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Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
John, you need to get yourself to Scranton to try Coney Island Lunch (the real one, not the sham imposters on the main drag). They serve a local weiner, Guttheinz. And in some of the supermarkets' deli sections you can find equally good local dogs, like Schiff's and another whose name I forget at the moment.
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
The only way I found it was thanks to printed out Mapquest directions, and even then it was tough.
Joe and John are great guys. According to them, they used to be hippies and hardcore gamblers, but they got religion and turned their lives around, eventually taking the place over from their dad, who used to cut hair in the now-vacant barbershop next door.
Clarifying a couple of things. They don't have a computer, but one of the brothers regularly goes to the public library to surf the Net. He is especially good at finding mentions of their place, which he prints and adds to their collection.
Secondly, the dogs are pan fried, but what gives them extra zip is that they are pan-fried in oil. They used to use Crisco, but it got too pricey, so they use cooking oil they buy in bulk.
Their religiosity might be off-putting to some, but they really don't shove it down your throat or preach at you (with the exception of the tracts and Bible verses on the walls). Get over that and you'll have a fine time. My girlfriend and I went there two or three times one summer, then came back late the next summer and were stunned when Joe greeted us by name. He remembered!
Oh, and the mealie is simply the finest dog I've ever had, with Coney Island Lunch in Scranton, PA, a distant second.
Eat for Eight Bucks: Best-Ever Salad for Leftover Meats
Substitute canola for the EVOO and make that vinegar the balsamic type and you have the dressing for Bobby Flay's "Sophie's Chopped Salad," which is a pretty darn great salad too.
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Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
No, Schiff's is a meat store and supermarket in Scranton.
And that's the impostor. I stupidly added "Lunch" when the original is just Coney Island. Here's their Web site: http://www.coneyislandofscranton.com/CIOS1/Welcome.html The place is all spiffed up now, after is was gutted by an arson last year. So glad they stuck with it and reopened.
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
John, you need to get yourself to Scranton to try Coney Island Lunch (the real one, not the sham imposters on the main drag). They serve a local weiner, Guttheinz. And in some of the supermarkets' deli sections you can find equally good local dogs, like Schiff's and another whose name I forget at the moment.
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
The only way I found it was thanks to printed out Mapquest directions, and even then it was tough.
Joe and John are great guys. According to them, they used to be hippies and hardcore gamblers, but they got religion and turned their lives around, eventually taking the place over from their dad, who used to cut hair in the now-vacant barbershop next door.
Clarifying a couple of things. They don't have a computer, but one of the brothers regularly goes to the public library to surf the Net. He is especially good at finding mentions of their place, which he prints and adds to their collection.
Secondly, the dogs are pan fried, but what gives them extra zip is that they are pan-fried in oil. They used to use Crisco, but it got too pricey, so they use cooking oil they buy in bulk.
Their religiosity might be off-putting to some, but they really don't shove it down your throat or preach at you (with the exception of the tracts and Bible verses on the walls). Get over that and you'll have a fine time. My girlfriend and I went there two or three times one summer, then came back late the next summer and were stunned when Joe greeted us by name. He remembered!
Oh, and the mealie is simply the finest dog I've ever had, with Coney Island Lunch in Scranton, PA, a distant second.
Eat for Eight Bucks: Best-Ever Salad for Leftover Meats
Substitute canola for the EVOO and make that vinegar the balsamic type and you have the dressing for Bobby Flay's "Sophie's Chopped Salad," which is a pretty darn great salad too.
A Southern Biscuit and Dinner Roll Taste-Off with Nora Ephron
The Sister Schubert's Web site has not been updated with some really big news: Sam's Club is now carrying her Parker House rolls, in a 30-count package! I checked Sam's Club's site, and it looks like they are in pretty much all their stores. Great news for NYers and NJites who don't hate WalMart.
The Joys of Unnaturally Flavored Sodas
Whole Foods store-brand sodas generally suck, but their black cherry is darn good, and cheaper than Dr. Brown's; plus, it's made with sugar, not corn syrup.
In certain parts of Pennsylvania (though it's getting harder to find), you can get Frozen Run birch beer, which is clear and scrumptious. Fans of Crystal brand birch beer should seek this out, since Crystal went out of business not long ago.
Zummo’s Café in Scranton, Pennsylvania
Amen, Brian! From the abundance of junk food (Tastycakes; various brands of potato chips; Frozen Run birch beer) to all kinds of Italian, Greek and Slavic delicacies. The area can't be beat.
The New Breed of NYC Hot Dogs: Are They Really Better?
The best hot dog I have ever had in my life is the Mealie at Charlie's Pool Room: http://www.hollyeats.com/CharliesPoolRoom.htm
The guys who run the place are odd birds. Very religious, and might scare some because they are odd, though I love their oddness. And their dogs! Closed on Sundays.
Win Tickets to the Hot Dog Hootenanny
Texas Wieners from Coney Island (NOT Coney Island Lunch, those imposters) in Scranton, PA. With their chili sauce. At least four of them, but as many as six. Depends if you get fries or not.
Ed Levine's Serious Diet, Week 57: Apple Crisp, Lard Potato Chips, and Chocolate
One of the brands of chips was surely Gibble's. I was going to post about their wondrous tastiness on my blog, about 2 days before Adam posted about them here, robbing me of my chance. Oh, procrastination.
Utz brand's Grandma Utz chips are also lard-fried. There's Good's brand, and Diffenbach's. Can't wait to hear which the Serious Eaters had.
Cooking with Kids: Scrambled Egg Smackdown with Tyler Florence
Ten minutes??? If you are cooking them at a low-enough temperature to do them right, it will take you at least half an hour.
Serious Sandwiches: Tony Luke's Roast Pork Italian, Philadelphia
Ha! I just mentioned this sammich in the post on the frozen Tony Luke's stuff!
Get Tony Luke's Sandwiches at Home—Sort Of
I'd rather they sold their Italian roast pork with provolone and brocolli rabe!
Legendary NYC Vegetable Peeler Salesman Joe Ades, 75
It's the Star Peeler, and you can find them online. Though I (like so many others) finally broke down after years and bought one from Joe. It really is a great little peeler.
I saw him in Union Square a few weeks ago, and thought that he looked really sweaty (on a cool day) and unwell. :::sigh::: Rest in peels, Joe.
Martha, Keith Olbermann, and WKRP in Cincinnati's Infamous Turkey Drop
The whole episode is on Hulu.
Served: My Plea To Tip Kindly
I'm a generous tipper, but I tip on the subtotal, not the total. Because when I waited tables, we only had to declare a percentage of the total of all our subtotals from our checks for the night.
Is Whole Foods Becoming Costco with a Side Order of Trader Joe's?
Whole Foods store-brand canned soda is dirt cheap, esp. when you consider they use pure cane sugar and not HFCS. Also, the Union Square branch sells milk and butter cheaper than the nearby Food Emporium.
Shake Shack: A New York Spin on the West Coast–Style Burger
Sorry, Shake Shack is okay, but seriously overrated. Don't believe the hype!
Best Roast Pork Sandwiches in Philly
You used to be able to get one here in NYC at the Tony Luke's outpost. But the place parted ways with it's father, and is now called Shorty's. Now you can get a serviceable facsimile of one.
The Best Black and White Cookies? Half-Moons? Amerikaners?
FoodBoy, you're talking about Glaser's Bake Shop. And, yes, they are the best B&Ws in the city.
What's Your Favorite Local Ice Cream?
It's not local to me, but it is fantastic. And it is shippable. Pretty much just about any flavor from the Creamery at Penn State. I'm partial to the Peachy Paterno.
Cook the Book Giveaway: 'Peace, Love, and Barbecue'
Brisket from the Salt Lick. Yum!
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
Had lunch today at Charlies, Great as usual, I rate the mealie the best in the country,second is flow's on route 1 in Maine, third is the Texas winner on rt 22 in greenbrook N.J. and 4th is Ruts hut also in New Jersey . also Joe and John are great and there place is unusual to say the least
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
hotdoglover- yes they were the beef and pork Thumann's, incredible... some of the best I've had.
destouches- definitely billiards. no swimming here. the pool table is rarely used these says though. There's also a pinball machine.. used to be more of a neighborhood game room before they became known for their dogs.
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
pool room? like billiards or swimming pool?
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
Were they the ones in the blue and white package? These are the natural casing 6 to a lb beef and pork franks that Thumann's are known for.
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
Yeah I came across those two Scranton Texas Lunch spots when researching the Texas Weiner article. Some crazy history going on in hot dog etymology, since they describe the dogs as both "texas weiners" and "coney island".
They both seem to claim to be the original and the debate seems pretty heated. If I make it out there will definitely try both.
Also in the poconos that weekend (after Charlie's) was surprised at the hot dog selection in the supermarkets. Picked up some Thumann's and cooked them on the grill, really really good.
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
http://www.texas-wiener.com/ourworldfamoustexaswiener.htm
If this is the place, their site says they serve a Berks all beef dog.
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
Found the address. Lackawana Ave. in Scranton.
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
Do you have an address? I get to PA about once a year for a beer festival in Adamstown. I believe Schiff's is a kosher dog from Boston that was just revived by the original owner's grandson. I would love to try them as I've heard that they are very good. Heard of Guttheinz but never had them.
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
The dogs in West Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania are milder pork and beef franks usually served with yellow mustard and pickle. The common brands are Kunzler, Berk's, and Hatfield. I've had the Kunzler brand at several places in the area, but it always tastes better at Charlies. Prepared just right. They use Wesson oil and steam the buns.
Joe has quite a memory and remembers every one who walks through the door. You won't meet owners who care more about their product and customers than Joe and John. Two all around great guys who deserve to do well. Many places do well because of factors like location and reputation. Or they might be the only game in town. Other places serving superior dogs and providing better service are forced to close down. I've seen it. Sadly serving a top notch dog with care is no longer a guarantee of success in these times. Which is why I'm happy that Charlies is doing well. It would have been a shame if they had to close down.
Charlies would make a great stop on the New Jersey Hot Dog Tour. Unfortunately they are not able to serve 50 plus people with one small frying pan. But Joe and John are gracious enough to open on their day off exclusively for myself and a small group of about 15. They've done this in the past and they will do it next month for me. Most in my group attend the annual Tour and many name Charlies as their favorite hot dog joint.
People's tastes are personal and subjective. But in all the time I have been reading reviews and comments about hot dog establishments, Charlies Pool Room is the only one where I've never come across a bad review or even read of anyone saying that they didn't like their dogs.
Hot Dog of the Week: Charlie's Pool Room
I don't know of any place in the country where a hot dog is made with such loving care. John stands over the frying pan, constantly turning the dogs, slicing hash marks in the when the time is right, turning them some more. Each dog is perfectly cooked.
To make a mealie John bends over the finished hot dog and slowly and precisely lays each pepper strip in just the right place.
It is impossible for me to state who serves the best hot dog in the country. I do think Charlie's Pool Room is the best place in the country to eat a hot dog or ten.
Eat for Eight Bucks: Best-Ever Salad for Leftover Meats
such simple and tasty salad i've never thot about!
i especially love the dressing.
thx for sharing!
Eat for Eight Bucks: Best-Ever Salad for Leftover Meats
you should use the scallions to make scallion pancakes. all you need is flour and an egg.
Eat for Eight Bucks: Best-Ever Salad for Leftover Meats
Made this for dinner tonight--accidentally forgot the scallions but didn't notice because the salad was excellent as it was! Guess i'll use the scallions tomorrow night for zucchini and corn fritters...
Eat for Eight Bucks: Best-Ever Salad for Leftover Meats
Wow...looks so good! I need THIS for lunch every day!
A Southern Biscuit and Dinner Roll Taste-Off with Nora Ephron
Sister Schubert's are the absolute best hands down! Please serve them for your next meal if you haven't already; everyone will love them!
A Southern Biscuit and Dinner Roll Taste-Off with Nora Ephron
Callie's biscuits are a true southern delight! I have brought them to many gatherings and they have ALWAYS been a hit. The ham biscuits really pack a punch when looking for something more, and the cinnamon biscuits will satisfy your sweet tooth!!
A Southern Biscuit and Dinner Roll Taste-Off with Nora Ephron
Mary B's Fresh Baked Biscuits taste (and look) like homemade. I've read they are available at Walmarts. They are well worth looking for!
A Southern Biscuit and Dinner Roll Taste-Off with Nora Ephron
Sister Schubert's rolls are so delicious! I hear she is coming out with a new cookbook too that has lots of roll and bread recipes plus a bunch of other Southern favorites (www.castyourbreaduponthewaters.com). I wish I had been there for this biscuit tasting contest too!
A Southern Biscuit and Dinner Roll Taste-Off with Nora Ephron
Nora is looking scary thin, did she actually eat any whole biscuits?
A Southern Biscuit and Dinner Roll Taste-Off with Nora Ephron
I love Nora Ephron!!!!
A Southern Biscuit and Dinner Roll Taste-Off with Nora Ephron
I'll take a home made buttermilk cathead biscuit with a nice fried porkchop in the middle or perhaps some fried Bologna or golden crispy fried chicken breast... Oh you're probably wondering why it's called a cathead biscuit.... Cause it's the size of an old Tomcat's Head!
A Southern Biscuit and Dinner Roll Taste-Off with Nora Ephron
We're fortunate to have enjoyed Sister's rolls years. Add a slice of beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin or a fried chicken nugget and you have quite a nice snack. The yeast rolls in the tin are really my favorites, but the individuals in the bags are excellent too.
A Southern Biscuit and Dinner Roll Taste-Off with Nora Ephron
oh, god. i so seriously wish i'd been there. you have all the fun!
The New Breed of NYC Hot Dogs: Are They Really Better?
What about Dogmatic?!! Off of union square - great dogs in french bread buns. All different kinds of sausages etc with great sauces!
The Joys of Unnaturally Flavored Sodas
I am not really big on soda anymore BUT last summer I was in Nags Head, NC and found the famous Cheerwine, a NC thing. It is fizzy cherry-flavored soda, not cherry cola, just cherry soda. It is out of this world delicious.
Last week when we were close to the border of NC and leaving for WV, I hit a supermarket and bought myself a 12 pack to take home to NJ. We can't get it here. It is my favorite soda in a really long time.
Otherwise I really like Cherry 7Up but they don't sell it in cans around here, just 2 liter bottles, which I have no room for in the refrigerator. I also love Crystal Light Wild Strawberry (comes in a powder that you mix with water) and their Citrus stuff too. Excellent mixed with some green tea! I make fusions of all kinds of things.
I have never liked Fresca. When I was a child, all the skinny cool girls drank the Diet Fresca and that was all they drank (that and lots of folks drank Tab) - neither of which I could get a tasting for. My favorite soda at the time was Pepsi - just plain Pepsi. To this day, I prefer plain Pepsi over anything Coke, don't know why. BUT I prefer Diet Coke to Diet Pepsi.
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No, Schiff's is a meat store and supermarket in Scranton.
And that's the impostor. I stupidly added "Lunch" when the original is just Coney Island. Here's their Web site: http://www.coneyislandofscranton.com/CIOS1/Welcome.html The place is all spiffed up now, after is was gutted by an arson last year. So glad they stuck with it and reopened.