tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67801027747206559522024-03-13T12:12:12.414-05:00The Great Birmingham Hot Dog TourDining on Hot Dogs in and around Birmingham Alabama.BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-70688210753442870762016-08-19T20:36:00.001-05:002016-08-19T20:38:57.491-05:00The New Dog in Town<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrrJDxZ5n5I/V7evwksTdXI/AAAAAAAABbQ/L5a6uhULZYkgU3mg9vBtpTiKD8JPFp2_wCLcB/s1600/HDD-01%2Bsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrrJDxZ5n5I/V7evwksTdXI/AAAAAAAABbQ/L5a6uhULZYkgU3mg9vBtpTiKD8JPFp2_wCLcB/s200/HDD-01%2Bsign.jpg" width="170" /></a></div>
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Rather than going to one of the old favorites again Robert
and I were intrigued when his daughter Laura gave us a heads up about a new hot dog place in
Avondale, Hot Diggity Dogs. I doubt if I ever would have spotted this place
without reading about it before going there. It is located at is 430 41<sup>st</sup>
Street South on the second floor above <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Fancys-on-Fifth-1548863748686867/" target="_blank">Fancy’s on Fifth</a> in Avondale. The
building is at the corner of 41<sup>st</sup> Street and 5<sup>th</sup> Avenue
South, directly across the street from Avondale Park. One enters <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hot-Diggity-Dog/286988255000906" target="_blank">Hot DiggityDogs</a> through a door toward the rear of the building on the side facing Fifth
Avenue South. So it seems that the front door for Fancy’s on Fifth is actually
on 41<sup>st</sup> Street, and the door for Hot Diggity Dogs is actually on 5<sup>th</sup>
Avenue. Fancy’s on Fifth, billed as “Oyster Dive – Burger Bar” in Avondale and
Hot Diggity Dogs billed as “Hot Dog Joint” share the same building and street
address.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94Drhy2XUp8/V7eqJdBKjsI/AAAAAAAABag/hRxQHQkWYmw1Vc_eRaBn046VgSiPVGusACLcB/s1600/HDD-09%2Bcustomers%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3VnIEQar1Q/V7eqKGbZLjI/AAAAAAAABak/z0RSu4ZDOD0KKpj4PiaabbXlvcTg5E-3QCLcB/s1600/HDD-08%2Bcustomers%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3VnIEQar1Q/V7eqKGbZLjI/AAAAAAAABak/z0RSu4ZDOD0KKpj4PiaabbXlvcTg5E-3QCLcB/s320/HDD-08%2Bcustomers%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avondale_%28Birmingham%29" target="_blank">Avondale</a> is an old neighborhood that has attracted lots of new food and drink
servers in recent years and seems to be thriving. These two restaurants are
located in a historic two story building that has been through a number of
transformations over the years. I have noticed the building for decades and
always liked the little arches on the windows and creative brick work on the front. I would love to know when the
building was built and what it's first use was. When we were there it was raining so I didn't get any good photos of the exterior, but they can be found on their facebook pages linked above.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94Drhy2XUp8/V7eqJdBKjsI/AAAAAAAABag/hRxQHQkWYmw1Vc_eRaBn046VgSiPVGusACLcB/s1600/HDD-09%2Bcustomers%2B2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94Drhy2XUp8/V7eqJdBKjsI/AAAAAAAABag/hRxQHQkWYmw1Vc_eRaBn046VgSiPVGusACLcB/s200/HDD-09%2Bcustomers%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
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We climbed the stairs to Hot Diggity Dogs and emerged into a
smallish dining area with lots of counters and stools around an open area.
There are several windows offering a nice view across 5<sup>th</sup> Avenue
into Avondale Park and creating a bright atmosphere. </div>
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But what about the hot dogs? We have always enjoyed finding
unusual hot dogs and we certainly found some here. Of course the menu includes
a “Birmingham Dog”, which is what we find at most hot dog joints around Birmingham; but there are also several other dogs that I don’t think you can find anywhere else around
here. All of the dogs are large all-beef dogs that are hearty. </div>
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The menu
includes: </div>
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Winky Dink Dog:: <b></b>
Pimento cheese, mustard, onion.</div>
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Sayonara Dog: Surimi salad, pickled ginger, seaweed relish.</div>
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Oh Canadog!: Fries, cheese, gravy, onion.</div>
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Deli Dog: Pastrami, kraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing.</div>
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Birmingham Dog: Mustard, onion, kraut, sauce.</div>
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The Motherload: Chili, mustard, onion, kraut, slaw.</div>
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Emperor Gochujang: Gochujang slaw, pickled onion, Korean barbecue sauce.</div>
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Waimea Dog: Spam and pineapple relish, sriracha mayo.</div>
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Diablo Dog: Jalapeno, bacon, cheese, tortilla strips.</div>
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Fries, tater tots and pork
skins.</div>
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Poutine</div>
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Vegan chili and meat chili</div>
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Tuna salad and goat
cheese-apple-and-onion salad </div>
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They also serve "Grapico Ice Cream" </div>
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<br />
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We took a couple of minutes to take it all in and ordered
four different dogs planning to split them all between us so we could taste
some of the unusual offerings. We settled on a “winky dink dog”, a “Birmingham
dog”, a “The Motherload” [dog], and an "Oh Canadog!" with a side order of tots to split. The dogs all came on waxed paper lined cardboard serving trays. The first thing we noticed was that the dogs were filled so generously that we couldn't pick them up to eat. We resorted to using a fork and knife not just to split the dogs but also to eat them.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GMXYaeVWUpI/V7etC3LQ1UI/AAAAAAAABaw/47VHLyQnJKMyLm-BbEyAG9I0pWM4Udp4wCLcB/s1600/HDD-10%2Bfour%2Bdogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GMXYaeVWUpI/V7etC3LQ1UI/AAAAAAAABaw/47VHLyQnJKMyLm-BbEyAG9I0pWM4Udp4wCLcB/s400/HDD-10%2Bfour%2Bdogs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's our order when it came</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bQQrCtkIFB0/V7etloZhC_I/AAAAAAAABa0/Gxte33wZq7IB1kWHLY5DSWkvD2gvIsC8QCLcB/s1600/HDD-07%2BTwo%2Bdogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bQQrCtkIFB0/V7etloZhC_I/AAAAAAAABa0/Gxte33wZq7IB1kWHLY5DSWkvD2gvIsC8QCLcB/s320/HDD-07%2BTwo%2Bdogs.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winky Dink Dog and Motherload</td></tr>
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I think my favorite from the four we ordered was the Winky Dink Dog. The slightly sharp pimento cheese along with mustard
and onion on a hot dog was great. Robert’s first choice was the Motherload
which positively overflowed with chili over mustard, onion, kraut, slaw and of
course an all-beef dog. This dog was my second choice coming close to my first
choice. It reminded me of a dog we once encountered which was called a "junk yard dog"</div>
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<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epDlzvg0AdY/V7eueo4cA8I/AAAAAAAABa8/L571zG0aihQm6_LbG0fI1cHRv7AKAIbhwCLcB/s1600/HDD-06%2BBham%2Bdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-epDlzvg0AdY/V7eueo4cA8I/AAAAAAAABa8/L571zG0aihQm6_LbG0fI1cHRv7AKAIbhwCLcB/s320/HDD-06%2BBham%2Bdog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birmingham Dog</td></tr>
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<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
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The Birmingham dog was a good large version of the dog
usually encountered around here and was also very good. I guess it is also
unusual given the size of the dog used and the abundant toppings. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYEkZ58fxco/V7evFUh3DJI/AAAAAAAABbI/cC2JerPwylkoSCIS7MyiGVUt6g647yu7ACLcB/s1600/HDD-05%2BCanadog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYEkZ58fxco/V7evFUh3DJI/AAAAAAAABbI/cC2JerPwylkoSCIS7MyiGVUt6g647yu7ACLcB/s320/HDD-05%2BCanadog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh Canadog!</td></tr>
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Then the “Oh Canadog!” (shown to the left) was something really different.
You may have noticed we didn’t venture to try some of the dogs with toppings we
couldn’t pronounce. We were tempted to try the Diablo Dog, but Robert made the
call to try the Oh Canadog which is topped with fries, cheese, gravy, and onion.
I have never thought about topping a hot dog with gravy but it wasn’t bad, just
different.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Preparation takes a little longer than at your usual hot
dog stand, but when served the dogs are fresh and worth the short wait. I will
also comment that they are a little pricier than the usual hot dog but can
accurately be labeled as gourmet hot dogs.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4qHOHEZG_Q/V7exGBn2laI/AAAAAAAABbY/pxwjFolQR_sh9kvZi56wGfYmq6W9RImZQCLcB/s1600/HDD-02%2BBagby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g4qHOHEZG_Q/V7exGBn2laI/AAAAAAAABbY/pxwjFolQR_sh9kvZi56wGfYmq6W9RImZQCLcB/s320/HDD-02%2BBagby.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
All in all we enjoyed each one we tried. It would have been nice to try the Grapico ice cream, but we were just too full.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
We spoke with
chef Tom Bagby who is the general manager and came up with the creative menu.
There is a nice interview with him from <a href="http://weldbham.com/blog/2016/08/10/hot-diggity-dogs-puts-a-twist-on-a-birmingham-tradition/" target="_blank">Weld for Birmingham at this link.</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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There is also a nice article about Hot Diggity Dogs on AL.com<a href="http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/08/hot_diggity_dogs_opens_in_avon.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. </div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Hot Diggity Dogs seems to fit right into the eclectic
style of repurposed buildings in Avondale. The creative menu will probably draw
some customers who wouldn’t usually eat at a hot dog joint. They just need to
spread the word. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-20167912190152553092016-08-10T20:14:00.000-05:002016-08-10T20:28:50.656-05:00Eight Going to the TOP<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">A few days ago we were keeping three grandchildren for a few
days. I had planned on taking them out for hot dogs one day for lunch and one
thing started leading to another. Before long my wife, a daughter, and I were
taking those three along with two more from another family to have lunch at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tip-Top-Grill-121084071281071/" target="_blank">TipTop Grill</a>. So here we went, three adults and five kids aged from one to
fourteen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have always liked going to Tip Top Grill. They are located
on the bluff in <a href="http://www.bluffparkal.org/" target="_blank">Bluff Park</a> in a recycled gas station. Whenever I eat here, the
view and breeze give me a sense of going on a vacation. I think it’s an unusual
environment that makes it a fun place to eat. Tip Top has lots of seating
outside along the bluff, on the deck, or under the canopy in front. This day
was a little overcast and we actually saw a little rain so we opted to eat in
the dining room which I had never done before. The dining room is small but it
can seat more people than I first thought when I saw it. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OxjrEq6OeI0/V6vRymYLWmI/AAAAAAAABaQ/K-vNzSrxfy4VuV8Pp_brLCCPQLStbROPgCLcB/s1600/TipTop-1607.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OxjrEq6OeI0/V6vRymYLWmI/AAAAAAAABaQ/K-vNzSrxfy4VuV8Pp_brLCCPQLStbROPgCLcB/s320/TipTop-1607.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">With kids almost every order is special due to their likes,
dislikes, and lack of a fully developed appreciation for good food. So
everybody got their order as correctly as we could communicate it. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNnw213I3FM/V6vRxzFU_6I/AAAAAAAABaI/n6z4zcLHdkcrHwulhw6Gywjni8ArMfZzACLcB/s1600/TipTop-1605.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HyTMOFpNHFo/V6vRttcVwqI/AAAAAAAABZ8/ocvdhZC8-mocfFXeDv9oRdNut2Z7tVXNgCLcB/s1600/TipTop-1601.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HyTMOFpNHFo/V6vRttcVwqI/AAAAAAAABZ8/ocvdhZC8-mocfFXeDv9oRdNut2Z7tVXNgCLcB/s320/TipTop-1601.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">First thing
I heard as we were sitting down was the six year old redheaded granddaughter
announce that there is a fantastic view. I agreed. So we distributed the food
and had a good time eating together and socializing with other customers. No
bashful kids here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then as we were close to finishing up, in walked a long-time
friend who was just stopping in for lunch. In my last post I talked about Jack
joining me for lunch and now another friend named Jack walked in.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>This Jack and I have joked about what we might be able to
pull off together. I agree with the comments Jack has heard for years, that he
looks like Robin Williams; and I have been told how I look like Steven
Spielberg, even by some who have met him. But we didn’t attempt any
role-playing, we just ate and had a good time together.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">How was the food? I heard no complaints and I think if
anything it is better than on previous visits. I liked it so much that I bought
the tee-shirt. To eat we had hot dogs with a variety of toppings, chili dogs,
chili cheese dogs, and slaw dogs. We even had one cheeseburger which was
pronounced as great. A good time was had by all.</span><br />
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BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-79877004290825555862016-07-30T23:28:00.003-05:002016-07-30T23:31:26.181-05:00Back to a favorite<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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It’s been a long time since I posted on this blog but here I
am.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sye1dMRZe_M/V514KRCpN1I/AAAAAAAABZY/WDsXgxKFgy0iYNRWJDjrHTTVTNVGqI-qgCLcB/s1600/Scotts-01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sye1dMRZe_M/V514KRCpN1I/AAAAAAAABZY/WDsXgxKFgy0iYNRWJDjrHTTVTNVGqI-qgCLcB/s320/Scotts-01.JPG" width="320" /></a>Yesterday I was having lunch with a close friend, Jack, who
works in the heart of the <a href="https://www.uabmedicine.org/" target="_blank">UAB medical center</a>. He doesn’t have long for lunch so
I picked him up as he walked out of the hospital and went directly to one of my
favorite hot dog places, <a href="http://www.scottskoneys.com/Scotts_Koneys/Home.html" target="_blank">Scott’s Koneys</a>. When we arrived I was pleased to find
this establishment flourishing. Scott’s has the biggest dining area of ANY hot
dog stand in Birmingham. Since he is the sole survivor in what was once a food
court attached to the old Liberty National Building he now has the entire seating
area for his customers. Since he is in a parking deck he also will validate a parking ticket for free parking, what a deal.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIp4gSOdOdA/V514TJPO66I/AAAAAAAABZc/F-cwykc7f9wQ2kccqHex96Z6vlRF-_PQwCLcB/s1600/Scotts1602.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jIp4gSOdOdA/V514TJPO66I/AAAAAAAABZc/F-cwykc7f9wQ2kccqHex96Z6vlRF-_PQwCLcB/s200/Scotts1602.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
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We walked in to find a crowd dining in the large dining area
as well as more people working to serve customers than I had ever seen here. Scott was back in the cooking area but spotted us through the open windows and came out to talk as soon as our order was under way. He apparently has a good memory for faces and remembered talking with
Robert and I on previous visits <a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2010/08/scotts-koneys.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2012/02/scotts-koneys-is-alive-and-well.html" target="_blank">here</a>. He was in good spirits due to the good
business he is doing and the growing prospects for more.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6liCMaOjBg/V514Uh5dIZI/AAAAAAAABZk/pffVH4V2R8UiF81DupUEox3MddkgCmkegCLcB/s1600/Scotts1603.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6liCMaOjBg/V514Uh5dIZI/AAAAAAAABZk/pffVH4V2R8UiF81DupUEox3MddkgCmkegCLcB/s320/Scotts1603.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Now to the important part, the food: On my recommendation
Jack and I each ordered a “smoked sausage dog” all the way. I must confess I
also ordered a chili dog, one of my favorites. I watched Jack take his
first bite and heard him say; “This is good!” I agree, the smoked sausage dog
is a great hot dog. With hot dogs I usually eat two, but this dog with some
chips and a drink makes a pretty good lunch for anybody, especially ageing men
who can easily eat more than they should. Both Jack and his sweet wife Jan are
health professionals and know how to eat right so he restrained himself. But I ate more than him, we had a good and memorable lunch as well as some
really good conversation.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RDc7txZI8U/V514UD9_2XI/AAAAAAAABZg/PBgaz79uN0QhrJyliyoTah9k_TJy7LNPACLcB/s1600/Scotts1601.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RDc7txZI8U/V514UD9_2XI/AAAAAAAABZg/PBgaz79uN0QhrJyliyoTah9k_TJy7LNPACLcB/s320/Scotts1601.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I must add that I was amazed to see how the Southside area
is flourishing way beyond what we think of as the “medical center”. The
development of UAB and its surroundings is spreading rapidly toward downtown as
well as to the east and west. The opening of <a href="http://www.railroadpark.org/index.php" target="_blank">Railroad park</a> and <a href="http://www.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t247" target="_blank">Regions Field</a> have obviously helped revitalize this area. Five Points has been an active area in recent
years, but there is much more going on than just Five Points.</div>
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By the way, on the left is Jack who even bought my lunch! </div>
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After getting him back to work I drove around a little to
check out some of the downtown hot dog places. I’ll report on that soon and give a good
list of current downtown servers.</div>
BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-3511577022642789232013-11-09T17:39:00.000-06:002013-11-09T17:50:24.874-06:00What's Happening to Lyric Hot Dogs?After many months of not posting on this blog I have suddenly been motivated to write again. Before I start I will confess that after doing a hot dog blog for three years I grew kind of tired of it. It didn't help that the last couple of places we visited back in the Spring were a little disappointing. (No I never wrote about them!)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RErOLeyusxM/Un69ZQlTF7I/AAAAAAAABT8/ICa7AjqFtxc/s1600/Lyric400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RErOLeyusxM/Un69ZQlTF7I/AAAAAAAABT8/ICa7AjqFtxc/s640/Lyric400.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So today I am writing about <a href="http://www.lyrichotdogs.com/" target="_blank">Lyric Hot Dogs</a>. On Friday Robert and I visited Lyric Hot Dogs again. More
about that later, but first I want to address the great tragedy happening in our city right now and how
it involves Lyric Hot Dogs. The outfit that restored the Alabama Theatre and
now owns the Lyric Theatre is in the process of destroying a piece of
Birmingham history so they can add a much larger lobby to the “restored???” Lyric
theatre. All of this is being done in the name of “restoration"; but they are moving way beyond restoration.</div>
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Regarding <a href="http://www.lyrichotdogs.com/" target="_blank">Lyric Hot Dogs</a>, I was startled to read a story on the al.com web site early this week. You can see that article by clicking the link <a href="http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2013/11/lyric_hot_dogs_will_not_have_p.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The story is that apparently the social elite at the helm of Birmingham
Landmarks, Inc. have decided that one Birmingham Landmark must be destroyed in
order to make a more spacious lobby to the side of the original lobby of the “restored” Lyric
theatre. Lyric Hot Dogs is one of Birmingham’s oldest hot dog stands doing
business in a particular location. We have seen many others close for good
through the years; but this time the owner isn’t choosing to close up shop.
Andrew Collins, the owner of Lyric Hot Dogs, is being forced to shut his doors
as he has been given until January 31, 2014 to vacate his space so that the
“restoration” of the Lyric Theatre can include moving the original entrance and elevator for the office space in the Lyric Building. It
doesn’t seem to bother the Birmingham Landmarks bunch that they are closing a
long time Birmingham business, a landmark. It seems they really are not committed to historic continuity or the preservation of successful businesses in downtown Birmingham. The expansion of their lobby way beyond the original lobby is very
important to them despite the historic nature of those being forced out. Their
agenda seems to be set even though they could have easily drawn their plans to keep Lyric Hot Dogs open.</div>
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I have gone to the Birmingham Landmarks web site and found the floor-plan for the new bigger and improved Lyric Theater. I am sure it will be beautiful when they are finished, but at the cost of a Birmingham icon. Maybe they think that hot dogs are just a little beneath them and would rather not have them around.</div>
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Now regarding hot dogs… During the time I have been
writing this blog I have been asked many times where to get the best hot
dog in Birmingham. I have always given an answer that included my top five
favorites at the time. I have enjoyed visiting almost every place we have visited and
haven’t wanted to steer people away from most of them. I encourage people to try them all. But I must now admit that
Lyric Hot Dogs has been on my list of the top five every since I first went there. This is the place to
which I have taken family and friends for a visit to an authentic downtown Birmingham hot dog stand. It is a consistently good server of hot
dogs as well as being one of the two remaining long time locations for hot dogs in
downtown Birmingham. Lyric is on 3rd Avenue North between 18th and 19th Streets, right across the street from the Alabama Theater. </div>
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Please look back at my previous posts about Lyric:</div>
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<a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2010/06/lyric-hot-dogs.html" target="_blank">First visit June 2010</a></div>
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<a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2010/08/returning-to-lyric.html" target="_blank">Second visit August 2010</a></div>
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<a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2011/09/bama-fans-and-lyric-again.html" target="_blank">Third visit September 2011</a></div>
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This is the same hot dog stand where Pete, Sam and Jimmy
Graphos grew up helping their father with his hot dog business. These guys went
on to start their own restaurants (<a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2010/09/samwichs.html" target="_blank">Sam's Super Samwichs</a> in Homewood, <a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2010/05/jimmys-hot-dogs.html" target="_blank">Jimmy's</a> on Southside and the <a href="http://www.sneakypeteshotdogs.com/" target="_blank">Sneaky Pete’s</a> chain). The current
proprietor, Andrew Collins, is a member of their family who bought the restaurant from their father. Birmingham Landmarks
sees no history here; they want a big lobby at their “restored” Lyric Theater.
It doesn’t matter that in the theater’s entire history the lobby has never included this space. It’s even more tragic when one looks at the seemingly empty storefronts they own next to the Alabama theater.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GuSo8DBvm8/Un6-YvrwLYI/AAAAAAAABUE/pv8lvTsVJdM/s1600/Andrew+Collins-al.com-adjusted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9GuSo8DBvm8/Un6-YvrwLYI/AAAAAAAABUE/pv8lvTsVJdM/s400/Andrew+Collins-al.com-adjusted.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On this visit I was very happy to see that the place was
swamped with people. Compare the two pictures below. On an earlier visit we had a wide choices of seating options, but not this time. The word has gotten out that this place is closing soon so on this trip the place was almost full of people, like us, wanting to reinforce their memories while they can. I
will encourage the reader to visit the Lyric while you still can.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pgSPks0vX2Q/Un7Aaqva_BI/AAAAAAAABUg/IQBYp6uJWvo/s1600/Lyric403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pgSPks0vX2Q/Un7Aaqva_BI/AAAAAAAABUg/IQBYp6uJWvo/s640/Lyric403.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Andrew is
planning on closing well before his drop-dead date of January 31<sup>st</sup>.
He says his daughter might recycle the equipment to open a place in “the
suburbs”. This will be a loss to Birmingham; but I guess we are all too accustomed to
losses in Birmingham.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_sbX-dH2UkE/Un7AzUBOSiI/AAAAAAAABUo/E4I5E7kATAQ/s1600/Lyric+2+dogs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_sbX-dH2UkE/Un7AzUBOSiI/AAAAAAAABUo/E4I5E7kATAQ/s640/Lyric+2+dogs.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So here we were at Lyric again. We both opted for our usual order of a hot dog and a chili dog, both all the way. We sat on stools at the little counter facing the plate glass window looking out on 3rd Avenue and ate delicious hot dogs. In fact they were so good we went back for more. No weight watching that day. </div>
<br />
I think we are going to be tracking down hot dogs again. Changes in the hot dog landscape continue. Places come and go, and some move. So we will be addressing some of this.<br />
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BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-30877561199527293812013-02-06T00:13:00.000-06:002013-02-06T00:13:42.667-06:00JoJo's Diner AgainYou may remember our <a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2013/01/jojos-diner_22.html" target="_blank">recent visit</a> to <a href="http://jojosonbroadway.com/" target="_blank">JoJo's Diner</a> in Homewood. The day we made that first visit Zelda was telling us about the slaw dog and explaining why they couldn't serve it that day. As she described their Lebanese slaw as vinegary, kind of sour with spices. We kept thinking about those slaw dogs and decided to go back in hopes of getting to try one.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8L0TosfpeY/URHwXuOuvVI/AAAAAAAABSI/y7NxEAfbexc/s1600/JoJo-201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8L0TosfpeY/URHwXuOuvVI/AAAAAAAABSI/y7NxEAfbexc/s640/JoJo-201.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
On that second visit Robert and I were greeted with the news that not only could we get slaw dogs but we could also try a new dog recently added to the menu, a Reuben dog. Kind of makes you pause and think a little doesn't it? The Reuben dog is a hot dog topped with Swiss cheese, corned beef and
kraut. On our previous visit Joe and Zelda had told us about how they
were working on a recipe for this unique dog. So we were faced with wanting to try several different dogs. We both hoped to try a slaw dog and the previously untried by us chili dog. Then we also wanted to try the new Reuben dog. <br />
<br />
So faced with a choice, we finally each ordered a Reuben
dog and ordered a chili dog and slaw dog to split between us and an order of the seasoned fries. That way
we each got to have two full dogs but try three different ones. These
are all memorable hot dogs. The slaw dog is the first slaw dog that I
have ever really liked. The sour slaw is a much better topping than
sweetened slaw. In fact I liked it so much that a few days later I was
in the area and stopped for another. On that third visit Zelda told me
how several customers had come in after reading about JoJo's on this
blog. It's nice to know that it is read on occasion.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pictured below are a Broadway dog and a slaw dog from my third visit. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G8L0TosfpeY/URHwXuOuvVI/AAAAAAAABSI/y7NxEAfbexc/s1600/JoJo-201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5R9qhW3pUz4/URHwcm2INwI/AAAAAAAABSQ/yPmBSSiNcQc/s1600/JoJo-202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5R9qhW3pUz4/URHwcm2INwI/AAAAAAAABSQ/yPmBSSiNcQc/s640/JoJo-202.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The chili dog at JoJo's is topped with their own unique chili. Joe
told us how he starts with bacon, then adds his own sausage and chunks
of beef brisket. This ends up being the chunkiest, beefiest, meatiest
chili you will find in a perfectly seasoned base. It's a chili dog
unlike any that I have previously encountered.<br />
<br />
Then
almost lost between these was the Reuben dog. It has all the flavors of a
Reuben sandwich on a hot dog. I thought it was better with the addition
of some mustard; but I usually add mustard to a Reuben when I have one.
I think Joe is on to something here. I wouldn't be surprised to find
some other places trying to do this.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pictured below are a chili dog and Reuben dog from my second visit. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxn0haZD-ek/URHwhaTJQwI/AAAAAAAABSc/kHibU_D3vts/s1600/JoJo-203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QoGfDzIieOw/URHwmpSaVsI/AAAAAAAABSk/KnjGZwXCfCw/s1600/JoJo-204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="552" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QoGfDzIieOw/URHwmpSaVsI/AAAAAAAABSk/KnjGZwXCfCw/s640/JoJo-204.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, below is a poor picture of some of Zelda's "cake pops" proudly displayed up front. So far I haven't tried one of these, but the sure look sweet, tasty and not too big. Probably a perfect desert after eating a more restrained order than I tend to have.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxn0haZD-ek/URHwhaTJQwI/AAAAAAAABSc/kHibU_D3vts/s1600/JoJo-203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxn0haZD-ek/URHwhaTJQwI/AAAAAAAABSc/kHibU_D3vts/s640/JoJo-203.JPG" width="600" /></a><br />
I'll give two warnings. First, the place is small. There are 4
stools at the counter and four tables. Two of those tables only seat 2
people. So there is a grand total of indoor seating capacity of 16
people and out front an old church pew and couple of small tables. That looks like a nice place to eat on the right day. The other warning, if you
get a dog be prepared for a little mess as you eat. These dogs are topped with juicy sauces and can get a little messy; but it's worth the mess.
All in all I find that JoJo's will be highly recommended by me. I
notice a word that keeps coming to me as I talk and write about JoJo's.
That word is "unique". This place is unique and has some unique dogs and
remains worth a trip.<br />
<br />
There is also a nice story about JoJo's in the February 2013 issue of the Homewood Star. This seems to be a monthly local newspaper focused on Homewood. It's a good article, take a <a href="http://thehomewoodstar.com/reviews/jojo%27s-diner-on-broadway/" target="_blank">look</a>. The whole February issue is <a href="http://issuu.com/280living/docs/hstar_vol_2_iss_11__feb_2013_pg_all?mode=window" target="_blank">Here</a>.BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-39801952005597822632013-01-29T23:02:00.000-06:002013-01-30T11:27:40.608-06:00Lets go to Alex City!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZsZkhhibPs/UQil4QQGA0I/AAAAAAAABPg/ywQHqRCdCVg/s1600/neon2.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ZsZkhhibPs/UQil4QQGA0I/AAAAAAAABPg/ywQHqRCdCVg/s1600/neon2.png" /></a>A few days ago we were celebrating the 7<sup>th</sup>
birthday of one of our grandsons. He and his brother have always had a
fascination for anything with wheels. They live in Auburn where their father is
a professor; and we live in Birmingham. So what better place to meet on a Saturday than
the <a href="http://www.wellbornmusclecarmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Wellborn Muscle Car Museum</a> in Alexander City. </div>
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For those who are unacquainted with this museum, it is
interesting to visit. Tim Wellborn has quite a collection of rare muscle cars.
He owns so many that he must rotate the collection through this large museum. The museum is located in the heart of Alexander City in a
building that once housed a Chevrolet dealership at 124 Broad Street, Alexander
City, Alabama.</div>
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I am including a few pictures from the museum. We all had
a good time playing “what if”, as in; “If you could have any one of these cars,
which one would you want?’. This is a good place to go and dream For thoise of us who remember these cars on the street it is a trip down memory lane. It's also an opportunity to kick yourself for not having the insight to buy one of these cars back in the day. I must confess that as we palyed "what if" I would have a hard time
choosing between the Pontiac GTO convertible and the former Alabama State
Trooper AMC Javelin. I will assure you that a good time was had by all. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n0Hcwk8B-1Q/UQiqA5HbVBI/AAAAAAAABRE/snoB4LOyaUM/s1600/AST+Javelin_05_resized.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n0Hcwk8B-1Q/UQiqA5HbVBI/AAAAAAAABRE/snoB4LOyaUM/s640/AST+Javelin_05_resized.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n0Hcwk8B-1Q/UQiqA5HbVBI/AAAAAAAABRE/snoB4LOyaUM/s1600/AST+Javelin_05_resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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What does this have to do with hot dogs? Well, here we
have it. Just up the street from the museum is the 99 year old <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carlisle-Drug/123609707717508" target="_blank">Carlisle Drug Store</a> complete with a full service old fashioned soda fountain complete with
sandwiches, burgers and of course hot dogs. That was our choice of where to
have lunch. </div>
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We arrived at Carlisle to find a choice of tables. Since
we had a large group (7 of us) we selected one of the large tables and proceeded to look
at the menu. The birthday boy quickly announced he wanted a cheeseburger. That
was the choice for most of the table except for little sister and myself. We had
hot dogs. I also ordered a burger but felt that due to my interest in dogs I had to try one. I’m glad
I did. The little girl ordered what I call a “kids dog”, a plain hot dog with
just ketchup (cheebot for some). Mine was a chili dog all the way.</div>
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If you look close you will see the corn curl she had dropped behind the </div>
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hot dog and was hoping to find. Also notice the RED dog!</div>
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I had no idea what to expect, but was pleasantly
surprised. The dogs were the ones loaded with red dye, maybe “red food dye
666”. I jest. But they were RED (look at the picture). Even so I really liked it. The chili was
definitely mild, kind of like Wendy’s chili. But the overall effect of the
toppings was to combine a sweet taste and a sour taste. I really enjoyed this
dog. What more can I say. It really wasn’t anything outstanding or different,
but it was good.I will order it again when I'm there.</div>
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I ate all of mine, but baby sister had only eaten half
when she was distracted by the appearance of cupcakes for the birthday
celebration. I was tempted to finish off her “kids dog”; but I restrained
myself. </div>
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What about the burgers? They were also very good. They
were surprisingly NOT greasy, with a good flavor. They were obviously freshly
made patties rather than the thin frozen ones. The buns were steamed and not
warmed on the grill in the hamburger grease. Hey, I know that can be good, but
a more healthy burger can also be good. It leaves room for a chili dog, cup
cake and who knows what else. </div>
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At Carlisle there are no fries. I guess that is
consistent with the more healthy burgers. It also keeps from smelling up the 99
year old store with deep fat frying odors. They do have a large selection of
chips. I would rather see my local favorite, Golden Flake, than the
Lays; but they were well stocked.</div>
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Let me encourage the reader: If you are in the area, no…
just plan a trip! Go to Alexander City and visit both of these treasures. It is
also a great place to stop mid way between Auburn and Birmingham. I plan to make this stop on many more trips between Birmingham and the Educational center of the universe.</div>
BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-35120778806870247152013-01-22T00:04:00.003-06:002013-01-28T16:11:53.801-06:00JoJo's DinerI knew it would take a few days to make this post so I put a teaser
post a few days ago. But now here's the full report.Last week Birmingham
had a minor snowfall on Thursday. The TV weather men kept down playing
it but hedged their bets by saying it was really hard to predict. When
it came it was one of those soon forgotten events for most people.<br />
<br />
Robert
and I along with a friend, Fred, risked our lives in the "blizzard" to
venture to a new place in Homewood. Susie had passed on a coupon for hot
dogs at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JoJosDinerOnBroadeay" target="_blank">JoJo's Diner</a>
in Homewood. That was all it took to raise my interest. Then we chose
snow day for our visit. I must admit that we really enjoyed being out in
the snowfall. It was pretty and invigorating.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ55fowyECs/UPl8JfF13KI/AAAAAAAABMo/qYI-P8wA_Ng/s1600/JoJo-snow01.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pZ55fowyECs/UPl8JfF13KI/AAAAAAAABMo/qYI-P8wA_Ng/s640/JoJo-snow01.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
We
made our way to 903 Broadway looking for JoJo's. JoJo's is located in
one of the small comercial buildings toward the southern end of Broadway
in Homewood. For many years there was a little sandwich place called
"Lag's Eatery" located either in this spot or nearby. I never tried
their offerings before they retired and closed. Nevertheless, we now
have JoJo's Diner.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MY75D0LE8Us/UP4n8NCLhZI/AAAAAAAABNs/Y8m81RmzOSo/s1600/Jojo-106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MY75D0LE8Us/UP4n8NCLhZI/AAAAAAAABNs/Y8m81RmzOSo/s640/Jojo-106.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I
have said before that I tend to enjoy "the unexpected" on our hot dog
excursions; and that's just what we found at JoJo's. This is a tiny
little place with just a hand full of tables; but the taste is BIG. It
didn't take long to encounter Joe (Jo Jo) Resha and his sister Zelda.
Zelda waited on us and told about their unique dogs. The menu offered
two basic dogs: a "Broadway Dog" and a "Slaw Dog". The Broadway dog is
listed as an all beef dog with mustard, red onion, fresh Kraut, and
downtown sauce, all for $1.99. The slaw dog is listed as an all beef dog
with mustard, red onion, Lebanese slaw, and downtown sauce for $2.49.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfmXRatyXpU/UP4oPe6ht4I/AAAAAAAABN0/g9r7QDHdCWE/s1600/Jojo-104.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="411" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KfmXRatyXpU/UP4oPe6ht4I/AAAAAAAABN0/g9r7QDHdCWE/s640/Jojo-104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
We
were trying to decide just what to order when Zelda informed us that
our options were limited. That day there was no Lebanese slaw; so the
slaw dog wasn't an option. So, Robert and I opted to have two Broadway
Dogs and split a JoJo Burger and some fries between us. It was a good
choice! Both items were outstanding.<br />
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<br />
The
Broadway dog with the "downtown sauce" was familiar yet unique. The
sauce starts with what I call "Birmingham hot dog sauce" that has been
modified to make it thicker and spicier. It is different enough for me to consider it a unique hot dog. For those who havent kept up,
"Birmingham sauce" is the hot dog sauce that seems to be served at all
of the Birmingham hot dog stands. Every vendor has a similar yet
slightly different recipe. JoJo's also has their own unique recipe. It
is thicker than most and has a nice spicy flavor. It is worth a special
trip to sample.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6yOXMH1kw4/UP4pLvnVSzI/AAAAAAAABOM/zDHzaKcbQOc/s1600/Jojo-107.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B6yOXMH1kw4/UP4pLvnVSzI/AAAAAAAABOM/zDHzaKcbQOc/s400/Jojo-107.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
JoJo and Zelda</div>
<br />
We
talked with Zelda about the Lebanese slaw. It is a sour vinegary slaw
that sounds good. Any regular reader will know that I am not a fan of
slaw dogs, but this one actually sounds pretty good to me. I must return
and try it. Maybe I'll finally find a slaw dog that I like. Regardless,
even if I don't care for the slaw dog, as long as I have a Broadway dog
I'll be very happy.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5KKZtVJrvs/UP4oimeId3I/AAAAAAAABOE/d0d3t_-pzWc/s1600/Jojo-103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_5KKZtVJrvs/UP4oimeId3I/AAAAAAAABOE/d0d3t_-pzWc/s640/Jojo-103.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I
must mention the hamburger. It was also very good and also worth a
trip. The fries also are different. It's subtle, but the spices added to
the fries give them a special flavor. Zelda told us how JoJo makes his
own corned beef which is the basis of a couple of their deli sandwiches.
There's no grocery store or factory made corned beef at JoJo's. It's
all made right there. It makes me think of one of my favorite TV shows, <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/index.html" target="_blank">Diners, Drive Inns and Dives</a> (AKA: Triple D). They are also trying to develop a "Reuben Dog" made from a dog topped
with the ingredients of a Reuben. It's not ready yet; but I look
forward to trying one once JoJo thinks he has it right.<br />
<br />
What can I say except; you need to try this place, even if it's not snowing. <br />
<br />
.BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-46208317368481853962012-12-20T00:34:00.000-06:002012-12-20T00:48:40.230-06:00It's Ho Down!This past Saturday I went to a client's establishment for a rare Saturday appearance. On the way there I noticed a Bar-BQ truck/trailer/vendor in a bright red truck and trailer on a vacant lot along Highway 11 just west of Dearfoot Parkway. I asked my clients who have a fixed base operation less than a mile away if they had ever tried it. They had not. Even so, I was hungry and thought I would stop and get some Bar-BQ. So I stopped at the red truck and trailer with a couple of guys sitting next to it in lawn chairs.<br />
<br />
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My experience is that these side of the road guys often have some really good offerings, which was the case here. Although I wasn't looking for dogs, I immediately noticed them on the menu. I was in the mood for Bar B Q so that had to be part of my order; but I also asked about the dogs.<br />
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I was told that their hot dogs have a special seasoning that brings people back asking for more. That was enough to get me to order one. I asked the guy at the window how he liked his dogs. The answer I got was far from creative; he likes catchup and mustard... that's it. I must say it kind of dampened my enthusiasm a little. I did finally order a dog with kraut, catchup and mustard. I tend to default to what the "house" thinks is good. Somehow I missed the optimal hot dog experience at Ho Down as mine was lukewarm and seemed to have no special seasoning. It was OK but nothing special as far as I was concerned. The menu offered dogs with chow chow or with slaw but there was no "signature dog" that they had decided was the way to serve a hot dog. Perhaps they should give this a little attention.<br />
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As I talked with these guys I learned that some customers have requested a hot dog topped with Bar-BQ <a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2010/09/lets-have-q-dawg.html" target="_blank">(think Q-dog)</a> or <a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2010/06/whats-moon-dog.html" target="_blank">moon dog</a>. It seems a shame that they haven't put enough creativity into their menu to push their own unique hot dog.<br />
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Now on the other side, the Bar-BQ is wonderful. You will not find better Bar-BQ anywhere. I like lots of different kinds of sauces, but when I find a bar BQ that tastes this good in a mild sauce like theirs, I know I have found the real thing. Even if they don't know how to market a hot dog, their Bar-BQ is good.<br />
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Now a little more about Ho Down: This trailer is an engineering marvel. If you are there ask about the trailer. The roof is covered with solar panels so that they have no need to connect to Alabama Power and pay no power bill. They cook meat 24/7 with the use of gas to heat the cooker supplemented by a wood chamber that provides smoke.I would like to see them figure out how to smoke the dogs before they serve 'em. And maybe serve them a little warmer. Regardless of the dogs, this rig is a real marvel.<br />
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So if stop at Ho Down (the red truck and trailer) try some Bar-BQ and tell them to warm you up a hot dog and pile on some Bar-BQ. I bet you will not be disappointed especially if they have started smoking the dogs.<br />
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I had a recent comment about Lulu's in Trussville. This a long trip for at lunch time; but we plan to visit Lulu's soon.<br />
<br />BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-26061884951031342862012-12-02T22:36:00.000-06:002012-12-02T22:36:36.128-06:00Mooyah!!!There is a new burger joint at The Colonnade. Just down from Taziki's and Pablo's on the corner you will find <a href="http://mooyah.com/" target="_blank">Mooyah Burgers</a>. I had spotted this place a few weeks ago and took the lovely Caroline there for a burger last week. While there I noticed the hot dogs on the menu and quickly realized I would be returning soon to try the dogs. It didn't take long to get back since I found myself in the area at lunchtime a few days later.<br />
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My first impression was; this place is kinda like Five Guys. Kinda like but not a clone. Mooyah is more polished and concentrates on service. They don't have the peanuts that Five Guys has, but I didn't miss 'em once I got my order. Who needs peanuts when you get servings like this?<br />
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On my first visit, Caroline and I had burgers and fries. The burgers were big, tasted great and the fries were served in massive quantities. On my second visit I was aiming for a dog or two. I started with one dog, a small order of fries, and a drink. I figured I could always order a second if I wanted one. When you order at Mooyah you check the boxes on a <a href="http://mooyah.com/menu_nutrition/" target="_blank">menu/order</a> sheet to select your sandwich and it's components. I selected a fresh baked white bun and a hot dog topped with mustard, grilled onions and relish. The one topping I would have ordered if they had was kraut. I guess a restaurant that specializes in burgers doesn't have many calls for kraut. Once I started eating I didn't miss it. The toppings available include all of their various burger topping which make for some interesting options.<br />
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When my dog came I first had to find it in the bag. I had ordered a small order of fries which looked more like a jumbo order when it came. The fries had filled the fries container easily, then more had been dumped into my bag burying my hot dog under a heavy layer of fries. When I finally opened my dog it had been split down it's length and grilled.I was impressed that the fresh baked bun did not break open on the bottom like I have seen similar hot dogs do. I was really impressed with the flavor! I found out that they use an all beef, Hebrew National dog. when they split and grill it there is a wonderful flavor. I have said many times that as I try hot dogs I really appreciate the unusual. Mooyah has succeeded in blending the expected with the unexpected to make a unique hot dog.<br />
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I was alone on this visit since Robert is in Oregon for a couple of weeks for family visits and a wedding. I look forward to his return so I can take him to Mooyah for a dog. Next time I think we should split one small order of fries so we can get two dogs.<br />
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I can eat out of a bag and a wrapper with the best of ''em, but a paper plate would have been nice to have. Maybe they should make these available over by the drinks or somewhere. It would have made this old timer feel just a little more comfortable. Even so, I will return.<br />
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Before I left I was taking a few pictures and apparently attracted the attention of Josh Barrow one of the owners. I had a nice talk with him and heard of their plans to open several more of these places in the Birmingham area. His three man group has purchased the Alabama rights to open more of these restaurants. They want to have a high standard for service to the customer and they are off to a good start. Mooyah's opened first in Dallas and has their largest concentration of locations in Texas but is spreading across the country. We will probably be seeing more of Mooyah in the future.<br />
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Another Visit:</h2>
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Here we are a couple of days after I posted the entry above. Today, Sunday, Caroline wanted to meet Susie and Aaron at Mooyah for lunch after church. So, there we were. I had raved about the hot dogs so she wanted to try one. (Listen folks, this is rare, that she is asking to try a hot dog). This was an unusually warm December day; so we ate outside.<br />
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We did have hot dogs, burgers and fries. Caroline and I each had our own dog and then split a "Mooyah Little Burger" and a small order of fries. This was enough to more than fill us. This time we had our dogs in fresh baked whole wheat buns which fit the split and grilled dog real well. We had different toppings than I had ordered the first time; and we both loved our hot dogs. The service continues to be good; and they still don't have plates (boo) but the food is good.<br />
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They were doing a brisk business and they still don't have platres, but the food is still good! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-LUjEHBRDM/ULwrdQ3fM9I/AAAAAAAABJw/_AFTJMYvOWc/s1600/Moo202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E-LUjEHBRDM/ULwrdQ3fM9I/AAAAAAAABJw/_AFTJMYvOWc/s640/Moo202.JPG" width="640" /></a>BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-55725214708394237712012-11-29T22:46:00.000-06:002012-11-29T22:46:15.063-06:00Takeout from Max'sI have been away from this blog too long. When I was making the post about the barkers at Riff Burgers recently I discovered the following entry I had written but never posted three months ago. So here it is with a new ending added. <br />
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<a href="http://www.maxsdelionline.com/">Max's Deli</a> at the Colonnade continues to be a high end deli. I recently picked up takeout for some family members, one of whom wanted the "1962 Dog".<br />
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The "1962 Dog" is a quarter pound kosher Dog with slaw, onions & BBQ sauce, served with a side of steak fries. This is a meal in itself.<br />
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I opted for the "Russian Reuben" which is: Pastrami on grilled rye with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing. This has come to be a favorite sandwich of mine. As I write this I consulted the online menu to verify the ingredients of this sandwich and find that the description on the menu lists slaw instead of kraut. Whenever I've had this sandwich it has come with kraut, as it did this time. I believe the menu used to list kraut rather than slaw as an ingredient. I'm going to have to ask about this. If it is slaw it must be a sour rather than sweet slaw.<br />
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You might remember that when we discussed<a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2011/01/where-can-you-get-chicago-style-hot-dog.html"> Chicago style hot dogs</a> a while back I concluded that Max's Chicago is the nearest thing to authentic that you will find in Birmingham. They clearly take pride in their hot dogs at Max's. My focus at Max's has been on the Chicago style dogs and I've never tried the "1962 Dog".<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOx9S8Fvy6M/UB9c5_9rALI/AAAAAAAABFw/ehQnvOYK8TY/s1600/1962-01.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773435398804668594" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kOx9S8Fvy6M/UB9c5_9rALI/AAAAAAAABFw/ehQnvOYK8TY/s400/1962-01.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 491px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 681px;" /></a>This is a BIG hot dog that to some degree dwarfs the fries served with it. The report I got from Aaron who ordered the "1962 Dog" was that it was outstanding. The red sauce on top is a sweet bar-b q sauce that perfectly compliments the sour slaw. I guess I need to try one myself. As I write this I have decided to get one this week; so I might add to this entry before I post it.<br />
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I must stop and speak up for Steve Dubrinsky, the owner operator of Max's. A while back he was quoted in the Birmingham News as commenting on how Alabama's new immigration law has made even legal workers uncomfortable. After that many people who are passionate supporters of the law decided to twist his statement and accuse him of either hiring illegal aliens and much worse. All of these comments have been far from the truth. At the time of the article he had 9 LEGAL latinos working in his restaurant. If you click on the link above to Max's website the first thing you will see is a message from Steve in response.<br />
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Here's the afterthought added much later. I did try the 1962 dog at Max's just a couple of weeks after I saw Aaron eat his. My reaction was much like my reaction to the "Beale St. dog" at Riff Burger. I don't care for slaw on hot dogs, and don't want a sweet sauce on my hot dogs. That made two strikes for me on this dog. I like a little sweet relish if it is balanced with some good sour toppings like mustard and kraut. This was just too sweet for my taste. If you like this kind of thing like Aaron does, I say; "Help yourself". Just let me get one of their other dogs and I'll be very happy. Max's remains a favorite of mine. <br />
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As I look back over this I see I mentioned the Birmingham News when I wrote this back in the days when it was a local paper published daily. I still miss what was a pretty good paper for a city our size. Since it is now the print version of a news website for Alabama's four largest cities it seems to be quickly becoming irrelevant and uninteresting to me. <br />
<br />BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-34684040549068174922012-11-14T23:39:00.002-06:002012-11-14T23:39:56.447-06:00"Barkers" at Riff BurgersThis week we cranked up the the hot dog tour again. I really appreciate my friends who tell me about the new dogs in town. In this case, Beverly told me about a recent trip to <a href="http://www.riffburgers.com/" target="_blank">Riff Burgers</a> the "new" burger seller in Hoover. Take a look at their web site and their link to a map. It will show you right where they are, near Taziki's, across Hwy. 31 from Hobby Lobby.<br />
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Riff Burgers is a burger place that seems to take great pride in their food. There are many choices for toppings along with an interesting variety of sides that are offered along with a good choice of beverages. Again, take a look at their web site and see the menu.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cvAyRAMfxY/UKR9H_FpgVI/AAAAAAAABGs/uNNVPq7y-78/s1600/Riff-104.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cvAyRAMfxY/UKR9H_FpgVI/AAAAAAAABGs/uNNVPq7y-78/s320/Riff-104.JPG" width="191" /></a>This is clearly a burger restaurant, but we went because of the "barkers" (hot dogs) on the menu. This reminds me of our long time neighbors, the Barkers, who for many years had two dogs known to us as "the Barkers barkers". Riff Burgers' barkers are offered as chili dogs, Chicago dogs, Beale St. BBQ dogs, and plain dogs, all made with Hebrew National all beef hot dogs. I didn't ask but I would wager that you could order a dog made with any of their burger toppings and "build your own" creation. It was obvious that they want to please the customer.<br />
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On this visit Robert and I arrived toward the end of the noon to one lunch hour. There were still numerous tables occupied in the dining room, but we had our choice of places to eat. There is an interesting large multi-pane garage type door in the side wall facing the outdoor seating area. I would like to eat here some mild day when they have that open.<br />
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We were waited on by Eric Pilkinton the manager who was very helpful. The prices as stated on the menu are all for dogs served with a side. We wanted to try all three of the dogs listed on the menu but just get two sides. That was easily done and the price of the extra side was deducted from our total.<br />
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When the dogs came we immediately used the real metal knives and forks (not plastic) to cut all three dogs in half so we could each have some of all three dogs. I guess we were hungry and a little rusty in our hot dog tour skills. I had to run out to the car to get my forgotten camera after we had ordered. It has always been kind of a ritual to take pictures of the food before we start. It did dawn on us before we ate, but after we had cut the dogs up; that's why you see the picture with the dogs cut in half.<br />
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I have commented before about how we sometimes get immediate attention when we start taking pictures. Well, that didn't happen this time as we were in a back corner not easily observed. This day we tried to keep a low profile until we had eaten.<br />
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OK, the big question is; "How were the dogs?" Robert and I agreed that of the three we had the chili dog was the best. The chili is good and cooked to the perfect consistency to be a topping. The dog is full but not too full to be picked up and eaten. It was made in a freshly steamed bun as was the Beale St. dog.<br />
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The Chicago dog was very authentic. We found out that Eric agrees with my take on the infamous "<a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2011/04/sport-peppers.html" target="_blank">sport pepper</a>", that most of these are not very good. That's why they pickle their own at Riff Burgers. Their home-made pepper comes out on the mild side but definitely softer than the usual offering. Their Chicago dog seems to have all of the required ingredients in a dog that's fairly easy to eat. If you aren't familiar with Chicago dogs take some time and google them on the web or look back at some of my posts in early 2011. The Chicago style dog is different from what we usually see around here, the dog I have dubbed the "Birmingham dog".<br />
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The other dog we tried on this visit was the "Beale St. BBQ Dog. I spent a short time looking this up and Beale Street is in Memphis. I've never heard of this particular type of dog until now. They make if with a sweet BBQ sauce, pickled veggie relish and coarsely chopped slaw. If you like slaw and sweet BBQ sauce this dog is a good choice for you. It's not something I would personally go out of my way for; but I'm sure there are people who would like it.<br />
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On the way out we stopped and talked with Eric a couple of minutes. We told him about the blog and took a few pictures up front. He then wanted to make sure we tried something on the menu that he is really proud of. So he rushed back to the kitchen and brought us a sample of their "fried pickled veggies" with ranch dressing. He told us how they pickle the veggies themselves with a kind of "bread and butter" pickle recipe. They contain cucumbers and a little onion and red bell pepper, all battered and fried. I understand why he wanted us to try them because they are very good. This would be a good thing to start with while waiting on sandwiches.<br />
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One final factoid, this place used to be called Baha Burgers. They recently redecorated, came up with a new name and modified the menu. Eric told us how the old name actually kept some people from ever trying them since they didn't want a "tropical burger" whatever they think that is. I was a fairly regular customer of the old Baha Burger location at the Colonnade (now gone) and know they had good burgers, most of which were in no way "tropical". <br />
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BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-52688216000457343602012-08-10T10:00:00.000-05:002012-08-10T10:00:10.478-05:00Flat Nutrisystem Hot Dogs?OK, as far as I'm concerned this is clearly in the category of weird.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBoDw3VyNWw/UB9UjATMoMI/AAAAAAAABFM/hjAW3UOV_Fw/s1600/NS-dog-02.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 574px; height: 389px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBoDw3VyNWw/UB9UjATMoMI/AAAAAAAABFM/hjAW3UOV_Fw/s400/NS-dog-02.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773426207664939202" border="0" /></a><br />I was humoring the lovely Caroline recently by shopping with her at Big Lots. I certainly didn't anticipate encountering a hot dog at Big Lots; but life is full of surprises.<br /><br />Here it is... a turkey hot dog in a pretty flat little box no more than a half an inch thick. It's all ready to be microwaved and devoured for a satisfying (?) lunch. Please notice the picture that even shows a somewhat flat hot dog in a bun (not included). I thought this was so bizarre that I was really tempted to buy one just so I could open it up and see what it looked like. I restrained myself.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0BpM49fikM/UB9UbF4PGqI/AAAAAAAABFA/azgH8p79spw/s1600/NS-dog-01.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 581px; height: 997px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S0BpM49fikM/UB9UbF4PGqI/AAAAAAAABFA/azgH8p79spw/s400/NS-dog-01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773426071723514530" border="0" /></a>BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-28547143368218341642012-08-09T11:00:00.001-05:002012-08-09T11:00:02.058-05:00Tasty Dogs - Cart at WildwoodA while back we visited another hot dog cart. The cart that goes by the name "Tasty Dogs" is a regular fixture outside the front door of Lowe's at Wildwood. I had spotted this guy one day when I had just eaten; so I made a note. We tried on another occasion to eat there but that day he wasn't at his regular station.<br /><br />But we did finally connect.<br /><br />Some of our past episodes have convinced us that eating at a hot dog cart can be a little bit of an adventure. You don't know quite what you'll get. It can range from the best hot dog you ever had (That really happened!) to a somewhat regrettable experience.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeL8n9m5Ghc/UB9Rn4R8zwI/AAAAAAAABEc/lPdLZiD-adQ/s1600/TD02.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 608px; height: 462px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jeL8n9m5Ghc/UB9Rn4R8zwI/AAAAAAAABEc/lPdLZiD-adQ/s400/TD02.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773422992876687106" border="0" /></a>Tasty Dogs ranks toward the upper end of that spectrum for carts. This guy knows what he is doing. He's a musician in his other life,but makes a pretty good hot dog by day. His cart is right there with all the John Deeres and other equipment on display right in front of Lowes. But Lowe's also displays picnic tables at the other end of the covered front area; so one can actually sit down there rather than eating standing up or in the car.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7V8ACPp5ZSI/UB9Rdl4SSnI/AAAAAAAABEQ/NuK4vcg5AI0/s1600/TD01.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 595px; height: 461px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7V8ACPp5ZSI/UB9Rdl4SSnI/AAAAAAAABEQ/NuK4vcg5AI0/s400/TD01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5773422816138513010" border="0" /></a><br />This would be a good place to stop for a quick lunch if you find yourself in the Wildwood area.BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-68145635006776067082012-08-06T11:00:00.000-05:002012-08-06T11:00:03.464-05:00A New (To Us) Cart<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQbkXT8n2dM/UBoTkzRzQ4I/AAAAAAAABDU/n9Y3HAlcwis/s1600/Gregs-05.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 621px; height: 459px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JQbkXT8n2dM/UBoTkzRzQ4I/AAAAAAAABDU/n9Y3HAlcwis/s400/Gregs-05.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771947395389801346" border="0" /></a>We are always on the lookout for hot dog servers that are new to us. So, when Robert spotted a new cart downtown we put it on our short list of places to visit (Unfortunately, the whole list is short since we have visited so many).<br /><br />This visit was to Greg's Hot Dogs, the new cart in town. Greg Nuckolls likes to park his cart at the corner of 5th Avenue and 20th Street (southeast corner) where once upon a time the original Tutwiler Hotel stood. These days he is in front of a steel and glass office tower that is currently totally empty. There was talk of converting this building into a hotel but it remains empty.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Hj5pAUOP2I/UBoTJVKG_KI/AAAAAAAABC8/BhFVyFdhfyA/s1600/Gregs-03.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 608px; height: 658px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Hj5pAUOP2I/UBoTJVKG_KI/AAAAAAAABC8/BhFVyFdhfyA/s400/Gregs-03.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771946923448007842" border="0" /></a><br />So, this day we headed downtown to visit this hot dog cart. The weather has bee a little unpredictable lately due to the summer rains and storms; but this day was beautiful. A perfect day to dine alfresco (I think that means outside).<br /><br />Greg has a "cart"; but it's hard to call it a cart. It is pulled as a trailer into location daily with lots of other coolers and equipment carried in the tow vehicle. These cart guys definitely work hard to make their sales. Set-up and take-down every time they work. Add to that licenses, health inspections and the mandated commissary where the cart/trailer is cleaned and prepared every time. They also deal with weather and the various whims of the city government.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBkkjVcq5lo/UBoTSkSJ-BI/AAAAAAAABDI/-_LRcjI7_xI/s1600/Gregs-04.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 619px; height: 552px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBkkjVcq5lo/UBoTSkSJ-BI/AAAAAAAABDI/-_LRcjI7_xI/s400/Gregs-04.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771947082127112210" border="0" /></a><br />Let's talk about dogs! Greg has good hot dogs. It's hard to maintain the standards one would have in FBO (fixed base operation) from a cart, but Greg does a pretty good job. We had our usual first visit order of a hot dog and a chilli dog. Actually Greg doesn't have a standard "hot dog all the way" or "chili dog all the way". He prefers for the customer to tell him exactly what to put on the dog. The dogs we ordered and ate were outstanding (not just out standing on the sidewalk) but outstanding food. I don't think you can go wrong at Greg's. We were so busy eating these good hot dogs we almost forgot to stop and take pictures. We did manage the picture below of a custom chili cheese dog.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkTOrKggbvY/UBoS3N8Z1WI/AAAAAAAABCk/e3vixlDdxr4/s1600/Gregs-01.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 590px; height: 336px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qkTOrKggbvY/UBoS3N8Z1WI/AAAAAAAABCk/e3vixlDdxr4/s400/Gregs-01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771946612273829218" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ChpzjrNJ9E/UBoS-MUdrMI/AAAAAAAABCw/pLmmQiuXElQ/s1600/Gregs-02.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 597px; height: 488px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ChpzjrNJ9E/UBoS-MUdrMI/AAAAAAAABCw/pLmmQiuXElQ/s400/Gregs-02.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771946732096957634" border="0" /></a>My only complaint, if it is a complaint, is that he has way more topping than he reveals on his menu. Only after talking with him a while did we learn that he has a few specialty dogs up his sleeve. One of these sounds like it's worth a special trip. He told us about a blue cheese dog. He like to add sauteed onions, kraut, a little Tabasco chipotle sauce and blue cheese to a dog. My mouth waters just writing this.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FJA1hNa3Tec/UBoT1XOy1QI/AAAAAAAABDs/wex05eP6UIs/s1600/Gregs-07.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 557px; height: 781px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FJA1hNa3Tec/UBoT1XOy1QI/AAAAAAAABDs/wex05eP6UIs/s400/Gregs-07.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771947679918773506" border="0" /></a><br />Of note also, take a look at his health inspection rating below. It doesn't get any better.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9whv5qFZ_P0/UBoTsXj4xcI/AAAAAAAABDg/maA8y4t2NoA/s1600/Gregs-06.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 617px; height: 268px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9whv5qFZ_P0/UBoTsXj4xcI/AAAAAAAABDg/maA8y4t2NoA/s400/Gregs-06.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771947525388420546" border="0" /></a>Greg has a history in the food service industry and chose a hot dog cart for his operation when he returned to Birmingham. I was particularly encouraged to find that he had read much of this blog as he was making up his mind about what he should do in Birmingham. When I started telling him about the blog he stopped me and told me he had read most of it already and was glad we had come for a visit.<br /><br />Lastly, I couldn't help but think about Steve Malone who used to park his cart just one block north of this location. Look back <a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2010/12/wow-what-chili-dog.html">Here</a> and <a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2011/05/best.html">Here</a>. Steve served the best hot dog I have ever eaten prior to his early death from pancreatic cancer. He left his mark in this world and his life continues to remind me that we are all a breath away from eternity. We need to live our lives accordingly.BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-54149006791915668642012-08-02T13:00:00.000-05:002012-08-02T13:00:04.424-05:00Catching upWhere have we been? Good question. I guess I've been a little off pace during the first of the summer. I have my excuses, but I'll sum it up by saying; "Life is hard."<br /><br />The lovely Caroline and I have had two different times of keeping two different two year old grandchildren for many days and nights. Wow, these kids are fun and touch the heart, but it's not always easy for some of us to take care of two-year-olds around the clock.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQt8tTkp76c/UBTBpUenRII/AAAAAAAABBI/FOV8ZgA34Oc/s1600/TB.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 575px; height: 383px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQt8tTkp76c/UBTBpUenRII/AAAAAAAABBI/FOV8ZgA34Oc/s400/TB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5770449938184356994" border="0" /></a>Then to follow that, Susie (our youngest daughter) gave birth to our sixth (count em) grandson.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F-n7ZSMGILo/UBTCZzRCNYI/AAAAAAAABBU/eXbJXyZHm8M/s1600/L-2012-%2B%252813%2529.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 499px; height: 334px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F-n7ZSMGILo/UBTCZzRCNYI/AAAAAAAABBU/eXbJXyZHm8M/s400/L-2012-%2B%252813%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5770450771082622338" border="0" /></a><br />Regardless, what about hot dogs? As I said in my previous post we have been making a few return visits as well as looking for some new places to visit.<br /><br />A few days ago Robert and I started out to visit a new (for us) hot dog cart downtown. Robert had spotted it a week before and stopped by to talk with the guy. Unfortunately, the day we headed downtown to try his dogs there had been a weather forecast of rain around noon resulting in the guy not showing up.... (Wimp). So we decided to head for Homewood on our way back toward our respective offices.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gh8KDK3NmYE/UBS9svn0N6I/AAAAAAAABAQ/PQI7R7K0Sh8/s1600/M-101.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 636px; height: 370px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gh8KDK3NmYE/UBS9svn0N6I/AAAAAAAABAQ/PQI7R7K0Sh8/s400/M-101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5770445598963808162" border="0" /></a><br />The plan was to visit Mike's Chicago Dogs since there has recently been a change in ownership/management there. But, when we got there it was obvious that the new owners had not yet figured out how to serve on a timely basis. We saw numerous folks standing around waiting for their orders and watched the cashier take a very long time to review the order and finally poke the food out the window for one customer. We decided we would wait and try again at a later date. I hope these new owners can get this right.<br /><br />So, when we left there we went a couple of blocks down the street to Salem's Diner. Actually I had been there on a Saturday about a week before but Robert had never been there. It was a good choice. Salem's is becoming one of my favorites!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nvIXfCxhxE0/UBS9-LHzliI/AAAAAAAABAc/INLdAzUZuNg/s1600/Salems-03.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 610px; height: 509px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nvIXfCxhxE0/UBS9-LHzliI/AAAAAAAABAc/INLdAzUZuNg/s400/Salems-03.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5770445898403517986" border="0" /></a><br />On my previous visit I had a chili dog combo with a chili dog, a mix of fries and onion rings and a drink. The chili dog was one of those that needs to be eaten with a knife and fork. Being not terribly hungry, I was well fed with just one dog. On that day I opted for one of the Philly Cheese sandwiches which are the specialty of the house. Robert had a chili dog combo like I had eaten a few days before. He agreed with me that these dogs are among the best we have had. The option of a combo including their perfect onion rings also takes it up a notch.<br /><br />Salem's is a must try place in the Birmingham area. Wayne Salem and his helper Ernie Dease will make you at home. I will give this advice; the place is small so you might need to wait for a seat. Then if you are at a table, watch the flow of people and try to finish up and be on your way if they are full.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TthG_EQjON0/UBS-O88Mv1I/AAAAAAAABAo/o0NbOpdNvcs/s1600/Salems-01.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 624px; height: 329px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TthG_EQjON0/UBS-O88Mv1I/AAAAAAAABAo/o0NbOpdNvcs/s400/Salems-01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5770446186654515026" border="0" /></a><br />Now here's another recent visit. We have gone back to G-Dogs a couple of times. Read about our previous visit<a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2012/04/g-dogs-new-guy-in-town.html"> Here</a>. These revisits are fun. When we make our first visit we have a standard order of a hot dog all the way and a chili dog (also all the way). The revisits give us an opportunity to try more of the offerings. Below You can see our latest orders. I decided to try their sausage dog and a corn dog. Robert ordered a chili dog and some chili cheese fries.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrj02vHbLeA/UBoEbgqocsI/AAAAAAAABB0/daDZYRsNCBA/s1600/G-301.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 634px; height: 525px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xrj02vHbLeA/UBoEbgqocsI/AAAAAAAABB0/daDZYRsNCBA/s400/G-301.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771930743100437186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkUcpak_M3U/UBoElGsFAOI/AAAAAAAABCA/9y3yHY4G7U0/s1600/G-302.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 634px; height: 362px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NkUcpak_M3U/UBoElGsFAOI/AAAAAAAABCA/9y3yHY4G7U0/s400/G-302.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5771930907925872866" border="0" /></a>I would say that between the two items I ordered I liked the sausage dog better. There is something about recipe used by whoever makes some of these previously frozen corn dogs that tastes a little too sweet for me. Nevertheless, G-Dogs remains a good choice for hot dogs in the Hoover area.BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-54810754037970811362012-07-28T21:01:00.013-05:002012-08-01T23:08:21.190-05:00Year Two for 3rd Grade Hot Dog DayLet’s talk about hot dogs. I can’t believe it’s been over six weeks since I posted here. We have continued to make visits to hot dog sellers around here with an emphasis on revisits. We are coming to realize that we have been to most of the hot dog sellers in the area, yet we do hear of or spot a new one occasionally.<p class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Me3O_ZWnuo/UBSt5k-EKrI/AAAAAAAAA_M/aoymW8AiK8Y/s1600/A-summer2012%2B018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 573px; height: 515px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Me3O_ZWnuo/UBSt5k-EKrI/AAAAAAAAA_M/aoymW8AiK8Y/s400/A-summer2012%2B018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5770428227256593074" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">But this post isn’t about one of our usual visits. Back in May, right at the end of school, Robert and I served charcoal grilled hot dogs to a bunch of third graders. For the second year now we had hot dog day for the third grade class taught by my son-in-law, Aaron. He teaches at <a href="http://www.restorationacademy.org/">Restoration Academy</a> in downtown Fairfield. Restoration is an urban Christian school that does a wonderful job with these kids. You can read about last year <a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2011/05/3rd-grade-hot-dog-day.html">Here</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz-Juc7gu84/UBSumAkddII/AAAAAAAAA_w/QSzozKVWA88/s1600/A-summer2012%2B022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 644px; height: 445px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wz-Juc7gu84/UBSumAkddII/AAAAAAAAA_w/QSzozKVWA88/s400/A-summer2012%2B022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5770428990579635330" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">This year I made a visit to his class a few weeks before hot dog day. My goal was to encourage them to try some toppings other than the usual ketchup and/or mustard often used by kids. I took a few pictures of some “serving suggestions” and led a lively discussion. I concluded that the visit wasn’t needed because I heard a big variety of preferences. So, as I prepared for the big day I collected a huge variety of condiments some of which I had never even had before.</p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kU15FG-xPI/UBStmws8jZI/AAAAAAAAA_A/PcHVQhDYaMw/s1600/A-summer2012%2B016.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 590px; height: 504px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9kU15FG-xPI/UBStmws8jZI/AAAAAAAAA_A/PcHVQhDYaMw/s400/A-summer2012%2B016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5770427903988501906" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">On hot dog day Robert and I arrived early to unload and set up a grill and serving table under the big old trees in Fairfield City Park, right across the street from the school. We were then joined by the very pregnant “Miss Susie” my daughter, the wife of the teacher Aaron. I manned the grill and started some regular Oscar Myer dogs, polish sausages and smoked sausages as well as a pot of chili.I included the sausages after having had some great hot dogs made with these during the last year. I have particularly come to like the hot dog size smoked sausages and convinced a few to try one for the first time.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"> I also added something that I've never found commercially. I bought some really big chicken breasts and cut them into long fat strips. I then marinated them in Moor's Marinade (Dale's is also good) and grilled. These "chicken dogs" were served in a hot dog bun with Zoe's slaw and other toppings chosen by the individual.My personal preference is to have these with mayonnaise or white barbecue sauce and slaw or maters.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">We were joined by my friend Dr. Edwards and the staff of Hope Health Center also located right across the street from the park. They came out at our invitation to get an early start before all the third graders came out.</p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">It was a delightful time. Like last year, all who were served were appreciative and had a good time. I was impressed with the variety of toppings chosen by everyone. It was hard work but also rewarding to do this for these kids.</p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lcJTXU1kag/UBSuLj0l0qI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/hqDzEaMEivQ/s1600/A-summer2012%2B020.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 640px; height: 659px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--lcJTXU1kag/UBSuLj0l0qI/AAAAAAAAA_Y/hqDzEaMEivQ/s400/A-summer2012%2B020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5770428536186065570" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca1BBwHGKPE/UBSuZkc3rdI/AAAAAAAAA_k/Vu51Rf0lbGE/s1600/A-summer2012%2B021.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 637px; height: 453px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ca1BBwHGKPE/UBSuZkc3rdI/AAAAAAAAA_k/Vu51Rf0lbGE/s400/A-summer2012%2B021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5770428776873176530" border="0" /></a></p>BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-53121042920243855982012-06-06T23:30:00.027-05:002012-06-07T20:59:28.553-05:00Mexican Hot Dogs at Mexico Beach<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-riGQgVkmFNk/T9EolkP9eFI/AAAAAAAAA9A/BmCgNGxr730/s1600/PT003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 645px; height: 430px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-riGQgVkmFNk/T9EolkP9eFI/AAAAAAAAA9A/BmCgNGxr730/s400/PT003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751422824979724370" border="0" /></a>Last week the lovely Caroline and I, along with Susie and Aaron, spent a few days in Florida. We decided to go to "Florida's forgotten coast" which is east of Panama City. So we went to <a href="http://www.visitflorida.com/Port_St_Joe">Port St. Joe Florida</a> and also visited the neighboring towns of Apalachicola and Mexico Beach. This trip was like an excursion in a time machine for me. I experienced something I thought I would never see again, Florida the way it was 40-50 years ago. There were no high-rises, no roller coasters, no goofy golf, no water-slides and no traffic. There were limited choices for eating out; but it wasn't hard to find the good ones.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfk_jR6GCs8/T9EpljaOHDI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/X8UwNtfteT8/s1600/PT004.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pfk_jR6GCs8/T9EpljaOHDI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/X8UwNtfteT8/s400/PT004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751423924265950258" border="0" /></a><br />That brings us to the topic of this posting. I have written a couple of previous entries about tamales and called them Mexican hot dogs; but this entry is about a hot dog that is Mexican. One day we ended up at Mexico Beach looking for a place to have a late lunch. The consensus seemed to be for us to stop at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/playatacos"><span style="font-style: italic;">Playa Tacos</span></a>. We had been having a pretty steady diet of seafood so we opted for a little variety.<br /><br />So here we were stopping at a little taco shop in a row of wood frame commercial properties right on highway 98. These buildings just look like they belong at the beach. They are painted different colors and are connected by a deck across the front. Playa Tacos is the yellow building on the left end. The owners, Jimmy Lopez and Kristen Valko moved to Florida from Austin Texas to start this taco business. What better place for a taco restaurant in Florida than appropriately named Mexico Beach.<br /><br />The first thing I spotted when we walked in the door was a sign on the counter advertising the "Mexican Hot Dog". Then I think each of my companions pointed it out to me. I guess they know me well; because when I saw that sign it simplified my decision about what I would order.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yk7pdS7k6Xc/T9EqBGBIihI/AAAAAAAAA9k/UJSZvLGBdYQ/s1600/PT012.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 642px; height: 333px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yk7pdS7k6Xc/T9EqBGBIihI/AAAAAAAAA9k/UJSZvLGBdYQ/s400/PT012.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751424397412436498" border="0" /></a> When it came, the frank/sausage/dog looked a little different, but it was good. It is a big fat frank filled with chicken, cheese and spices. It ends up being kind of orange in color with lots of dark speckles from the seasoning.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utdCfdQ9vXM/T9ErFH6kAKI/AAAAAAAAA9w/q_Z6nfsB1Vo/s1600/PT006.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 663px; height: 462px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-utdCfdQ9vXM/T9ErFH6kAKI/AAAAAAAAA9w/q_Z6nfsB1Vo/s400/PT006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751425566152851618" border="0" /></a><br />The Mexican hot dog comes in tortillas with the addition of cooked peppers, onions and a choice of sauces. When given the choice of what kind of tortilla I asked Jimmy which one he prefers and he recommended the corn tortilla which was a good choice. The pepper and onion are billed as sauteed but looked more like they were steamed. Maybe they had just been warmed again in a steamer, but I had no complaints. After I added the hot salsa, they were the perfect compliment to my Mexican Dog.<br /><br />I was the only one in the group to order one. The others opted for tacos and fajitas. After I finished my dog I also returned for a taco which I also found to be very good. As I've been trying hot dogs on this "Great Birmingham Hot Dog Tour" I have found that I usually like the unexpected when I find it. This was another case of that happening. This Mexican Hot Dog is definitely worth looking for if you are in the area.<br /><br />The shop is small with limited seating inside; but there is additional seating on the deck between Playa and the next building. The little deck was a nice place to eat around a table under an umbrella and the wind blowing around.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rviNq0hz0Q4/T9ErbiwgbXI/AAAAAAAAA98/cio7p5bwhBs/s1600/PT005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 657px; height: 438px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rviNq0hz0Q4/T9ErbiwgbXI/AAAAAAAAA98/cio7p5bwhBs/s400/PT005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5751425951315553650" border="0" /></a><br />Now regarding the area, this whole area east of Panama City is worth a visit if you want to see the Gulf Coast without the crowds and massive highrise developments. It's a great place see coastal life that isn't just tourists. This is a great place for those who want to go to the coast to rest, relax, and enjoy the scenery and abundant wildlife.BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-32169998099526952182012-05-15T11:41:00.000-05:002012-05-15T11:41:21.962-05:00VJ's for Hot Dogs?When I first started thinking about a Birmingham Hot Dog Tour I started trying to assemble a list of hot dog stands around Birmingham. The first place I went was to the internet where I did a lot of looking and making notes. I don't remember what site it came from but I definitely remember seeing VJ's on the Runway listed as having great hot dogs. This place has been on the list ever since but we have never gone there until this visit.<br />
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VJ's is known as a "meat-and-three" place, but the web referral I found also told of their great tamales so that gave another reasons to want to try them. So we finally decided to visit a long time Birmingham lunchtime server, VJ's on the Runway. VJ's has been around for decades out on the backside of the airport on Eastlake Boulevard. In all of my MANY years I have always heard good reports of this place and wanted to go there... some day. Well, the day finally arrived.<br />
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Guess which one is the original location and which is the new location.</div>
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Robert and I went there recently planning on trying both the hot dogs and the tamales. Here's what we found. VJ's was once upon a time a pretty small place located literally near the end of the shorter runway of the Birmingham International(?) Airport. We knew they had moved and had a newer location so that was no surprise. When we went in for our usual late lunch the place was 3/4 full. It's a pretty big place so there were lots of people around. By the time we left at maybe 1:30-40 the place was almost deserted. This place has always been a lunchtime favorite of working people and it looks like those working people don't take late or long lunches. So if you want a leisurely lunch with nobody trying to hustle you out the door to make room, this is a good place.<br />
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What did we find? When we selected a table and sat down we discovered that the table was a little... no, a lot sticky, so we moved to another table. We commented to the waitress about the condition of the other table but she didn't seem concerned. I guess she thought we were late for lunch and should be happy to be seated. Apparently clean, non sticky tables are not always a high priority. So, here we were at a table that met our high(?) standards of acceptable cleanliness. We scoured the menu and found NO hot dogs... at all. OK. plan B, tamales. We had talked about it on the way and had planned on having some of both the dogs and the tamales. With no dogs on the menu went went for the tamales. We both ordered "Mexican chili" (4.99), and two tamales (hand rolled) 1.99 each. We found that there is a special for that combo that saves a dollar or two. Sorry, I don't remember the exact deal.<br />
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As far as we were concerned this was a good plan. Robert and I both love good tamales. In fact, we both remember growing up in Norwood where occasionally a "tamale man" would pass our house in the evening, selling tamales from his cart that was half bicycle/half cart. Our dad loved to get a few when he had the opportunity; so we grew up having hand rolled tamales on occasion.<br />
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How was it? Very good. The chili was obviously made from scratch and has never seen the inside of a can. It was a little mild to be called "Mexican" chili on the menu, but it was still good. The tamales were great! They are prepared with ample meat filling and a good flavorful sauce is provided. This was an excellent combo that would really be good on a cool day. But even on a hot day I bet this would be good.<br />
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I almost forgot; look at the biscuits in the picture above. VJ's serves great Mexican biscuits. These biscuits definitely contain peppers. Even without real butter (they have Country Crock - whatever that is) these are fantastic. Is real butter that expensive? I bet they save at least a dollar a day by serving something that came out of a chemical plant and doesn't even have a real food name like "yellow somewhat-greasy spreadable food product". On second thought, maybe Country Crock of Unknown Yellow Stuff is better.<br />
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Bottom line, in spite of the first table and the yellow food product, I'm glad I finally went to VJ's, and hope to return.<br />
<br />BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-29268080075011356572012-04-30T17:00:00.000-05:002012-04-30T17:00:07.216-05:00Big things in SpringvilleMany months ago James Grigsby posted a reply on one of my posts saying how he had discovered the Hot Dog Tour and have enjoyed the read. He went on to say; "I would like to
invite you to my place in Springville, Al. We're 13 miles up I-59 from
Trussvile. My place is called The Shack Burgers & BBQ. Although
we're not "Dog" stand we serve what we think is one of the best around!
www.shackburgers.com"<br />
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It took a while but I finally got around to visiting the Shack. He says 13 miles, but it's more like 30 miles from where Robert and I work out in Shelby County. The occasion for the visit was a short trip that the lovely Caroline and I were making to Chattanooga this past week. When we left it was getting close to lunchtime so we planned on getting something on the road. Our default stopping place is all too often "Chick Away" as one grandson once called it. I was able to convince her that we needed to find The Shack in Springville, so here we went. Caroline is a colon cancer survivor so her tastes in food are not quite as adventurous as mine, but she indulges me. It turned out that finding The Shack wasn't as easy as I thought. It turns out they have recently moved and the sign giving the new location might communicate to locals but not me. I had no idea where the old "Big Bolton's" had been. With a little assistance I found the new location up a side road very close to the I-59 interchange at highway 174.<br />
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Now for The Shack; this place is worth the time it might take you to get there. Their web presence is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheShackSmokehouse" target="_blank">Here.</a> <br />
They have just moved into a much bigger building that they reportedly have already filled up on occasion. The Shack is run by James and Chauntelle Grigsby. James is the cook and really knows what he is doing. It clearly isn't just a hot dog stand and never was; but they fit very well on our agenda since they very clearly take pride in the hot dogs they serve.<br />
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The sign on their old location bills them as "The Shack, Burgers and Bar B Q". They also include south Louisiana Cajun food on their menu. This is an area they hope to emphasize as they grow in the new location. I just hope they keep their old products including the dogs.<br />
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I wasn't real hungry and knew that I would have a big dinner with a desert that night so I only ordered one chili cheese dog with a side of potato salad. It's good I only ordered one dog because it was giant when it came. This has to be a quarter pound hot dog topped with a very generous portion of hearty chili. Just take a look. There is no way to pick up this hot dog and eat it with any sense of decorum. I didn't even try but resorted to a fork and knife.<br />
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How was it? Outstanding! This is another unique product that the owner has clearly placed his mark on. I love it when I find the unexpected or unusual hot dogs,and this is clearly one of those. Then it gets even better! I had asked the waitress to tell James that the "guy from the hot dog blog" was there since he had invited us, so he came out to talk a little. As we talked he told me; "I want you to try our shack sauce,this doesn't come on the hot dog unless you ask for it." The Shack sauce is a Southern Louisiana style bar B Q sauce that is very sweet and spicy. I have never had a sauce quite like it, but it was sure good added to that chili cheese dog. Caroline had a chicken salad sandwich with a side of slaw which she reported as very good. (It's hard to get away from that chicken sometime).<br />
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Here are James and Chauntelle Grigsby the owners.</div>
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I wish them great success.</div>
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It is clearly worth a trip to Springville for one of these dogs; but I can hardley wait to go back some evening for a cajun dinner. Cajun food is another favorite of mine.<br />
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My advice to the reader is; "Go to Springville and try this place!" James knows what he is doing in the kitchen. They have made a big move and we should all want to make sure that this place makes a go of it and is around for years to come.<br />
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<br />BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-20096036842171859092012-04-27T11:30:00.000-05:002012-04-27T11:30:03.020-05:00Picabu Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK, what's a Picabu dog?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GwAH3y2TrE/T5OGLVgY11I/AAAAAAAAA5w/hv6FIYJJbmw/s1600/P100.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>I didn't know either; but I recently got an email from Robert giving a report on his hot dog adventure in Orlando. The post below is entirely his.<br />
<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GwAH3y2TrE/T5OGLVgY11I/AAAAAAAAA5w/hv6FIYJJbmw/s1600/P100.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GwAH3y2TrE/T5OGLVgY11I/AAAAAAAAA5w/hv6FIYJJbmw/s400/P100.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />I went to Orlando for a business conference. It was one of those conferences where all the meals are <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GwAH3y2TrE/T5OGLVgY11I/AAAAAAAAA5w/hv6FIYJJbmw/s1600/P100.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2GwAH3y2TrE/T5OGLVgY11I/AAAAAAAAA5w/hv6FIYJJbmw/s1600/P100.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>provided, but I arrived at the Disney Dolphin hotel before lunch and the conference did not begin until late afternoon. So, there was an opportunity to explore the culinary options for lunch. The just inside the door from the walkway to the Swan was crowded, so I went around the corner to the Picabu Buffeteria.<br />
<br />The last thing on my mind when dining on an expense account was a hot dog, but as I was about to place my order for loaded nachos, they served up a delicious-looking hot dog to the person ahead of me in line. The plate appeal, coupled with the realization that Karl was in the height of his busiest season at work, so there would not be another entry on hot dog blog this week, made my decision a no-brainier. <br /><br />The tube steak looked like it weighed a pound, although it probably approximated half a pound. It was served hot on a fresh bun with one's choice of toppings. They don't offer the type of hot dog sauce one finds on a dog in Birmingham, so I simply got onions and kraut, then added mustard from plastic packets.<br />
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJY7jl_0geY/T5OGvPXp0mI/AAAAAAAAA54/V6Xjoi_h1pA/s1600/P101.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vJY7jl_0geY/T5OGvPXp0mI/AAAAAAAAA54/V6Xjoi_h1pA/s320/P101.JPG" width="320" /></a>When you consider the ambiance, it really wouldn't matter if e hot dog were mediocre for one to enjoy the experience. But, I am glad that I can report that the hot dog was excellent. It was served hot, and on a fresh bun with the onions and kraut heaped atop the massive dog. I say massive, as it hung out both ends of the bun by at least an inch and a half at each end. The plate was heaped with lots of crispy and hot french fries as well. The flavor of the dog was much like that of a polish sausage dog, bursting with flavor. Its size made it difficult to take a bite without getting mustard and kraut all over my face, and I must admit, I went through several napkins during this meal. The kraut was hot and flavorful, witha minimum of sourness. By the time I had eaten half the hot dog, I was mostly full, and only ate the rest of the dog and most of the fries because they were so tasty and the fries had the perfect degree of crispness. I think Picabu's chef has room to be proud of the product served-up from his galley.<br />
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After enjoying my lunch, I launched off on a walk around the property with two goals in mind. One was to enjoy the sights and sounds of the property and the other was to try and work off some of the weight I had no-doubt added during my visit to the Picabu Buffeteria. When dinner was served for our conference, it was in the form of heavy hors d'oeuvres during a meet & greet and vendor fair. The few hors d'oeuvres I ate were very tasty, but I had little appetite due to my filling lunch. The best was a large scallop with bacon bits around the edge, but I only had room for one. I think the only thing I ate was one of those, a little two-inch taco looking thing with a small amount of buffalo chicken nugget in it and one very small bun with fresh prime rib of beef on it. <br />
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<br />So, if you go to the Disney Dolphin or any of the neighboring resorts (Swan, Beach Club and Yacht Club), you might not be thinking about a hot dog, but if you are, you can get a good one at the Picabu. At $6.50, it is one of the best bargains on the property.<br /><br />BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-53169160480361502392012-04-24T10:00:00.000-05:002012-04-24T10:00:12.260-05:00Two great linksLast week a friend who knows of my interest in hot dogs sent me a link that I want to share. This stuff just looks so good that it gives me lots of ideas. These are definitely not the usual kids dog with mustard and ketchup. Just have a look at some of these pictures.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSnozrNw77A/T5N65ldg2zI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/LvWsKZaW9NI/s1600/20120319-197773-chicago-dog-style-guide-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OSnozrNw77A/T5N65ldg2zI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/LvWsKZaW9NI/s640/20120319-197773-chicago-dog-style-guide-main.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Take a look <a href="http://chicago.seriouseats.com/2012/03/the-serious-eats-chicago-dog-style-guide.html?ref=carousel" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <br />
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I keep thinking I've done enough on Chicago dogs and then I see something like this. It does prove that contrary to what some would tell you, there is not just one way to have a Chicago dog.<br />
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And as long as I'm passing on links, I posted this link from the Food Network last July. The site is still there and is still worth looking at for anyone wanting some adventure in their hot dog recipes. Here are a couple of their pictures below. Then if you are interested follow the link.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBO7h_wVksY/T5N_LsTRcYI/AAAAAAAAA5o/mpITSDKcFg4/s1600/Sausage+and+Pepper+Dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dBO7h_wVksY/T5N_LsTRcYI/AAAAAAAAA5o/mpITSDKcFg4/s320/Sausage+and+Pepper+Dog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Take a look <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/hot-dog-calendar/package/index.html" target="_blank">HERE. </a><br />
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Now a look ahead. Last Spring near the end of school I did a hot dog day for a third grade class taught by a son-in-law. If you didn't see that post take a look <a href="http://birminghamhotdogtour.blogspot.com/2011/05/3rd-grade-hot-dog-day.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The time is getting close again. I talked with Aaron about possible dates and am looking forward to doing it again, probably in late May. It was definitely a fun event. I'll try to get more pictures this year. If any readers want to join us let me know because it takes extra hands to pull this off.<br />
<br />BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-61831018730350255912012-04-19T22:42:00.006-05:002012-04-19T22:51:47.106-05:00G-Dogs - The New Guy In TownThere’s a new hot dog stand in Hoover. <a href="http://gdogshotdogs.com/index.php">G-Dogs</a> has just recently opened in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Plaza at Riverchase</i> shopping center, at 1837 Highway 31 south. They are located at the Data Drive end of the strip shopping center where Hobby Lobby is located. The abundant parking and easy access seems to make this a good area for eating establishments as there are several others close by. <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbWJFc4ws70/T5DbiiDEghI/AAAAAAAAA4g/5cbv2NiXTCQ/s1600/G-100.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 295px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PbWJFc4ws70/T5DbiiDEghI/AAAAAAAAA4g/5cbv2NiXTCQ/s400/G-100.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733323711944360466" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Robert had spotted G-Dogs and realized that it was a new place. It didn’t take long before we went for a lunchtime visit since it is fairly close to our offices. We arrived to find a clean and brightly decorated little place with lots of windows. Located on the end of the shopping center the building has not only the usual windows facing the front but also on the side. This side of the café looks out on a covered area containing a couple of outside tables. This looks like it would be a pleasant place to eat, especially on the mild days we have been having. The thought had entered my mind to eat out there but we ran into a friend of Robert’s and ended up eating with him inside.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-haSEGLLt09o/T5DcecP6-qI/AAAAAAAAA44/6Yvg3Q8Rii0/s1600/G-103.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 568px; height: 346px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-haSEGLLt09o/T5DcecP6-qI/AAAAAAAAA44/6Yvg3Q8Rii0/s400/G-103.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733324741179800226" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">It turns out that there is another G-Dogs located in Pinson that until now had totally escaped our attention. The new Hoover location is a joint venture of Charles Matsos, of the Golden Rule Bar BQ chain and Paul Curcio, owner of the Golden Rule in Pelham. On the day we were there, Paul was working behind the counter.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YvoeF3MpQXw/T5DcKz9gc_I/AAAAAAAAA4s/72iMLV6iucQ/s1600/G-101.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 580px; height: 434px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YvoeF3MpQXw/T5DcKz9gc_I/AAAAAAAAA4s/72iMLV6iucQ/s400/G-101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733324403947631602" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">So how was the food? It was very good! The name, G-Dogs, is short for Good Dogs and is not misnamed. Like all of the other Birmingham hot dog sellers they use a hot dog sauce made from their own recipe. These sauces are all similar, yet unique. The G-Dogs sauce is one of the best that I have had.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0Zzt4Bvk7I/T5DcrZUu1MI/AAAAAAAAA5E/Ocu4pVF9y58/s1600/G-102.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 587px; height: 513px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D0Zzt4Bvk7I/T5DcrZUu1MI/AAAAAAAAA5E/Ocu4pVF9y58/s400/G-102.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733324963732968642" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">We both started with a special consisting of two dogs, fries and a drink. We each chose a hot dog and a chili cheese dog, both all the way. The menu has some other tempting items; but we stuck to our usual plan of trying a hot dog and a chili dog on a first visit. Two of the other dogs we noticed were a bacon dog and an Irondale Dog. It turns out that the Irondale dog is a hot dog with slaw and topped with Golden Rule Bar BQ. This is only the second time we have encountered a hot dog with Bar BQ added as a topping so we had to try one. After we had finished our first dogs we ordered just one Irondale dog which we cut in half so we could give it a try. This Irondale is totally different from the Q-Dog we had previously loved, but was good. We both agreed that even though it was good it needs a little Bar BQ sauce to top it off. Robert suggested this addition to Paul before we left; so we are hopeful that the next Irondale dogs we have will include Bar BQ sauce.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COforJIMPTw/T5Dc3hVhtUI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/yYTm2HSRpds/s1600/G-104.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COforJIMPTw/T5Dc3hVhtUI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/yYTm2HSRpds/s400/G-104.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5733325172042216770" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing"> </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">A day later I ran into a friend who started telling me about how he had eaten a foot long hot dog at G-Dogs in Hoover. I guess word is getting around about this place. I suspect that there will be more G-Dogs locations opening in the future. According to the Birmingham News, they have their eyes on several locations around the area as well as downtown. I also suspect that I will be having more good dogs from <a href="http://gdogshotdogs.com/index.php">G-Dogs</a> in the future.</p>BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-42943267460964846062012-03-15T13:00:00.000-05:002012-03-15T13:00:01.665-05:00Hot Dogs at Hamburger HeavenThis started when a friend told me he had eaten hot dogs at Hamburger Heaven recently. I had no idea they even served hot dogs. It has been a long time since I have been there so I suggested we give it a try. In fact the last time I went to Hamburger Heaven it was to the original location out on Crestwood Blvd. For this trip we went to the location on hwy. 280 close to Lloyds.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5BSwEFJJ-44/T08XvHx-EHI/AAAAAAAAA3A/fP9dJwAsoCw/s1600/HH-001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 616px; height: 418px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5BSwEFJJ-44/T08XvHx-EHI/AAAAAAAAA3A/fP9dJwAsoCw/s400/HH-001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714812550466375794" border="0" /></a><br />I remember my dad used to say that you shouldn't order fish at a steak restaurant or steak at a seafood restaurant because it wouldn't be as good as you hoped. That came back to me after we went to Hamburger Heaven to have hot dogs. Hamburger Heaven is clearly a place that specializes in hamburgers. Don't get me wrong, the hot dogs were not bad, but they were nothing special either.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7cvk0NohCU/T08YALO_0OI/AAAAAAAAA3M/Q3RAt7Lw5bQ/s1600/HH-005.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 547px; height: 516px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D7cvk0NohCU/T08YALO_0OI/AAAAAAAAA3M/Q3RAt7Lw5bQ/s400/HH-005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714812843451207906" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVUEnHLEBV4/T08YzvMtkDI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/y5yFiu5MfRg/s1600/HH-002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 155px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gVUEnHLEBV4/T08YzvMtkDI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/y5yFiu5MfRg/s400/HH-002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714813729278627890" border="0" /></a><br />The dogs they serve are large and I presume are Nathan's brand since there is a Nathan's sign on the wall in the rear of the side seating area. We each tried a chili dog and hot dog as usual on a first visit to a place. The hot dogs come somewhat like a "Birmingham dog", with sauce, mustard, kraut and onions. But, the sauce is different from any hot dog sauce I have ever seen. It is actually their own hamburger sauce that appears to be a mix of mustard and ketchup with a little something else thrown in. The chili on the chili dogs is good chili. I didn't think to look but I bet they have a hamburger topped with chili, thus the chili is hot and ready.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BvV94k6MONc/T08ZAgT1nsI/AAAAAAAAA3k/PpiE-yY-FRI/s1600/HH-003.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 473px; height: 393px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BvV94k6MONc/T08ZAgT1nsI/AAAAAAAAA3k/PpiE-yY-FRI/s400/HH-003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714813948620283586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEeIza35j8I/T08ZPJDsf6I/AAAAAAAAA3w/1Ba2hMU5Izc/s1600/HH-004.JPG"></a><br />We sat there eating and finally talked about the food. It was then that we agreed that while it all seemed OK it just left us wishing we had tried something else. The hot dogs showed no evidence of being grilled and were actually warm rather than hot even though served in Styrofoam caskets that could have kept them warm. It's really hard to come up with specific reasons for our reaction other than the serving temperature and not having been grilled. The bottom line is, both the temperature and the flavor left something to be desired. It is our opinion that at over $2 each, you would do better to have a hamburger at Hamburger Heaven rather than a hot dog.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEeIza35j8I/T08ZPJDsf6I/AAAAAAAAA3w/1Ba2hMU5Izc/s1600/HH-004.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HEeIza35j8I/T08ZPJDsf6I/AAAAAAAAA3w/1Ba2hMU5Izc/s400/HH-004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714814200076599202" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The thought came to us that despite the many businesses along highway 280, we can think of NO hot dog stands between Homewood and Chelsea. I think there is a business opportunity for someone there.BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-51251754110110882342012-03-06T10:00:00.000-06:002012-03-06T10:00:04.261-06:00Jim's Trip to ChicagoA good friend of mine, Jim, recently made a work related trip to Chicago. Since he has followed our hot dog adventures he wanted to report on having some Chicago dogs. The following comments are from him.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjuBVGNRZZY/T1EIEPWY6FI/AAAAAAAAA38/-O4lZz02sXk/s1600/BG-01.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 501px; height: 450px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjuBVGNRZZY/T1EIEPWY6FI/AAAAAAAAA38/-O4lZz02sXk/s400/BG-01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715358271042807890" border="0" /></a>Cheese Dog and Fries at <span style="font-style: italic;">Billy Goat's</span><br /><br /></div>Monday at lunch I had a Cheese dog and a polish sausage at the <a href="http://www.billygoattavern.com/home.html">Billy Goat Tavern</a> location in Merchandise Mart since it was close to my school. I had been to the original Tavern on Michigan Ave when I was there three years ago, but didn't go this year. They don't serve fries at the original location (I'll have to tell you about that) and their hot dogs may be better than the ones they serve in the food court. They were OK, but nothing any different from what we get here.<br /><br />I talked with Jim about his Chicago trip and his french fry comment. He is an engineer with AT&T attending a school on how to do some technical jobs in the event he is called on to help keep things running in an emergency or during a strike. It seems that a mutual friend of ours had recommended that he eat at Billy Goat Tavern, the original location, and be sure to have their fries. He had fries at his visit to the location at the Merchandise Mart; but when he later went to a different location and tried to order fries he was answered with: "Chips, no fries"; and his attention was directed to a sign stating that they don't serve french fries but do serve chips. He then realized that he had been "set up" by our mutual friend. Jim also commented about another sign proclaiming how they serve Coca-Cola products, not Pepsi products. This is somewhat consistent with the many hot dog sellers in Chicago who refuse to put ketchup on a hot dog. There doesn't seem to be much tolerance for different tastes.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8irrQuRta44/T1EIVDoFh8I/AAAAAAAAA4I/R4HiEgS7JEI/s1600/AD-01.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 534px; height: 335px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8irrQuRta44/T1EIVDoFh8I/AAAAAAAAA4I/R4HiEgS7JEI/s400/AD-01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715358559953586114" border="0" /></a>Chicago Dogs and Fries at<span style="font-style: italic;"> America's Dogs</span><br /><br /></div>OK, now back to Jim's report:<br />I walked to the Navy Pier on Friday in hopes of getting a real Chicago Dog. My wife and I were there Labor Day weekend in 2009 and that was the first time I had a real Chicago Dog. From a distance, the Navy Pier appeared to be closed, but to my delight I found it open and a lot of people inside. I made my way to <a href="http://www.americasdog.com/">America's Dog</a> and ordered two Chicago Dogs. They were as good as I remembered, can't wait to go back!!!<br /><br />I had wanted to go to <span style="font-style: italic;">Super Dog</span> north of where I was staying, but did not have a car and didn't want to take a chance on getting a taxi there and back. Maybe next time.BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6780102774720655952.post-20533617922218790732012-02-29T22:40:00.011-06:002012-05-18T23:58:03.649-05:00Scott's Koneys is Alive and WellI can't believe it has been 3 weeks since I have written about hot dogs. I've had several; but haven't taken the time to write about it. So I will try to remedy that now.<br />
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A couple of weeks ago Robert and I started out hoping to eat at a hot dog cart I had spotted one weekend in front of Lowe's at Wildwood. The cart wasn't there that day so we decided to head on into town and make a return visit to <a href="http://scottskoneys.com/">Scott's Koneys</a> on Southside. Scott has to have more seating than any other hot dog stand in Birmingham. The picture below shows just part of the dining area.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq3OuwHPeoE/T08Kme6x2UI/AAAAAAAAA14/8XXFmohPhbI/s1600/Scotts-201.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714798108407355714" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kq3OuwHPeoE/T08Kme6x2UI/AAAAAAAAA14/8XXFmohPhbI/s400/Scotts-201.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 434px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 750px;" /></a><br />
They are located on the ground floor of the parking deck on 3rd Avenue South at Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. (formerly 21st Street). This is the parking deck located behind the old Liberty National building which is now vacant. If you ever want to have a hot dog party for a big group, this is the place to have it... for more reasons than one.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mqe0Vb3VAjg/T08K0N1f8gI/AAAAAAAAA2E/HNeSRlFM8m4/s1600/Scotts-202.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714798344339976706" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mqe0Vb3VAjg/T08K0N1f8gI/AAAAAAAAA2E/HNeSRlFM8m4/s400/Scotts-202.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 469px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 738px;" /></a><br />
I already mentioned the size of the facility. Let's add to that free parking in the parking deck when they stamp your ticket. Then there is Scott himself and the good food they serve.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--iTk2WgTdAg/T08LUd60w_I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/wXJcmxHL5fk/s1600/Scotts-204.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714798898413093874" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--iTk2WgTdAg/T08LUd60w_I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/wXJcmxHL5fk/s400/Scotts-204.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 400px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 269px;" /></a><br />
I had forgotten what a nice guy Scott is. He is a real people person who enjoys interacting with his customers. In recent years his business has faced the loss of all the occupants of the adjacent building when Liberty National moved out. He is still hopeful regarding future development of that building. Regardless, his business seems to be good. He once told us that his corporate customers that call on him for big events has kept his business alive; but there was a good crowd there for lunch the day we were there. I noticed him greeting several by name.<br />
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Now to the important part, the food. Dogs, to be precise. Scott's hot dogs rank right up there among the best you will find. The hot dogs are served "Birmingham style" unless you request something special. I recently wrote about what I call "Birmingham dogs", the hot dogs served with an owners own recipe for sauce, mustard, kraut and onions. Scott's sauce is as good as any I have had and better than many. The chili for a chili dog is flavorful and thick, a perfect for topping a hot dog.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSj5zc1uEpc/T08Lp-sl4qI/AAAAAAAAA2o/hoH_AiIzXiQ/s1600/Scotts-205.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714799267989021346" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSj5zc1uEpc/T08Lp-sl4qI/AAAAAAAAA2o/hoH_AiIzXiQ/s400/Scotts-205.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 347px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 400px;" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IHtRPYwV1w4/T08L1nN70YI/AAAAAAAAA20/ouUkHG7iM6M/s1600/Scotts-203.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714799467844850050" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IHtRPYwV1w4/T08L1nN70YI/AAAAAAAAA20/ouUkHG7iM6M/s400/Scotts-203.JPG" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 400px;" /></a><br />
On this trip I stuck with my usual order of a hot dog and a chili dog while Robert had a chili dog and a slaw dog. We thoroughly enjoyed our hot dogs and agreed that they are among the best we have had. I'm reluctant to call any hot dog the best, but Scott's is definitely on the short list of favorites.<br />
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While we were eating these dogs Scott was talking about his sausage dog. The sausage dog is somewhat like the polish sausage dogs available at many hot dog stands, but is made with smoked sausage. We were intrigued so we ordered one to split for desert. Yes we are the same two guys who dieted and had significant weight losses a few months ago, but not that day. Let me assure that this is a good dog and is worth going out of your way for.<br />
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As we were finishing up we talked with Scott a little and he was telling about his breakfasts and how much bacon he serves. He then suggested that next time we are there we should ask for a bacon dog. Now, there isn't a bacon dog on the menu, but he assured me that it wouldn't stop him from fixing one and that I would love it. His bacon dog is a hot dog with the addition of some bacon. Scott agrees with the southern cooks who think that bacon is a good addition to any food. I've said before that I enjoy the unusual and unexpected when we encounter it on these hot dog excursions. Well, that day we found another unexpected treat in Scott's sausage dog along with the idea firmly planted that we need to go back for a bacon dog.<br />
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I keep thinking about Scott's and his breakfasts and that bacon dog. I really want to find a reason to go downtown one morning and have breakfast and maybe even hang around for a bacon dog and a sausage dog at lunch. Hey, maybe I could take my laptop and work down there one day. I can dream about it whether I do it or not.<br />
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More posts to come.BirminghamHotdogshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05146717137978589136noreply@blogger.com2