Celebrate National Hot Dog Day Thursday

PHOTO: Ben's Chili Bowl courtesy of Wikipedia

If ballpark franks at Nationals Stadium -- or a quick jaunt over to Ben’s Chili Bowl for a “half-smoke-all-the-way” -- isn’t a good enough foodie expedition to celebrate National Hot Dog Day on July 23rd, then consider these east coast options for a quick treat this Thursday.

VERMONT -- Juniper Restaurant’s Chef de Cuisine Douglas Paine has a fun North Hollow Farm Beef Hot Dog with Tomato Bacon Jam. Guests can pair it with one of the Vermont-style IPA beers on tap, like Lawson’s Finest Liquids’ “Sip of Sunshine,” or Hill Farmstead Brewery’s “Susan,” and relax on Juniper’s outdoor patio overlooking Lake Champlain. Since Juniper is located within the Hotel Vermont, the hotel will also be handing out free hot dogs starting at lunch time on July 23rd.

NORTH CAROLINA -- The culinary minds at The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina are honoring National Hot Dog Day by putting a twist on the classic American snack. The “Reuben Corndog” is made with a house-made brisket and pork belly hotdog, stuffed with Swiss cheese and wrapped in a caraway seed breading. A nice German style romanesco completes the dish.

SOUTH CAROLINA -- The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, a Montage Resort, the resort’s prime location in coastal South Carolina influences the hot dogs. The May River Grill’s Hot Dog is a Niman Ranch 50/50 beef and pork blend hot dog wrapped in Niman Ranch apple-wood smoked bacon. The hot dog is deep fried and then white cheddar cheese is placed over it immediately as it’s removed from the fryer and placed into a warm potato roll, creating several delicious layers to thehot dog. Guests typically add grilled onions and spicy mustard to taste, and follow it with a beer. Price, $10.

NEW HAMPSHIRE -- Celebrate National Hot Dog Day this July at historic Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH at Latitude 44°. To commemorate the holiday, the resort’s mountain eatery will be serving up foot-long hot dogs representing both coasts:

· East Coast Hot Dog: This East Coast foot-long hot dogis a twist on the classic hot dog and is served on a fresh bun with mustard, relish, onions and topped with celery salt.

· Mid-America Hot Dog: Served on a decadent bun, the foot-long Mid-America hot dog is served with green relish, mustard, tomato, peppers, onions and garnished with a pickle.

· West Coast Hot Dog: The West Coast hot dog is a tribute to Mexican-inspired cuisine and is served with queso blanco, guacamole and topped with salsa.