John

They haven't closed. They are down on the Seaside Boardwalk for the summer. Bubba is working eighteen hour days and doing well. They are looking for a new permanent location close to Lyndhurst. Parking and location there isn't great. They own the building and will be back there once the summer is over while continuing to look for a new location. Their dogs are consistently good. They have been picked by the Star Ledger to serve their dogs (the Syd's 5 to a lb) the last 3 years years at the Munchmobile kickoff.

Within the last couple of years we've gotten Five Guys, Elevation Burger, Smashburger, and Sonic in North Jersey where I live. We also have White Manna, White Mana, White Rose, White Diamond, WhiteCastle, and others. I love Five Guys but my vote goes to SmashBurger. Just a delicious burger prepared perfectly. Medium well, but juicy and flavorful. I think it's the best burger I've ever had. I've never had In-N-Out. I'll have to get there before I die. Sonic is lousy and overrated.

Yes, Bob. It was sold and the new owner has brought the quality back to where it was. One of the three best along with Tommy's and Jimmy Buff's

I feel spoiled that I have access to these places. Charlies (which I had today), and Tommy's are less than 3 miles from my house. Jimmy Buff's isn't much further. The Travel Channel's Food Wars program will feature Jimmy Buff's vs. Charlies Famous. It will be shown in late August. I hope a lot of people will watch as the program will show and explain the Italian Hot Dog. Hopefully it's popularity will spread.

mattj, Yes, they are open on Sunday. I believe they open 11 AM.

The area in and around Millburn suffered a big loss when the legendary Syd's luncheonette closed about two years ago. They were known for their excellent hot dogs, which to many were the best in the state. It was a similar loss when Don's in Livingston closed years before. Both places were old fashioned luncheonettes serving great dogs, burgers, sandwiches and ice cream. If you remember Syd's and Don's, you'll love the Garage. Even if you don't remember them, you'll love the Garage. Located at 257 Essex Street in Millburn, it is owned by Ted and Jimmy Stampoulos, owners of the popular Martini Bar around the corner on Main Street. The Garage is a former industrial garage converted into a 50's style retro diner. A counter with stools, tables, and a party room upstairs. There is a garage door that opens to a patio for outside seating. A very nice clean family oriented place with a great atmosphere. The Garage offers hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, salads, sandwiches, shakes, malts, ice cream, and desserts. I had a hamburger, hot dog, fries, and shake. Everything was excellent. They offer 3 dogs here. The Syd's which is a natural casing 5 to a lb all beef frank from Best Provisions, the Don's, a thick quarter pounder, and a "school dog", a smaller 10 to a lb frank. The last two are also from Best's. I had the Syd's dog. There is no better beef dog. It is only served at few places in N.J. Here it is prepared exactly like Syds, which means boiled, then charbroiled. Served on a fresh toasted bun. This is as good a hot dog as you will find anywhere. Tasty and prepared perfectly, it arrived at my table piping hot. Next was the burger. You have a choice of chargrilled or griddled. I had mine chargrilled and prepared medium rare. It came out that way. Too many places today refuse to cook your burger less than well done. Mine was done right and came with cheese, lettuce and tomato. The burger was so good I put the lettuce and tomato on the side. Juicy and flavorful, this is no ordinary burger. It is 6 ounces of prime beef from Master Purveyors of New York. Peter Lugers gets beef from this place. I was told that the burgers outsell the hot dogs by a 3 to 1 margin which surprised me. The fries are as good as any I've had. High quality potatoes that are hand cut and twice fried, these fries reminded me of Syd's, Amazing Hot Dog, and the Martini Bar which is high praise. An excellent complement to the dogs and burgers. I had a vanilla milk shake with my meal that was also excellent and for me a rare treat as I usually get a soda when eating hot dogs and hamburgers. I left full and satisfied. The Garage is a fun place serving great food. You may pay a little more, but it's worth it. Everything I had is top of the line. This place will be included on the Annual New Jersey Hot Dog Tour in September.

It is the same crappy dog, and I agree they should have upgraded it. It was pointed out to me that the Phillies have a contract with Hatfield. But Hatfield makes an exceptional hot dog that they could have provided Citizens Bank with. This topic was discussed in depth here: http://www.roadfood.com/Forums/Vote-for-Phillys-new-signature-hot-dog-m576360.aspx

Oh, where to start? There are many theories concerning the origin of the hot dog. Two excellent books that delve into this subject would be the Great American Hot Dog Book by Becky Mercuri and Hot Dog: A Global History by Bruce Kraig. A frankfurter is the actual meat; the hot dog is the meat + the bun + what you put on it. I enjoy hot dogs many ways; grilled, griddled, simmerred in water, deep fried, and a few combinations of these. I often simmer a hot dog in water before grilling. Jimmy Buff's sautees their footlong dog in oil before chargrilling. I make a lot of dogs at home and prepare them according to what I'm in the mood for. There are 2 main styles of hot dogs. Eastern Jewish or kosher style all beef and German style pork/beef or pork/beef/veal. The all beef version is well seasoned with paprika and garlic; the German style contains little or no garlic and paprika. It has a more subtler spicing. Mace is used as a spicing in these dogs. There are many quality brands. I do prefer a casing on my franks to a skinless frank. Great all beef dogs are Best's from N.J., Usinger's from Milwaukee, Sabrett from N.Y./N.J., Boars Head originally from New York, now produced in Florida, and Hatfield's deli style dogs. This last one is fairly new and a whole lot better than Hatfield's other franks which I consider mediocre. Hebrew National is good as is Nathan's and a slew of others. The Romanian Kosher Sausage Company in Chicago makes an excellent kosher hot dog. For a German style frank, Thumann's griller is my absolute favorite. They also make a special dog for deep frying that is served at many North Jersey hot dog joints; most notably Rutt's Hut, Hiram's, and Libby's. Rooftop1000, Falls View also uses this dog, but it is blander as they request it from Thumann's without it being smoked like the other dogs. Other great commercial dogs in this style are Hartmann's from Canandaigua N.Y. (used by the popular Bark in Brooklyn), Sahlen's from Buffalo, Zweigle's from Rochester and Hofmann's from Syracuse. There are great dogs produced by small butcher shops and pork stores in the area; specifically New Jersey. Kocher's in Ridgefield Park, D.A. Barsch in Toms River, and the Union Pork Store make franks every bit as good (and even better) than most of those listed previously. To me a quality dog is made from whole cuts of beef or beef/pork/veal and either supplemented minimally by trimmings or not at all. They contain no fillers and when served at a hot dog establishment are hot, fresh, and prepared well. The focus should be on the actual frankfurter itself rather than the crap you put on it. The trend today seems to be the toppings rather than the frank. To me if you don't start with a quality dog, it doesn't matter what you do to it. No raspberry/wasabi/cream cheese dogs for me. The Thumann's dog for deep fring has 2 extra ingredients that aid in frying. That's why a "ripper" puffs up and splits the way it does. Without going into detail (I've covered this subject in detail before) I can tell you that the beef dogs at Papaya King, Gray's Papaya, and Katz's, as well as others, are the same recipe Sabrett natural casing dog despite what these places may tell you. I supplied Ed Levine with this information. It was confirmed to me by various sources including the person in charge of private label at Marathon Enterprises (Sabrett). If you have the time and interest, I've reviewed 87 hot dog joints in New Jeresy. One trip was to New York where I visited Papaya King, Gray's Papaya, Nathan's, Katz's, and Crif Dogs. See here: http://thegourmetchilidog.com/vendors/nj/JohnFox_2006_01.html

We too, all the Asian and Haole sides of the family. I was going to write that the reason is they are Hebrew National and we all know they make good salami and HOT DOGS. But in my never ending quest to be accurate (Which I rarely achieve), I web searched and found out they are now sell their own brand, Kirkland. I read it here I won't repeat what the article says but I gotta put this: "In 2009, they expect to sell more than 90 million" Hey Soup, sorry it does not count in the EG Hall of Shame.........LOL.....with those many people eating them, its more of a culture thing. PS: They cost $1.50, I THINK a little more here, and include a drink. If its my wife and I, we always share a drink so savings for them there. Sometimes we bring 5 or 6 home to my MIL's for a meal, and then maybe we will get a single drink to share on the ride home. so let's see thats $135,000,000. dollars generated selling hot dogs. Holy Mustard and Relish Batman !!!!!! I am a Costco member as well as a hot dog lover. My local Costco hasn't switched, and from what I hear, many have not. I've also heard that the supply shortage was overstated and possibly not true. Although I haven't tasted the Kirkland brand, friends of mine whose opinions I value have said it doesn't come close to Hebrew National. Hebrew National is a high quality dog. Although I prefer my dogs with a casing (you can get Hebrew National with a collagen casing at Kosher butcher shops and Wegmans), you won't find a better value. I go to Costco for their hot dogs. My wife goes for everything else.

An upcoming episode of the Travel Channel's Food Wars will feature the 2 most well known makers of the signature Newark style Italian Hot Dog, Jimmy Buff's and Dickie Dees. This popular sandwich was invented by James Raccioppi who later founded Jimmy Buff's in Newark, N.J. in 1932. It consists of one or two beef hot dogs (a single or double) topped with mustard, peppers, onions, and potatoes. The ingredients are fried in oil and put in pizza bread, which is Italian bread baked in a pizza oven that resembles a pita. The result is a delicious sandwich that is to North Jersey what the Cheesesteak is to South Philly. The popularity of this sandwich grew and others began making it. Dickie Dees and Ting-A-Ling's became the most well known of Buff's competitors. Ting-A-Ling's is gone, but Dickie Dees is still going strong. Today there are around a dozen or so places that specialize in Italian Hot Dogs. Many pizzerias also make them. I've sampled many Italian Hot Dogs. Jimmy Buff's makes the best. Not only the original, but the best as well. I am happy to have been picked as a "superfan". I will be on the program and will compare the 2 sandwiches blindfolded. Then I will pick the best one. I am most confident that it will be Jimmy Buff's. Dickie Dees will have their "superfan". There will also be 3 impartial judges. The five of us will pick the best Italian Hot Dog. The episode will be aired sometime in June. Should be fun. See here for a little history of the Italian Hot Dog.

is a German butcher shop I visited Saturday on the Central/South Jersey Hot Dog Tour. First time there and everything I sampled was excellent. Hot dogs, andoulle, kabanosy, and metwurst. These franks, along with Kocher's in Ridgefield Park are the finest German style beef and pork franks I've had from a butcher or pork store. Kocher's are 70% pork, 30% beef. Barsch's are 90% pork, 10% beef, which is more in the German style. The Barsch family has roots in Germany and provided sausage to the Olympics when they were held there years ago. Worth checking out if you are near Toms River. Even worth a long drive. http://www.dabarsch.com/ http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/D-A-Barsch-German-Butcher-Shop/346502594210?ref=mf

Ex New Jersey resident Joe Berardi equipped a small trailer with a kitchen and opened Gramp's Italian Kitchen in Cape Coral. He serves an authentic Italian Hot Dog on pizza bread delivered from New Jersey. So now there's at least one place in Florida where you can get this treat. There are places throughout the country that serve what they call an Italian Hot Dog but it's not the same as what we have here in Jersey where this sandwich originated. Wrong bread, wrong type of hot dog, wrong method of preparation. This is the real deal. Pizza bread is unknown for the most part outside of New Jersey. I don't even know if you can make good pizza bread in Florida because the water is different. There is a place somewhere in Florida that makes bagels with water delivered from New York. Being from New Jersey where the Italian Hot Dog originated combined with the right ingredients and cooking method adds up to a sandwich that I'm sure is just like what we get here. Those of you living in Florida that have never had a real Italian Hot Dog should check this place out. And those living there that are from New Jersey can enjoy a taste of home. http://www.news-press.com/article/20100203/NEWS0101/100203024/1013/lifestyles/Gramp-s-Italian-Kitchen-in-Cape-Coral-not-your-average-hot-dog-stand

Steven, Have you ever had a burger at Five Guys? They are my favorite fast food burger. I've never had In N Out or Fatburger. How does it (Five Guys) compare to In N Out? Montclair, N.J. will have a Five Guys soon which will be located near Elevation Burger and Smashburger right on Bloomfield Ave. Smashburger also makes an excellent burger, comparable to Five Guys. Their cooking method is similar to White Rose, White Manna, and White Diamond in N.J. They take a ball of meat and smash it down on the griddle before it is cooked. Well done, but juicy and delicious.

Any dog with ketchup on it should be put down!

I eat frozen pizza and wash it down with Bud in cans. So there. Ketchup on a hot dog is downright shameful. Almost criminal.

There is help available....

Kayem's are very good; it's what I have when I go to Maine. Around where I live, Thumann's makes a delicious German style beef and pork dog. Best's out of Newark is my choice for an all beef dog. Every once in awhile I send away for Usinger's angus beef franks from Milwaukee.

Forget Ballpark. It's a mediocre hot dog. And hardly what I would consider the "hot dog experience". Forget healthy, organic, poultry, and non meat dogs. There are quality dogs out there made from whole cuts (not trimmings) of quality beef or beef and pork. They come with a natural casing and are made with a good blend of spices. Head and shoulders above what most people are exposed to.

As a hot dog lover and traditionalist it shames me to say this, but I once had a hot dog with ketchup on it! Quite by accident of course, but still... I was busy talking to my crazy uncle (everybody has one) at a family get together when my son handed me a half eaten hot dog that he couldn't finish. Without looking I shoved the thing in my mouth not knowing there was ketchup on it. My body went into convulsions and my vital organs started to shut down. Fortunately for me one of my inlaws is a nurse who was able to give me CPR. She put mustard on her lips to counter the effects of the ketchup. It was close, but I was able to pull through. I was shocked that my own son would put ketchup on a hot dog. So shocked that I had to question my wife regarding the boy's paternity. I almost insisted on a DNA test. For a brief time I thought perhaps John Edwards might be the father. With some tough love my wife and I were able to cure my son of his anti social behavior. He now only puts mustard on his hot dogs.

It does depend on the chain. Olive Garden, no way. Most chains I would avoid in favor of a place that serves what I consider better food. Two burger chains are favorites of mine when I want a burger; Five Guys and White Castle. Famous Daves is ok for ribs if you live in Jersey.

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't like pumpkin, so I stay away from these beers. I do like the Otter Creek Harvest Ale.

I don't know what type of beer would go well with turkey. Just because it's an American holiday, I usually stick with an American micro. Do you think a malty lager like Brooklyn Lager would pair off better than a lighter pilsner style? Give me suggestions on what's considered an appropriate beer for a turkey dinner. Thanks.

I only drink beer and I hate when it's served in a frosted glass. Beer is not supposed to be served ice cold.

My favorite is the Newark Style Italian Hot dog. Invented and unique to a few counties in North Jersey.

Well, looks like there may have to be more than one trip to Philly. Thanks for the suggestions. I went to college in Glassboro, N.J. which is close to Philadelphia. I only went once to the city, though. Years later I made it a point to drive to the Vet to watch my Mets play the Phillies. I like the drive better than going to New York even though N.Y. is closer. The Phillies have been my second favorite team ever since they sent my entire little league free tickets when the Vet opened. I saw Steve Carlton pitch that year. The Yankees or Mets would once in awhile send a few tickets for each team which we would have to raffle off. I've been to Citizens Bank Park once, but not to Citi Field. I'm rooting hard for the Phillies. In the late 80's several co workers and myself went to the Vet. One of the guys used to live near there and took us out for a cheesesteak before the game. I'm just remembering this now. I didn't take note of where we went (it was 20 plus years ago)but I know it was probably the closest known place to the stadium. Tony Lukes perhaps? Or John's. Either way this was my first Philly steak; not Steve's. My friend moved to Las Vegas and we lost touch so I can't ask him. He did say the place was popular and I do remember loving the cheesesteak and how everyone agreed it was a great choice for a pre game meal.