With summer coming to an end, I was able to make a trip out to one of America’s playgrounds – Coney Island.
After a day of swimming, race carts, beating Alan in Whack- A- Mole and good old amusement park fun, we were all pretty excited to sink our teeth into the real star of Coney Island’s infamous boardwalk, Nathan’s Hot Dogs. After 100 years in operation, Nathan’s has become synonymous with 2 things: the best frank you will have and their annual hot dog eating competition (there is even a countdown outside the storefront)!
I have to be honest, I am not a hot dog fan by any means. Our whole family is not. I immediately have to follow up with, we. love. these. hot. dogs. Simply put Nathan’s, as you can imagine, knows how to do a hot dog right. Juicy, simple, flavorful- it’s really just a quality dog. It is thin and not too salty or rubbery in texture, feeling less processed than the dogs you may see get from your grocery store. Of course you have to get some fries and a Coke to wash it all down. The chili cheese tots do not disappoint and are fried to a perfect crisp, leaving just a little oil behind. Covered in a river of melted cheese and a bit of chili for good measure. Adding a little cheese to your dog does not disappoint either a simple ketchup and mustard do the trick.
Pictured above is also their lobster roll. I will admit it, I am the one that ordered the lobster roll…. To be fair I really really am not a fan of hot dogs (blame Mina she did not let us have them growing up!) but instant regret once I had a bite. There is nothing wrong with the lobster roll- everything tastes great but if you are at Nathan’s don’t be silly, get a hot dog, and head back to your childhood!
Still have room for dessert? Good for you, you’re my kind of person and eating partner. There’s no possible option than fried Oreo’s. Deep fried Oreo’s are the fair food we wish were available year round, but know it’s a good thing are not. With a sweet pancake like batter, warm oil, and a little powdered sugar, Oreo’s become warm, melting balls of chocolate that leave you wanting more. After a Coney dog and cheese tots, these should do the trick in filling you up and make your Coney Island experience complete.
Can’t make it to New York for your own? No worries, Nathan’s is now sold in all 50 states. Or, if you are overseas like Barbra Streisand was in London with a craving, you can have it delivered to you. Don’t believe me? Read up here: http://www.nathansfamous.com/story/extended-history. Probably the coolest history on a hot dog there ever will be.
Fun fact: In 2018, Joey Chestnut consumed 74 hot dogs and buns for a new world record at the annual hot dog competition. So now you know where the record stands, and just how many of these can go down in 10 minutes.
