Hot Dogs are Dominating the News

They're getting lots and lots of publicity lately. Hot Dogs are all over the news and it's not favorable publicity. Whoever said, "it's better to get bad publicity than no publicity at all" was not referring to hot dogs.

The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a policy statement that has been "spun" by the media to make it sound more sensational. The fact remains, in addition to peanuts, popcorn, raisins, grapes and hard candy, hot dogs are a potential choking hazard.

In an excellent article by Dr. Ari Brown posted on WebMD, among other things the importance of parents cutting up a child's food is discussed. I would add to that my thoughts that parents need to always watch their children while they eat. Not just while they eat items on this choking hazard list, but when they are eating anything.

Frankly speaking, we (will) serve the best Hot Dogs!
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Hot Dog Progress For Yank's Franks

Hot Diggity and I have been doing much more than eating hot dogs and salty fries.

While we don't have any concrete announcements to share (yet), we are getting close on many fronts.

As I mentioned in the February 19th post, we have found a spot that we think would be great for the future home of Yank's Franks.

This past week alone, we have had a meeting with the Planning Department, and later in the week we met with the Code Enforcement Department. We attempted (without success so far) to contact the State Fire Marshall's office to discuss their requirements. And, we visited the Water Department to review the service at the site we are considering.

Courtesy of Mother Nature and the 5+ inches of rain she dumped on us on Thursday, we even had the chance to make an impromptu visit to the site to see if it remained above water. It did!

I am hoping we'll have a Hot Dog Bulletin to share with you next week.

During this past week we have made significant progress in the development of a logo. And, we visited with a sign maker in his shop, a very interesting experience.

We made contact with an awesome hot dog manufacturer. However, it is still unclear whether they will be able to ship their product to Southern Maine. We're still waiting for more information.

So, while we haven't suspended our taste testing, Hot Diggity and I have been making progress on other fronts as well.

Frankly speaking, we (will) serve the best Hot Dogs!
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Mustard Takes the Blue Ribbon

The results of the "Favorite Condiment" poll are in and counted. All polling locations in all time zones are closed.

The results are as follows (and remember, voters were able to select multiple choices so the numbers add up to more than 100%).

Mustard 75%
Relish 40%
Ketchup 15%
Sauerkraut 35%
Chili 15%
Raw Onion 40%
Fried Onion 10%
Cheese 25%
Bacon 20%
Slaw 0%
Other 20%

Obviously (and predictably), Mustard kicked hot dog butt.

The result that I found most valuable is the Slaw came in with a big fat goose egg. Yahoo, no slaw at Yank's Franks.

Of course, the one result I found a bit disturbing was the 15% that selected Ketchup. I didn't realize I had any readers in the "under 8 years" category. This %'age mysteriously corresponds to the results in previous polls that voted for steamed hot dogs and then later voted for not griddling their buns (just kidding folks, don't get your onion rings in a knot).

Again, thank you for voting and check out the new poll for this week.

A Hot Dog Miracle

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Does anybody else see it? It's a Miracle! It's a sign! It's lunch!

Frankly speaking, we (will) serve the best Hot Dogs!

The Coney Island Hot Dog ~ Another Treat for Your Taste Buds

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When Yank's Franks finally opens its door for business, consider ordering a Coney Island Hot Dog. If you're in a hurry, just say, "I'll have a Coney!"

A "Coney" is a beef hot dog topped with yellow mustard, then chili (hot dog chili, like Texas chili, has no beans), and finally, diced yellow onion.

This photo of the hot dog would be referred to as a "Cheese Coney" as it is also topped with shredded cheddar.

If you're a fan of chili (and I definitely am) then you'll love a "Coney." But, one bit of trivia of which you may not be aware...it is believed this style hot dog was developed in Detroit.

Frankly speaking, we (will) serve the best hot dogs!

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Hot Dog! An Interesting Possiblity for the Home of Yank's Franks

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Today, we were out checking out different properties for Yank's Franks. The really good news is, I think we found a great site. It is too early to let the "cat out of the bag" (in other words, to make the address public), but if things come together you will be the first to know.

I'm anxious to be able to begin showing photos (here on the blog) of the property and the changes we will be making to transform it from an acceptable commercial site to the home of the best hot dog on the planet.

I'm sure every hot dog vendor has that as a goal. Wait...I take that back, we've eaten at several hot dog joints lately that certainly could not have that in their Mission Statement.

Anyway, we've already done some research on the property. We've visited city hall and we plan more trips soon. I've met with a sign maker. I have the very best person conceivable working on our logo. We are working on our menu and we are testing different foods.

Everything is moving along well. Unfortunately, I believe progress will slow considerably once we begin the process of obtaining the necessary approvals and permits (city and state). I learned a saying when I was very young, "you can't fight city hall." I am about to get close up and personal with the meaning of that line.

Hopefully, more information to come soon.

Don't forget to vote and remember you can chose multiple options in this week's poll.
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The Chicago Dog ~ A Love Affair

Imagine my surprise when we returned home from a morning out looking at real estate. Sitting in front of our rear door was a big box labeled Portillo's. For those who may not recognize the name, Portillo's has been a Chicago Hot Dog institution for nearly 50 years. I knew immediately who the package was from (our Chicago based researcher) and I knew what was inside (what else would it be other than the obvious, Chicago Dogs).

I am no stranger to Chicago Dogs. At least I didn't think I was. I've had many a Chicago Dog, in fact I had one last Saturday at a nearby hot dog joint named after the Chicago delicacy. To be frank (pun intended) I have never been all that impressed. I didn't entirely get the slice of tomato, sport pepper, celery salt "thing." It was NBD (no big deal). Even hearing from Debbie on ocassion raving of these wonderful Chicago treats. I didn't get it.


Well, it was a great afternoon in the research kitchen. The Chicago Hot Dog kit came complete with all the ingredients required to make the perfect Chicago Hot Dog as well as assembly instructions.

For Hot Diggity, it was one Chicago Dog, light on the sport pepper. For Tree (yes, that's her name and that's her pictured to the right), it was one Chicago Dog, extra sport pepper. And for me, two Chicago Dogs, authentic.

I am a convert. These Chicago Dogs were unbelievable. It was like a smorgasbord of flavors all put in your mouth at once. My mouth was a very happy place.

Yank's Franks will certainly have Chicago Dogs on the menu, and they will be served properly.

Thank you, Chicage for your great research and for the b'day gift.
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