More Dogs

Windmill dog

Originally uploaded by warmleatherette

Looking at the Village Voice’s hot dog round-up, I was reminded that I never posted this photo from last September’s Max’s vs Windmill taste test. The Windmill dog was delicious, but I still give Max’s the edge. A bit more snap (they definitely griddle until well done), and I can’t get enough of that hot relish. Sadly no photo of the latter, but enjoy gazing at the Windmill’s offering in all its glory.

Max’s, 24 Matilda Terrace, Long Branch NJ
The Windmill, 586 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch NJ (multiple locations)

The Spring Hot Dog Invitational Results, Part 3

Here is where memory fails me. I can’t for the life of me remember the name of the place we went to (also in Union) for Italian hot dogs. I think I repressed it, actually, so grossed out was I by these monsters. As you can see, they’re something else. I don’t know who came up with the idea to stuff a quarter of a ciabatta with hot dogs, griddled peppers and onions, and about a pound of fried potato slices, but he or she was a real sicko. The fact that the only other customers aside from us were morbidly obese did nothing to alter my judgment. Though I felt bad for wasting food, most of mine ended up in the bin.

Mystery Italian hot dog joint (Charlie’s?), Union NJ

The 2008 Spring Hot Dog Invitational Results, Part 2

Our next stop was the Galloping Hill Grill in Union. They get the onion ring award, plus they have birch beer (!), but the dogs themselves were a bit bland and served on ridiculously thick, puffy rolls. Normally I’d welcome some good, chewy bread, but when you’re trying to eat at as many different places as possible, stomach space is not to be wasted lightly.

Galloping Hill Grill, 325 Chestnut Street, Union NJ

Results From The 2008 Hot Dog Invitational

Wow. I can’t believe I forgot to post this. Better late than never, I suppose. To bring you up to speed: We went out to Jersey one afternoon and ate a bunch of hot dogs. Not as much as we would have liked, but enough to make us thoroughly sick of them at the conclusion of the event. The hands-down winner (in my opinion) was Jersey City’s Boulevard Drinks, a tiny old-school joint. The dogs are the small, very snappy kind that I love, and they have some killer homemade chili (thin, spicy, and vinegary) that’s not greasy or gunky. Above you see the excellent facade and a bit of one of Al’s dogs. Next up: The Galloping Hill Grill.

Boulevard Drinks, 48 Journal Square, Jersey City, NJ 07306

Happy 2009

This was how we ended up celebrating the end of 2008. We modified a Nigel Slater recipe, creating a marinade of honey, fish sauce, kecap, star anise, soy sauce, sugar, and Sichuan peppercorns. The ribs went into the oven for 3 hours or so, and they came out pretty darn well. Nowhere near as good as some properly smoked meat, though! Ah well. Summer’s coming soon enough (or so I tell myself).

Tacos & More Is Open!

And I’m excited! I think it might be run by the nice people who had the taco cart by McCarren Park briefly earlier in the year. Lots of good stuff on offer: chilaquiles, tortas, enchiladas, egg sandwiches (I am so getting one tomorrow, avec chorizo!) various meat platters, and of course… tacos. From the menu, it looks like barbacoa and lengua are regular options in addition to the standard fillings – yay! Fingers crossed that the food is good, and that a new business can thrive despite this terrible economy.

Tacos & More, 688 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11222 (just past the intersection of Bedford and Manhattan Aves)

718.349.2626

Vanocka

AKA Czech Christmas bread. My mother makes the best.

How Sweet It Is…

Yes, we did.

I Don’t Even Want To Know…

One of the Google search terms that led to my blog is “hot chips in a buckey yum – pictures.”

Any ideas?

Dairybomb

From an Alton Brown recipe. Ridiculously cheesy, and made even richer with milk from the fabulous Milk Thistle Farm of Ghent, NY.

http://www.milkthistlefarm.com/