After the somewhat surprising success last month of my post about National Martini Day, I’m following up with a tribute to an American food icon: the hot dog.
July 23 is National Hot Dog Day, so what better time to fête the fabulous frank? As a diehard Chicagoan myself, I favor a fairly classic dog (Don’t even think about adding ketchup!), but I found a few interesting twists on the traditional that I thought might whet your appetite in advance of this week’s dog day.
Chebeaugue Island Inn off the coast of Portland, Maine, is serving a Lobster “Haute” Dog (US$12) this summer — a frank made from fresh lobster and beef and served with avocado-garlic whip and pickled watermelon slaw.
Not to be outdone by its New England neighbor, Hotel Vermont in Burlington has introduced the Sugar Mountain Pork Hot Dog (US$6) made with locally raised pork and dressed with house pickle relish, yellow mustard and a choice of lamb chili, cheese curds and oxtail gravy.
Even Caribbean hotels are getting in on the act. The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa is offering the Cayman Hot Dog with Mango Slaw and Redfish Ceviche (US$18.29), an all-beef hot dog on a grilled brioche bun given an island twist thanks to its unusual toppings.
What special offerings is your hotel serving for National Hot Dog Day? How do you like to enjoy the wonderful wiener? Please share your stories and preferences.