Litchfield's Bar and Grill ~ A Restaurant Review

The Yank's Franks tasting team went to dinner and did we find a great place.

All but Hot Diggity were in the mood for a burger so we decided to try the newest place in town (the town being Wells, Maine).

Litchfield's Bar and Grill just recently opened under new (and much improved) management. Their sign notes their award for Best Hamburger in the NECN "Baby You're The Best" poll in 2011. The new owners are aligned with Lee Circle Grocery in Lee, NH winner of first place in the Baby You're the Best poll.

The burger pictured above was Litchfield's Cowboy Burger with a half pound of beef, plenty of delicious cheddar cheese and onion rings on top. For me, tonight I chose the Cheddar and Bacon Burger. It was a half pound of perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked beef topped with gooey cheddar cheese and crispy bacon (in addition to lettuce, tomato and onion). It was delicious and luckily my mouth was big enough to enjoy this mile high sandwich from top to bottom.

The French Fries that come with Litchfield's sandwiches got a special mention from Double Dog Dennis and they recieved the Seal of Approval from the French Fry King, very high praise indeed. The fries are not the thin, shoestring variety but a more substantial slice of potato. They were cooked perfectly, nice and crispy on the outside and just right on the inside. It doesn't sound like much, but cooking Fries to get that perfect combination seems to elude many. Not at Litchfield's, they know how to do Fries.

I can't finish without a commentary on dessert...Peanut Butter Pie. Wow, it was amazing. Leave enough room for this fantastic end to a wonderful meal.

Whether you're a summer visitor or a year round area resident, give the now owners at Litchfield's a try. You too will be pleased that Wells has another great place to eat.

Frankly, Wells is a great place for a Foodie to live (and eat)!

Hot Dog ~ I Got A Winter Gig!

Wow, Yank's Franks International?

It has a nice ring to it.

Hot Diggity captured this image of Yank serving up hot dogs at Crane Beach in Barbados. Sweet!!!

Now, if we could just serve Rum Punch at Yank's Franks in Wells. Some of you may remember the Smoothie of the Day for awhile last summer was Piña Colada. That's about as close as we will get.

Opening Day this year is May 19. We can't wait.

Frankly, there's no place like home!

Pearl's of Wisdom...

Hot Diggity and I were excited when we received an invitation from Pearl Meat Packing Co. to visit their Massachusetts headquarters.

The Yank's Franks tasting team showed up this morning anticipating a fun and educational (get it...Pearl's of wisdom) tour of Pearl's facilities. We were greeted by Bud Lazaro, Vice President of Sales as well as, Bob Camelio, President and CEO. We were very impressed by the facility's cleanliness, efficiency and the friendliness of the people.

Hot Diggity and I were treated to All-Beef hot dogs of various sizes, including a new Pearl Hot Dog spiced with Jalapeno peppers (ay chiwawa). We tried Pearl's beef and pork hot dogs as well as their Italian sausages. We sampled breakfast sandwiches, and even a wonderful Reuben sandwich made with Pearl's lean smoked Pastrami (absolutely delicious).

Of all the terrific offerings, the thing that kept us going back time and time again was the Jalapeno dog, it was delicious and unique.

What a great way to spend the day!

Frankly, Pearl makes awesome Hot Dogs (and more)!

A Yank's Franks Restaurant Review ~ Smashburger

Hot Diggity and I passed by Smashburger on a trip to Texas in November. While we didn't have time to try them out then, the thought of this new burger joint has been swirling around in my head ever since.

Today I was sporting a smile almost as big as the guy who, when asked how often he has sex, replied "once a year" Then why the big smile? "Because tonight's the night!"

Well, tonight's the night for Smashburger. Pictured here is Hot Diggity's Smashburger Classic with American Cheese on an egg bun. The Smashfries are shoe string russet potatoes tossed with olive oil, rosemary and garlic. Hot Diggity also had a Haagen-Daz milkshake as did I, but more on that later.

Joining in our review today were Spicy Salsa Marjan and The Hot Dog Cowboy. Spicy Salsa Marjan had the exact same lunch as Hot Diggity, but The Hot Dog Cowboy preferred the Smashburger Kid's meal with Veggie Frites (flash fried carrot sticks and green beans).

For me, it was a Create Your Own Burger. It had cheddar cheese and a bunch of other stuff. I opted for the Chili Cheese Fries (surprise, surprise).

We all had Haagen-Daz Vanilla Milkshakes. I haven't had a milkshake that was that good in many, many years.

As for the food...Hot Diggity, Spicy Salsa Marjan and I all agreed that these were spectacular burgers and amazing fries. The Hot Dog Cowboy let his empty plate do the talking. He loved the burger and really appreciated the Veggie Frites.

Smashburger received eight thumbs up on this trip! If you have the opportunity to visit a Smashburger it's worth the trip.

Frankly, Yank loves hamburgers and chili cheese fries!

A Yank's Franks Restaurant Review ~ The Maine Diner

One of the great things about living in the Wells, Maine area is access to an amazing place to eat called, The Maine Diner.

Hot Diggity and I were out Christmas shopping and were getting pretty hungry. In spite of the amazing Chili Dog fix I got at Hoss & Mary's last Friday, I was still jonesin' for more. A stop at the great Maine Diner was the answer.

One of Hot Diggity's favorite things to have for lunch (and for dinner) is breakfast. One of my favorite things to have for lunch (and for breakfast...and for dinner) is a Chili Dog. We knew what would satisfy both of our cravings.


Over the course of the last 30 years for me and the last XX years for Hot Diggity (I removed the number because Hot Diggity looks too young to go back that far) The Maine Diner has been a favorite with us.

Hot Diggity had her predictable breakfast selection. For me it was the bowl of Chili with 2 hot dogs. Being the clever foodie that I am, I not only turned these ingredients into chili dogs (I should be on the Food Channel), I accepted Hot Diggity's offer to choose French Fries with her meal and I was clever enough to turn her Fries into my Chili Fries. I am so creative.

The Maine Diner is awesome and consistent. We have dined there so many times, and have never had anything other than excellent meals.

Don't let the line of people bother you. There is a reason people are waiting...it's that good!!!

Frankly, Wells, Maine is fortunate to have such a great place to eat!

A Yank's Franks Restaurant Review ~ When Pigs Fly

I have reviewed several Hot Dog Joints and now I have decided to branch out and review other great restaurants. This is the first of these reviews, but won't be the last.

When Hot Diggity and I relocated to Maine ten years ago, she asked me, "when will Southern Maine get a great pizza joint?" I told her, "when pigs fly!" Well, as it turns out, I was correct (it doesn't happen that often).

Hot Diggity and I decided to have lunch today at When Pigs Fly. We headed south on route 1 and took note that at 11:55 am, the Flo's Hot Dogs parking lot had 2 cars out front. A little further south, one of my favorite hamburger joints, Wild Willy's had just 6 cars (2 of which were likely employees) at just about 12:00 noon. A little further south and we drove out of York and into Kittery, straight to When Pigs Fly and their parking lot was nearly full. I'd guess about 25-30 cars.

When Pigs Fly has a retail store where you can purchase a variety of items including their artisan breads. Warning~~if you are on a diet or simply watching your calories, do not go into this part of the building. Their breads are just ridiculous! I'm not lying, they are crazy good.

The majority of the building is the restaurant and today, Hot Diggity and I had pizza on our minds. While one pizza may have been enough for the two of us, we had different ideas as to or toppings of choice.

Hot Diggity selected their Four Cheese pizza (pictured on the right in the photo). In addition to Mozzarella, Fontina, Provolone and Pecorino Romano her pie had Spanish style salami, Peppadew (what the heck is that?) and blah, blah, blah a few other things.

My pizza was the House-Made Chirizo Sausage with Chopped Jalapenos (pictured on the left). It had other stuff, but when you have Chirizo and Jalapenos, the other stuff doesn't matter that much. It was delicious! I also had a piece of Hot Diggity's pizza and it was amazing as well.

The menu at When Pigs Fly had plenty of other offering like soups, salads and sandwiches that sounded really good, but don't pass by the pizza. It's made with fresh, tasty ingredients and it's baked in a wood-fired oven.

The When Pigs Fly restaurant is a must, but don't go into the retail store unless you are trying to bulk up.

Frankly, Hot Diggity and Yank love good food (and we love sharing it with you)!

I Found the Perfect Dessert Recipe ~ Whoopie (Pie)

The official Yank's Franks Whoopie Pie has been found. After trial and error (well, maybe not error so much as "less than perfect" ) we have created an awesome, authentic-Maine, 100% made in the USA, delicious Whoopie Pie.

The three Whoopies pictured here (the top Whoopie filling is colored with red food coloring) were part of a batch of 24 that were finished at 4:00 this afternoon. Now, here I am at 8:30 this evening and there are exactly none left.

According to Hot Diggity, "these are the absolute best Whoopie Pies I have ever had!"

The other two taste-testers, The French Fry King and Double Dog Dennis had similar comments which lead me to announce, Yank's Franks Whoopie Pies are the winner of the Best Dessert on the east coast.

I love when we win an award...even when I am the only judge.

Franlky, we serve the BEST Whoopie Pies!

Top Dog of Rockport ~ Awesome!!!

Today was a rainy and chilly day in Rockport. That really didn't matter to the Yank's Franks Team because Rockport is a fantastic destination no matter what the weather.

On our stroll down Bearskin Neck we passed by several seafood restaurants because we had our plans to stop on the ride home at one of my favorite seafood joints, Woodman's of Essex. I had deep fried lobster on my mind.

Hot Diggity and I, along with Bad Dog Barbara (pictured right enjoying her Bad Dog) and Shaggy Dog Howard (below left enjoying his Shaggy Dog) meandered along the charming lane that stretches the length of the Neck and Lo and Behold...a Hot Dog Joint.

Top Dog of Rockport was staring at me and screaming, "Yank, get in here and have a dog!" (I take medicine in an attempt to control the voices)

I apologized to the others and explained my need to silence the voices. As it turned out the others wanted a dog as well (this was the beginning of the end of the Woodman's idea).

My choice was the Golden Retriever topped with Bacon (the owner, Scott's recommendation). Griddled and served on a buttered and toasted New England style bun (sound familiar?) and swimming in mac 'n cheese. Holy Hot Dog Batman!!! this hot dog was great.

The other's had the Shaggy Dog and the Bad Dog and all reports were fantastic. The Fries were great and the Homemade Onions Rings were spectacular.

Only one bad thing to report...if I had realized at the time that we weren't going to Woodman's, I would have had two more dogs. That would have made it a perfect trip.

Thanks Scott!

Frankly, Yank knows a good dog when he tastes it!

M*A*S*H Fans and Hot Dog Lovers Rejoice

The Toledo, Ohio Hot Dog Joint made famous by M*A*S*H's lovable cross-dressing Max Klinger will stay in the family. The ownership of Tony Packo's was settled by a judge yesterday and the legendary "Joint" will continue to be operated by the Packo family. Read more here.

While the M*A*S*H television show ended 30 years ago, the restaurant's chili dog continues to be a fan favorite. While I am certain the Tony Packo's Chili Dog is delicious, I believe the Yank's Franks Chili Dog can't be beat.

Frankly, Tony Packo's would make a great stop on a Hot Dog road trip!

The Hot Dog Man Tours Southern Maine

Photo courtesy of The Hot Dog Man and his fancy schmancy camera.

The Hot Dog Man and his wife, Mrs. HDM set out on a tour of Southern Maine and his first stop...you guessed it, Yank's Franks.

The Hot Dog Man pulled into the Yank's Franks parking lot at about noon last Friday. He and Mrs. HDM unloaded their fancy, schmancy video equipment from their vehicle and proceeded to snap photos and conduct interviews for his Yank's Franks review.

Frankly, we can't wait to see the final result.

Foodie Blog, Chubby Werewolf Reviews Yank's Franks

Photo courtesy of Chubby Werewolf
Popular Maine Food Critic and blogger of Life in Maine, Chubby Werewolf has written a review of his recent visit to Yank's Franks. Chubby not only writes about his opinion of the hot dogs (pictured is the Yank's Frank that Chubby enjoyed), but he also gives a great description of Yank's almost famous Pulled Pork sandwich.

Check it out! If you are living in Southern Maine or visiting the Greater Portland area, do yourself a favor and read Chubby's articles on What To Do and Where To Eat. If you follow Chubby's suggestions, you will greatly enhance your Southern Maine experience.

If you're a Foodie and enjoy a perfect burger, Chubby devotes an entire section (Burger Watch) to his efforts to seek the ultimate burger. Warning - proceed cautiously through this section if you are hungry.

Thanks, Chubby for the great review. We are so happy you enjoyed your lunch.

Frankly, I Love Working at Yank's Franks! We Meet The Nicest People.

Father's Day Idea ~ For The Dad With Everything

It's Father's Day. Is your dad one of those guys who already has everything? Well, I bet he doesn't have a Yank's Franks Gift Certificate.

I've never met a great Dad that didn't love hot dogs!

Stop by Yank's Franks this weekend and get Dad the perfect gift. While you're at it, get yourself a hot dog and an order of onion rings.

Frankly, we have a great Father's Day gift!

Where Can You Go and Have a Gluten-Free Hot Dog, Burger, Or Pulled Pork Sandwich...Yank's Franks!

Yank's Franks hot dogs are too good to pass up, even if you suffer from Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance. Well, there is no need to ask for your hot dog or burger "just plain, without the bun."

Yank's Franks is working with Rudi's Gluten-Free Bakery from Boulder, Colorado. Rudi's bakes both gluten-free Hot Dog Buns and gluten-free Hamburger Buns which will allow more customers to fully enjoy their visit to Yank's Franks.

Both of these products are new to the market and Yank's Franks is thrilled to have this option available, making our menu more accessible to a wider variety of guests.

Frankly, we serve the BEST dogs!

Yank's Franks is That Way

Coming Soon!

If you're hopping off the highway and approaching Wells, or if you're leaving the beach to grab a delicious and quick lunch...just follow the signs to Yank's Franks.

They'll be up soon and if your jonesin' for a delicious hot dog with some extra crispy fries, just follow the signs.

Frankly, I really love our signs!

What Two Words Does Yank Love?

Lynn, wake up!

Food Show!

That's right, Yank, Hot Diggity and (the recently crowned) French Fry King spent the afternoon thoroughly enjoying the Sysco Food Show.

Of course, the primary goal of attending a Food Show is new menu ideas. This show didn't disappoint. It provided a great menu idea for our upcoming season (which, by the way, is just a little over three weeks away).

I'm going to hold off on telling you what this idea is. The truth be told, most of you won't think of it as anything groundbreaking, but those that have followed our progress will be surprised (pleasantly surprised, I believe).

Some of the ideas for the coming season that I've discussed before are taking shape. I would like to share a couple of them with you.

This year you will see a Pulled Pork Sandwich on the menu. You'll have your choice between a Sweet (not too sweet) BBQ Sauce or a Spicy and Smooth BBQ Sauce.

Also, new to the menu is a Specialty Dog that I'm thinking of calling, The Angry Dog, The Dog That Bites Back! It will be made with the new Yank's Angry Sauce. Warning...it really will bite you back.

The season is getting close. We can't wait.

Frankly, we serve a very Angry Hot Dog Sauce!

Opening Soon! May 21st is Opening Day for Yank's Franks

Yank's Franks Opening Day will be Saturday, May 21st. Yank's will be open weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Beginning Saturday, June 18th, Yank's will be open 7 days per week from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The 7-day per week schedule will continue through Labor Day, Monday, September 5th. After Labor Day, Yank's will be back on the weekend schedule through Columbus Day, Monday, October 10th.

We're getting excited, we're working on new Specialty Dogs, the perfect Pulled Pork Sandwich and a few other new offerings. If you are a fan of Yank's Super Crispy French Fries, you'll love the Chili Fries (or the Chili-Cheddar Fries). And speaking of chili, Yank's Beantown Chili will be available by the cup during the entire season.

We have a new sign being built. It will certainly be up before opening day. When it's ready, I'll have photos so you will know what to look for.

And last but not least (okay, maybe it is least), we have a new name for one of our hot dog researchers. The Hot Dog King has been stripped of his title, but don't feel bad for him. He still is King except from here on he'll be referred to as The French Fry King. This new title is far more appropriate and frees up The Hot Dog King title for someone who is a true lover of encased meats. The French Fry King's true passions are Cheeseburgers and French Fries.

That's it for now. I'll keep you posted.

Frankly, we can't wait until Opening Day!

Yank's Franks Is Showing Up All Over The Hot Dog World

The latest Yank's Franks spotting is in Bump's Guide, The Hot Dog Edition.

Exactly what does this mean? I'm sorry, I really have no idea. However, it is always nice to be noticed and if you click around Bump's Guide, it's kind of fun.

Hot Dog Season, aka Baseball Season is upon us, and it is predicted by Major League Baseball that us fans will consume 22.5 million hot dogs at ball parks during this 2011 season. In another stunning prediction, Hot Dogger Extraordinaire, Yank predicts the Boston Red Sox will win the American League Pennant and will go on to take the World Series in six games. Let me be the first to congratulate the Red Sox.

Frankly, Yank's Franks loves the Boston Red Sox!

Hoss & Mary's Tasty Grub ~ Old Orchard Beach, Maine

Take a trip to Old Orchard Beach and don't miss Hoss & Mary's Tasty Grub. Hoss & Mary's had their pre-opening today and their official opening is tomorrow.

Three fourths of the Yank's Franks research crew, Double Dog Dennis, The Hot Dog King and I traveled north in anticipation of some "tasty grub." We entered Hoss & Mary's new restaurant (they used to operate Tradewinds Cafe) and we were overwhelmed. What a fantastic place and it's on the beach. As they advertise, Hoss & Mary's is, "In the shadow of the roller coaster!"

As for our expectations of the tasty grub, we talked about it all the way home. It was awesome. Double Dog Dennis got a cheeseburger and fries ( a little boring DD) which he thoroughly enjoyed. The Hot Dog King decided on The Foghorn Leghorn, a cheeseburger topped with chicken fingers, lettuce, tomato and mayo. He is known as The Hot Dog King, but had I been a little more patient in assigning him his hot dog name, he would have been The French Fry King. Needless to say, he selected and loved the fries. For me it was The Moultron, a sandwich named after another of Hoss & Mary's faithful customers(and obviously a foodie genius). My sandwich was simply a cheeseburger topped with a grilled hot dog. I added mustard to make my sandwich the little piece of foodie heaven that I am still dreaming about. My fries were excellent, but that sandwich...WOW!

It's definitely worth a trip up to Old Orchard Beach. Enjoy the rides, enjoy the beach...but you have to eat at and enjoy Hoss & Mary's Tasty Grub. Their menu has something for everyone and from the comments and observations of everyone that showed up today, everything is just amazing.

Frankly, the Yank's Franks research team knows where to dine!

Breaking New Grounds ~ Perkins Cove

What a nice afternoon that Hot Diggity and I had. While cruisin' through Perkins Cove, we stumbled upon a great little coffee shop. We aren't ones that can pass up a coffee shop especially when it comes with a million dollar view (inflation adjusted, it's a 5 million dollar view). There it was sitting right on the open ocean, Breaking New Grounds Coffee & Tea.

What a find! The coffee was superb, the ambiance was unbeatable and the friendly staff made the visit all the better.

This is an official Yank's Franks recommendation...if you're a local, get there before the season kicks into high gear. If you're visiting for summer vacation, plan on a trip to Perkins Cove (you'll probably go there anyway) and keep your eyes peeled for Breaking New Grounds. The chief Barista, Ed tells us that in the summer there are Adirondack chairs out on the rocks for customers to enjoy. I'm telling you, not only will you enjoy their coffee (their bagels and pastries looked amazing), but you'll have a chance to live like a millionaire lounging on the rocky Maine Coast.

Breaking New Grounds has all the specialty coffee and tea drinks you could want and there's a bagel or pastry for every taste.

Frankly, Yank's Franks serves the BEST dogs! But, we do love our coffee especially when it comes with a magnificent ocean view.

While in Maine, Find Out What's Hot

chubbywerewolf

Here is a new offbeat blog that will seek out (among other things), America's best hamburger. The photo to the left accompanied Chubby's review of a Portland, Maine restaurant named Local 188. Go to Chubby Werewolf's blog to see how this Local 188 Brunch Burger stacks up against others.

Chubby himself made an appearance at Yank's Franks back in early October. He arrived unannounced and never identified himself until he wrote a great online review of Yank's Franks. Thanks, Chubby!

For insight into Portland's pop culture, reviews of popular movies, life in Maine, and my favorite, the hunt for the perfect cheeseburger (only one thing could be better...the hunt for the perfect hot dog) visit Chubby Werewolf's site and check back often, it's full of great ideas.

Frankly, Yank's Franks serves the BEST dogs!