can get up here at either ShopRite, Stop & Shop, or Big Y.

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (John Fox)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 20:56:22 GMT

Hey long dog,

Were you able to get some good hot dogs at the A&P? I happenned to be there today and I noticed that in addition to Thumann's, they had Schaller & Weber, (which they rarely have) Schickhaus, (1/4lb Grote & Weigel) and Sabrett's with the casing.

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (long dog)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 20:40:41 GMT

anybody have a site to host some pics from the tour ?

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (long dog)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 20:36:03 GMT

Sue -

I'll have to tell Matt that you came up with another name for him, but I think he kind of likes "little dog" over the moniker that Signman gave him at the Hot Grill - "long dog jr."

I was proud of my boy - not wimping out and hanging strong.

We both like Rutt's Thumann's dog having been there numerous times before, but Syd's beef Best's dog was my favorite "new" place, with the Sabrett's beef/pork dog at the Hot Grill just slightly ahead of the Grote & Wiegel beef/pork at the GHI.

He and I went back south with John, and went to two more places over in Elizabeth!
All told, he had FIVE dogs by himself, and had bites of mine from the two places that he skipped.

The nutmeg in the chili is a very unique taste.

For those interested, the Connecticut leg of the tour is scheduled forOCTOBER 30TH.

When you come to CT, be ready for beef/pork dogs.

I have 10 places in mind (easily), covering the state from Hartford to Norwalk.

Five was a nice number on Saturday, but it'll be tough for me to whittle it down that far.

Finally, a blanket "NICE MEETING YOU ALL" to the Jersey tour participants, and looking forward to seeing you all again next month.

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (Val Ann C)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 20:12:19 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by aleswench

Val, where'd you guys go?!?!? Didn't even get to say goodbye! I hope we meet again on another tour!

aleswench and all the hot dog tour people... Sorry we left without a proper good-bye. After Charlies, we got in the car and realized we didn't have an inch of room for a chili dog. So we took the parkway south towards home. Stopped at Trader Joes in Westfield.

It was great to talk chow with such a nice group of people. If there's another cheesesteak tour, we'd love to join in.

Val

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (UncleVic)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 16:52:08 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by aleswench

Hi Guys! It's taken me a day or two to post...think I'm suffering from a nitrate induced hangover. But seriously- both Bob & I had a great time. It was so nice meeting everyone! I was nervous about it and from the second we got to the Galloping Hill in I felt at ease. And I'm so happy everyone liked the pins - it was nothing really - just wanted to "break the ice" so to speak. And your welcome I enjoyed doing it!

I think my favorite was the Galloping Hill dog, of course it was the first one and I was starving! They all were great, but very different from each other so you can't really compare. I would go back to each place.

Thanks again to John Fox for such a wonderful tour. You are truly amazing in your wealth of information. Coney Island Lou thanks for making us laugh at Syd's and for the cool name tags- Seafarer John you are such a gentleman and so interesting to talk to. I promise to get the wine tour info soon - maybe we'll have some interest!

Mr. Keiner it was great talking with you and your brother (that was your brother right?)and thanks for the autograph! The nephew got a HUGE kick out of it!!

Val, where'd you guys go?!?!? Didn't even get to say goodbye! I hope we meet again on another tour!

Oh who else to say thanks to?? (I feel like I am at the Academy Awards!!) Signman, Red Head, Phil and Maria, Long Dog & Short Dog, Flat Top - thanks for helping to make the day so much fun! And I think the award should go to Short Dog - he was still eating crackers after Rutt's!! I couldn't have fit one "wafer thin mint" (for those that know their Monty Python humor)

It was a blast. I hope to get the pictures up either tonight or tomorrow after work - so check back!
Off to the in-laws for a visit and steak - hope everyone had a great labor day weekend!! Sue

I've been reading all these good things about the Tour Pin! Hope someone posts a picture for rest of us to enjoy! As Mr. Pink & Floyd once said, "Wish I was there".

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (aleswench)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 15:00:53 GMT

OH!! And Hillbilly!! Where did you go!?!? We wanted to see alot more of you! We were so disappointed!

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (aleswench)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 14:51:34 GMT

Hi Guys! It's taken me a day or two to post...think I'm suffering from a nitrate induced hangover. But seriously- both Bob & I had a great time. It was so nice meeting everyone! I was nervous about it and from the second we got to the Galloping Hill in I felt at ease. And I'm so happy everyone liked the pins - it was nothing really - just wanted to "break the ice" so to speak. And your welcome I enjoyed doing it!

I think my favorite was the Galloping Hill dog, of course it was the first one and I was starving! They all were great, but very different from each other so you can't really compare. I would go back to each place.

Thanks again to John Fox for such a wonderful tour. You are truly amazing in your wealth of information. Coney Island Lou thanks for making us laugh at Syd's and for the cool name tags- Seafarer John you are such a gentleman and so interesting to talk to. I promise to get the wine tour info soon - maybe we'll have some interest!

Mr. Keiner it was great talking with you and your brother (that was your brother right?)and thanks for the autograph! The nephew got a HUGE kick out of it!!

Val, where'd you guys go?!?!? Didn't even get to say goodbye! I hope we meet again on another tour!

Oh who else to say thanks to?? (I feel like I am at the Academy Awards!!) Signman, Red Head, Phil and Maria, Long Dog & Short Dog, Flat Top - thanks for helping to make the day so much fun! And I think the award should go to Short Dog - he was still eating crackers after Rutt's!! I couldn't have fit one "wafer thin mint" (for those that know their Monty Python humor)

It was a blast. I hope to get the pictures up either tonight or tomorrow after work - so check back!
Off to the in-laws for a visit and steak - hope everyone had a great labor day weekend!! Sue

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (flattop5)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 11:54:36 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by John Fox

I'm sorry that I neglected to mention Tabatchnik's. I had been there last week and tried a hot dog. They are huge 1/3 pounders from a company in Brooklyn called Empire Kosher. A different company than the one that makes Empire Chickens and Turkeys. The dog is the best kosher dog I've tried, and some of us were able to sample a bite of Steve's.

I'm curious as to what everyone liked. Me, I like all of these dogs and I go to one based on what I'm in the mood for. Charlies is great, but more of an Italian sandwich. I love the relish at Rutt's and the chili at the Hot Grill. At Galloping Hill and Syd's, I like the dogs so much that I get them with just mustard. On this particular day I really enjoyed the Syd's dog.

Seafarer liked the Galloping Hill Inn dog. Maria, I think, from Long Island really liked the Texas Weiner from the Hot Grill. Long Dog liked Syd's and Rutt's the best, I believe, while his son Matt likes Rutt's. Signman liked Syd's best and Steve "The Hot Dog Terminator" Keiner liked the kosher dog at Tabatchnik's.

What about the rest of you?

My party agreed that the best dog -- just the dog -- was Galloping Hill (we did not make it to Rutt's Hut, but are huge fans). For me, the best overall taste experience was Charlie's, but that's including the mustard, peppers, onions, and many, many potatoes....

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (mayor al)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 09:37:36 GMT

We need to test Steve out on one of the Tennessee/Kentucky BBQ Circuit Rides ! Weinies are one thing, but let's see how Whole Hog Works!! On our ride last Winter we had 4 stops, and by the 4th one there was a lot more conversation than chowdown!
These get togethers are really great fun, I urge everyone to participate whenever you can. Next one coming is the 8-9-10 of October---The Country Ham fest in Cadiz KY. We have heard from 7 or 8 folks intrested in visiting that one. Some of you St Louis folks are close enough to make that easily, Memphis Too !
Plan ahead and we'll have a real good time !

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (John Fox)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 09:35:07 GMT

I'm sorry that I neglected to mention Tabatchnik's. I had been there last week and tried a hot dog. They are huge 1/3 pounders from a company in Brooklyn called Empire Kosher. A different company than the one that makes Empire Chickens and Turkeys. The dog is the best kosher dog I've tried, and some of us were able to sample a bite of Steve's.

I'm curious as to what everyone liked. Me, I like all of these dogs and I go to one based on what I'm in the mood for. Charlies is great, but more of an Italian sandwich. I love the relish at Rutt's and the chili at the Hot Grill. At Galloping Hill and Syd's, I like the dogs so much that I get them with just mustard. On this particular day I really enjoyed the Syd's dog.

Seafarer liked the Galloping Hill Inn dog. Maria, I think, from Long Island really liked the Texas Weiner from the Hot Grill. Long Dog liked Syd's and Rutt's the best, I believe, while his son Matt likes Rutt's. Signman liked Syd's best and Steve "The Hot Dog Terminator" Keiner liked the kosher dog at Tabatchnik's.

What about the rest of you?

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (ConeyIslandLou)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 07:39:06 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by stryyk

I wanted to let everyone know what a great time my brother and I had on "The Hotdog Tour 2004".

It was great talking to all of you about a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Lot's of great stories and information were swapped with fellow compatriots that truly appreciate the great American Food that is the hotdog.

I think that the slogan "As American as Mom and Apple Pie", should be changed to " As American as Mom and Hotdogs".

Special thanks go out to John Fox, the coordinator of the tour, and the encylopedia of hotdogs. John, thanks for everything, let me know when you are ready to make the trip down to Maui's Dogs in Wildwood and we'll go together and pick up some of the group that would like to go.

Thanks to Aleswench for bringing those cool hotdog pins (she made them herself)!!! I'm glad she persevered and tried the Rutts Hut dog

Thanks also to ConeyIslandLou for the expertly made name tags, great job.

All the Best,

Steve " The Hotdog Terminator Keiner"

The last American Nathan's Hotdog World Champion

To show you what kind of TRUE champion Steve is,after our second stop at Syd's,with all of us amateurs still contemplating the task of three more stops ahead,and wondering if we are up to the task of it,here comes Steve,coming out of the Kosher deli next door,with one of their hot dogs in hand!!!!! He just HAD to try a hot dog he hadn't had before! That,my friends,is what separates a professional from the rest of us (I HAVE to say it..)weenies! (especially since he went on to eat a whole sandwich at Charley's,plus the dogs at Hot Grill and Rutts!) I bow before your greatness Sir!

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (UncleVic)

Mon, 06 Sep 2004 06:09:34 GMT

quote:
Originally posted by stryyk

I wanted to let everyone know what a great time my brother and I had on "The Hotdog Tour 2004".

It was great talking to all of you about a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Lot's of great stories and information were swapped with fellow compatriots that truly appreciate the great American Food that is the hotdog.

I think that the slogan "As American as Mom and Apple Pie", should be changed to " As American as Mom and Hotdogs".

Special thanks go out to John Fox, the coordinator of the tour, and the encylopedia of hotdogs. John, thanks for everything, let me know when you are ready to make the trip down to Maui's Dogs in Wildwood and we'll go together and pick up some of the group that would like to go.

Thanks to Aleswench for bringing those cool hotdog pins (she made them herself)!!! I'm glad she persevered and tried the Rutts Hut dog

Thanks also to ConeyIslandLou for the expertly made name tags, great job.

All the Best,

Steve " The Hotdog Terminator Keiner"

The last American Nathan's Hotdog World Champion

Steve! Keep hanging out with John Fox... Then maybe come Nathans 2005 you'll be able to bring the gold back to the USA!

RE: Hot Dog Tour 04 Recap (stryyk)

Sun, 05 Sep 2004 23:53:48 GMT

I wanted to let everyone know what a great time my brother and I had on "The Hotdog Tour 2004".

It was great talking to all of you about a subject that is near and dear to my heart. Lot's of great stories and information were swapped with fellow compatriots that truly appreciate the great American Food that is the hotdog.

I think that the slogan "As American as Mom and Apple Pie", should be changed to " As American as Mom and Hotdogs".

Special thanks go out to John Fox, the coordinator of the tour, and the encylopedia of hotdogs. John, thanks for everything, let me know when you are ready to make the trip down to Maui's Dogs in Wildwood and we'll go together and pick up some of the group that would like to go.

Thanks to Aleswench for bringing those cool hotdog pins (she made them herself)!!! I'm glad she persevered and tried the Rutts Hut dog

Thanks also to ConeyIslandLou for the expertly made name tags, great job.

All the Best,

Steve " The Hotdog Terminator Keiner"

The last American Nathan's Hotdog World Champion