This week's hot dog is more of a technique than a regional style. That's because finding a really good hot dog in the Philadelphia area is almost impossible. Legend has it that some manufacturers even make a special extra-bland wiener for the region. To jack up the flavor, I marinate my Pennsylvania hot dogs in beer, garlic, onions, herbs and aromatics not unlike what you would use to make a classic choucroute. Then I throw the dogs in a small pot of chili on the grill, toss the dog into a bun, cover it with chili and heaping piles of shredded cheese, diced onions, and maybe some scallions if I'm feeling fancy. Mustard is optional though I prefer yellow,...
Continue reading »
"Gewürztraminer is grown in Germany and Alsace, two regions known for fine sausages, so it's no surprise the grape goes well with hot dogs." [Photograph: Robyn Lee] Many hot dogs will be slapped into buns this weekend in honor of Labor Day. Some will anoint them with mustard, others will go for "Chicago style," loading everything but the kitchen sink on top. Even without toppings, hot dogs are tricky because they combine sweet and salty flavors. So what's a wine drinker to do? Of course, you can do what you like—there are no absolute rules when it comes to wine and food pairing. But if hot dogs have stumped you in the past, I've got recommendations for sparkling, Gewürztraminer, rosé,...
Continue reading »
Not sure what to make this weekend? We've got your back. From bacon salads to short ribs to shortcakes, it's time to salute summer foods before the butternut squash rolls in.
Continue reading »
©iStockphoto.com/SweetyMommy It's Labor Day weekend, and that means it's Minnesota State Fair time. The New York Times reports that fairgoers can enjoy—get this—60 different foods served on a stick, ranging from corn on the cob to smoked walleye to meatballs and spaghetti on a stick. I started thinking about two things: What are the 50 foods being served on a stick? Here's all the food and drink being served at the fair, but there is no way of knowing what's stick-based and what isn'tWhat is my favorite food on a stick? I do love a good corn dog, but more often than not I'm disappointed in the corn dogs I order. Plus, my picking a corn dog means I...
Continue reading »
Photograph from roboppy on Flickr Get out the grill tongs and soccer mom chairs. It's time to avoid labor, and E-A-T. We'll be on a lighter posting schedule this holiday weekend, but will see you all back here in full force on Tuesday. We can't help but ask: what are you slapping onto the grill?...
Continue reading »
