The Hot Dog Days of Summer
By Paul Giorgio
July 2005 - What food says summer in Central New England better
than hot dogs, the quintessential American food? Although hot dogs had
their roots in German sausage, Americans adopted them so quickly and so
completely that even President Franklin Roosevelt served them at a state
dinner for the King and Queen of England during World War II. Today the
dog is as American as apple pie and is served with much more than just
mustard and relish. “The works” can include chopped onions,
sauerkraut, hot peppers, cheese and barbecue sauce. So in honor of summertime,
let’s take a tour of some of Central Massachusetts hot dog vendors.
Two preeminent hot dog emporiums are near and dear to the hearts of those
of us in the greater Worcester area: George’s Coney Island Hot Dogs
at 168 Southbridge Street in Worcester and Hot Dog Annie’s on Route
56 in Leicester.
Let’s start with Hot Dog Annie’s. Hot Dog
Annie’s, which has been in business since the early 1950s (I remember
when it was 4 dogs for a dollar), is different than most places. They
grill their dogs and buns, a cooking method that gives both a nice crisp
taste and makes the dogs snap when you bite into them. Dogs are $1.20
each and drinks are $1.10. The Wednesday special is 4 dogs for $4.
Coney Island has been around for longer than most of
us have been alive. Located downtown in the city, Coney Island is Worcester.
The gritty but charming turn-of-the-20thcentury eatery serves thousands
of its famous hot dogs each week, many with yummy chili on top and most
washed down with chocolate milk.
Now for those of you who prefer your dogs on the run, here are a few roadside
stops that might be just the thing. The first is the familiar truck parked
near Elm Park; the man inside sells a couple of dogs, a drink and a bag
of chips for under $4. You can get the same meal for the same dough at
the Wachusett Reservoir truck by asking for the Fisherman Special. If
you’re in the Grafton Street neighborhood, head to the truck parked
near the A & P fruit stand. Moe Biseglia serves dogs that are grilled,
not steamed. Hot Dog Express on Park Ave. at the corner
of Chandler Street is a sure bet on a summer afternoon, too.
But the best way by far to enjoy a dog is while watching a Worcester Tornadoes
game under the lights at Hanover Field. Everyone knows that hot dogs always
taste better at a ballpark, especially when you can wash them down with
your favorite brew!
Alright, so there are some folks out there who aren’t too keen on
the little bow wows ~ and that’s OK. You can find the best BBQ this
side of Amarillo at Armadillo Depot, 413 Park Avenue in Worcester. Try
the ribs and pulled pork combo platter with collard greens, corn bread
and some potato salad, a meal that makes even us hot dog lovers salivate!
Or head out to Ronnie’s in Auburn and crunch on the best fried clams
around.
Whatever your summer food choice is, there are plenty of options in Central
Massachusetts that won’t break the bank. And don’t forget
to end that meal with some ice cream, the ultimate summer dessert!
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