I am an American and I Eat Hot Dogs

1 x Californian, $3.25

I’ve been riding the Chinatown bus between Boston and New York way too much recently. Every time we pass through Fairfield, CT on 95N, I see that Super Duper Weenie sign and feel a slight pang of regret that, instead of stopping off there, we’ll have to stop off at that Chinese Buffet on 84. I mean, Chinese food at $6/lb does make for pretty great bus food, but I’d much rather hit up one of our country’s finer hot dog places if I had the choice. But this time, I’m the one driving, and I’m the one who decides to take that exit and grab a dog

I decided to go way out on a limb and try the Californian, which comes topped with chili, onions, American cheese, hot relish and a pickle. This totally looked like a disaster waiting to happen. First off, I’ve been to California and never seen them serve any dogs that sounded like this, so I’m immediately skeptical. Second, I don’t put American cheese on anything. Yeah, I know, I’m a snob. Deal with it. Seriously though, it’s not that good! It’s real flavorless and kind of plastic-y. Sliced cheese comes in many other reasonably priced varieties, each of which has far more character than the over-processed block that bears our nation’s name.

Well, I’m happy to report that I’ve been totally schooled by Super Duper Weenie. I tried to order the worst thing on the menu, and it blew me away. This dog was incredible. The chili here is top-notch, and I just couldn’t believe how great that slice of American cheese tasted after it had gotten a little melty underneath the hot dog. The hot relish is SDW’s secret weapon in the condiment arena – they can put this on anything and it will taste great. This is one of those times when it feels so good to be proven wrong. I left feeling inspired. If Super Duper Weenie can put American cheese on a hot dog and make it work, then anything must be possible.

I don’t normally make over-enthusiastic endorsements like this, but Super Duper Weenie is truly a place where the hot dog is treated as an art form. They’ve treated all aspects of the hot dog with meticulous care, and I feel fortunate to occasionally be the beneficiary of their hard work. I’m already looking forward to my next visit.

1 x Speed Dog with everything, $7

I think Old Speed has finally retired. But fortunately for the rest of Boston’s hot dog enthusiasts, he’s passes he recipes along to small team who have taken over his cart and location in Newmarket Square. I had heard rumor about the expanded hours, and while there certainly was a charm to the unpredictability of a Speed’s visit, the more frequently I can get a Speed Dog, the happier I’ll be. These guys seem to have their stuff together and are all about consistency.

This was my first visit in over a year. It was just a few days after Christmas and it was bright and sunny and not-too-cold. With these glorious rumors of expanded hours dancing in my head, I though, “Why not take a chance?” I was in the area – it couldn’t hurt to just drive by and see. And oh how my heart lept as I turned the corner at the Farmer’s market to seem off in the hazy distance of that industrial park, the finest hot dog cart in all the land: the legendary Boston Speeds!

As shocked as I was to see a white dude inside the cart, the service was quick, the toppings were all there in their buckets and the dog was pretty much as good as ever. The price has now been elevated to $7, but if an extra dollar is all I have to pay to ensure that I can get a Speed’s dog 5 days a week between 11am and 5pm, then you won’t hear one complaint escape my excited mouth. Go here to eat.