John

Syd's luncheonette, serving the famous Syd's hot dog is no longer operational. That's the word from Arie Niederman, father of Eric Niederman, who owned Syd's. As many of you know, Syd's lease was not renewed at the Millburn Mall in Union. Eric moved into an existing diner called Tony's Place. The sign on the building said Syd's at Tony's Place. Eric left to persue other interests and Tony's Place is no longer opened. Their phone has been disconnected as well. So it looks like the end of an era. Here is a brief history of Syd's up until it was sold to the Niederman's in 2003: http://www.virtualnewarknj.com/memories/we.../bodiansyds.htm To many, myself included, Syd's served the best hot dog around. It was a long, thin 5 to a lb natural casing all beef dog from Best's Provisions in Newark. You had a choice of getting it boiled or grilled. Grilled was actually boiled first and then finished off on a gas grill. The charbroiled Syd's dog was named best dog in 1998, the first year of the Star Ledger's Munchmobile series. Twelve of the most popular hot dog establishments were visited with Syd's being named the best. It was this article that sparked my interest in hot dogs. I had never heard of Syd's until I read about them in the Star Ledger's Munchmobile even though I live in Union. I went to Syd's and loved their dogs. I've been enjoying them ever since, not only at Syd's, but in the comfort of my own home as I buy the same dogs directly from the factory and prepare them the same way. This past year, I was a member of a team that reviewed hot dogs all summer for the Munchmobile. Called the S.W.A.T. Team, we went to 87 places and reviewed over 100 hot dogs in 5 categories. Syd's was picked as best in it's category of grilled hot dog. In an informal poll of S.W.A.T. members, Syd's was picked as best overall dog by 5 out of 8 members. Syd's was not only popular for hot dogs, but for their other food as well. It was a classic old time luncheonette. Everything was extraordinary. Although I had hot dogs almost all of the time, I did enjoy their hamburgers, reuben sandwiches, and shakes. Their homemade, hand cut twice fried fries were among the best I've had. Also famous were their cucamongas (sp?) a grape drink with a touch of lemon. Syd's will be missed. If you loved their hot dogs like I did, let me suggest the one place where you can get the closest thing to a Syd's dog. In fact, it is a Syd's dog, only you can't call it that because the Niederman's still own the Syd's name. This dog can be found at Jimmy Buff's in East Hanover. I only discovered this dog in January. It is the exact dog that was served at Syd's. Only it is prepared a little different. It is sauteed in oil and then finished off on a real charcoal grill rather than a gas grill like Syd's. It may sound blasphemous, but I like this dog better than Syd's. The method of preparation really brings out the flavor and spices in this dog. It is juicy and delicious while still retaining the excellent snap. If you prefer this dog boiled (as some at Syd's did) or boiled and grilled the way most Syd's customers enjoyed their dog, you can request it that way when you place your order. I'm sorry that Syd's is no longer with us. But at Jimmy Buff's in East Hanover, you can enjoy the same great dog. In my opinion, there is none better.

This past week I had a chance to visit a restaurant for the first time. Attilio's Kitchen in Denville has been open for 10 years, and , unknown to me until now, has a reputation as one of the finest Italian restaurants in New Jersey. The last three years they have been named the best Italian Restaurant in Morris County. One of the owners is Gino Pesci, cousin of actor Joe Pesci. I knew nothing about the place or even what kind of restaurant it was. I went because recently I've heard from 2 different people that they serve the best Italian Hot Dog in Jersey. I decided to go and see for myself. Unless you are a hot dog fanatic like me, you come here for posssibly the best Italian food in the state. Even if you are a hot dog fanatic, you should still come here for Italian food. And the Italian Hot Dogs, which are top notch. A beautiful restaurant which definitely has the best atmosphere of any restaurant I've been to. The building is the restored 19th century E.C.Peer General Store that dates back to before the Civil War. It was a store as well as a residence. It has a rustic, log cabin feel to it. Much of their homemade food is available in their store to take home. There are a few dining rooms as well as a couple of private dining rooms upstairs that you can reserve. I was so impressed with the place itself that when I returned home I googled it and read many reviews, all of which were positive. Since I was there for an Italian Hot Dog, that is what I ordered. But while there, I was told that the homemade mozzarella came in 2nd place in the Star Ledger Munchmobile's contest held a few years ago. That's impressive since there were close to a thousand entries. I decided to order it as an appetizer. The mozzarella came with peppers and black olives, and was outstanding. Better than any I've had. As for the Italian Hot Dog, it was better than what I anticipated. I had expected a good one based on what I heard, but the sandwich here I would put in the top tier of Italian Hot Dogs along with Jimmy Buff's East Hanover and Tommy's in Elizabeth. The bread was good, thick, and sturdy. Very similar to what is served at the Jimmy Buff's mentioned. It comes from JC's bakery in Parsippany. The dogs are from Best's and are 8 to a lb in size. The green peppers (I don't get onions) were done perfectly and generously applied. As good as I've had anywhere. The potatoes were tasty and cut in chunks like Dickiee Dees rather than in thin slices like Jimmy Buff's or Tommy's. I usually prefer the thin sliced potatoes, but these were fine. I would definitely recommend the Italian Hot Dog if you live in the area and crave one for lunch. But unless hot dogs are your favorite thing to eat (like they are for me) I suggest that if you're going to travel here, come for the other food. The website is http://www.attilioskitchen.com. I noticed many people eating pizzas (it was lunch time) so I ordered 2 to take home for later. I got the Pizza Margherita and the Pizza Gorgonzola. Both were fantastic heated in the oven later, but I especially enjoyed the Pizza Gorgonzola with mozzarella, gorgonzola cheese, mushrooms, and bacon. One of the best pizzas I've had. Before I left I got to talk with Gino Pesci. He makes it a point to try and meet everyone who visits his restaurant. Of course, I spoke with him about the Italian Hot Dog. He grew up in Newark and ate many Italian Hot Dogs at Dickiee Dees. That's why the potatoes are similar. And that's why you can get a great Italian Hot Dog in Morris County where you don't usually see them. But the sandwich here is much better than Dickiee Dees. The bread is better, the dogs are bigger, peppers are soft instaed of crunchy, and while the potatoes are similar, they're better at Attilio's. There is no liquor license, so bring your own. There is a lunch and dinner menu (see website) and entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings. I'll be back soon.

I live in Jersey, but have never been to Vic's, although practically all of the comments I've heard about this place have been positive. I do disagree that being in business for a long time means you serve a quality product. Domino's and Pizza Hut have been in business almost 50 years. Not only that, but they've expanded and become large successful chains. I don't think pizza afficionados would consider pizzas from these places to be quality products. Ditto McDonald's when it comes to hamburgers. I love hot dogs and have been to close to 200 different hot dog establishments. Some of them have been around since 1924. A few that I really enjoy have opened within the last year. Longevity and popularity are not true indicators of quality. A place in Buttzville, N.J. called Hot Dog Johnny's is not only the most popular hot dog joint in West Jersey, but the most popular restaurant of any kind. There was an article in the Star Ledger stating this a few years ago. I've been there more than a few times and I can tell you that it is the most overrated hot dog joint I've been to. The dogs are mediocre, but there are always lines. I've also noted there are lines out the door at the Olive Garden on rt 22 in Springfield every time I drive past. But the food there pales in comparison to almost any other Italian restaurant.

I was at Jimmy Buff's East Hanover location yesterday. Although it's been mentioned here before, it bears repeating that every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday with double Italian Hot Dogs 1/2 price. This is at the West Orange and East Hanover locations. I had an excellent sandwich yesterday. Every ingredient was extraordinary and the bread is easily the best that I've had on an Italian Hot Dog. Delivered fresh every day from a nearby bakery and never frozen. Jimmy Buff's will be having a Cardboard Cutout Contest at their East Hanover store. Strike a pose eating a Jimmy Buff's hot dog. Pictures will be taken every Sunday and posted on http://www.jimmybuff.com to be viewed and voted on. The winner will have a life size cardboard cutout displayed in the store. The winner will be anounced in July.

All three names are used interchangeably, but the author does go into the origin of each.

This is the title of a new book that will be hitting bookstores soon. I was sent an advance copy that I just finished reading. An excellent book about hot dogs that is well researched, well written, and a fun and easy read. It is published by Gibbs Smith of Layton, Utah and written by Becky Mercuri. See here for more info. The book starts out by giving a history of the American Hot Dog and debunking urban legends and myths. Well documented, this is a fine history and introduction to the regional styles and descriptions of hot dogs that follow. The chapters include hot dogs of the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Great Plains, West and Southwest, and Pacific. Ms. Mercuri not only describes the types of hot dogs popular in each region, but gives names, descriptions, and histories of hot dog establishments all across the nation. Not only a handy road trip guide, but also a cookbook as well, sharing recipes for wieners, sauces, chilis, slaws, relishes, side dishes and more. This book will appeal not only to hardcore frank fanatics, but to anyone who likes hot dogs and has an appreciation for history. Not to mention the many cooks who might want to reproduce a relish, chili, or side dish from a favorite hot dog joint. There's even a recipe for Italian Hot Dogs! I heartily recommend this book.

I've been to the Shake Shack a few years ago to sample a Chicago style dog. In my opinion it does not compare to what you get at J's Beef. I had one Chicago dog and one plain with just mustard. Both were served cold. I've heard that they don't always use Vienna Beef hot dogs which are what over 80% of the hot dog stands in Chicago use. In addition, they put lettuce and cucumbers on their dog. The traditional Chicago places use Vienna Beef franks, yellow mustard, neon green relish, chopped onions, dill pickle slices, tomato wedges, sports peppers, and celery salt put in a poppy seed bun. Jack from J's told me once that he went to Shake Shack and didn't consider it to be an authentic Chicago Hot Dog.

J's Beef has been sold. Jack, the owner sold the store at 902 W. St. Georges Ave. in Linden and will be moving to the Seaside Boardwalk. He will have a limited menu that will include the Chicago dog, but with a natural casing dog rather than skinless. The Linden location has been sold to Father & Son. If all goes according to schedule, Father & Son will be in the building to start construction around April 1st. Glad to hear of Father & Son's comeback, but sorry to lose J's Beef. It was the only place to get an authentic Chicago Style Hot Dog. Now we'll have to travel to Seaside

There is an article about the Clifton Papaya King in today's Herald News. http://www.northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=e...2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3

I live in Union and wasn't aware of this place until a few years ago when it was named best fried chicken by the Munchmobile. I've since gone and love the chicken. It's good to order ahead, as they don't cook the chicken until you order it. Next time I'll try the ribs. I believe the same people have another restaurant on Bergen Ave. in Newark.

Holly, You beat me to it. My last meal would also be an Italian Hot Dog. But what I would do would be to go to Jimmy Buffs East Hanover location, get a single, a footlong, (same dog that Syd's serves, but sauteed in oil then charbroiled) and a quarter pounder (same dog as Max's, griddled then charbroiled) topped with their unique chili, which I'm told is Bolognese style. Whatever that is. But it's delicious.

Daniel, I know that you work in or near Elizabeth. Have you ever been to J's Beef in Linden? A fairly new place that serves Chicago Italian Beef and Chicago Hot Dogs. Barbecue also. The owner is from Chicago and everything he serves is authentic. The ingredients for the Chicago Hot Dogs are shipped in from Chicago. They do catering as well. But if you would rather make everything for your party, you should still stop in for lunch one day. Tommy has a review on his site. http://www.tommyeats.com.

This location is very convenient, at least for me. Big parking lot, a mile or 2 off the Parkway. If you use Mapquest, ignore the part about exiting near Paterson/19. There are 2 options at exit 155, take the Hazel St exit, which is the exit on the right hand side, turn left onto Hazel, go a couple of blocks, turn right onto Crooks Ave, go about half a mile and turn right onto Getty. The shopping center is on your left right after you make the turn. It seems that I am wrong about the toppings only being available in Jersey. I prefer the dog with just a little bit of mustard. Their Grand Opening is today. I believe that there will be coupons and discounts.

A new Papaya King franchise opened Tuesday in Clifton. Located on Getty Ave. in the Corrado's Center, it is a very small store with a counter and stools on the sides and back. It hasn't been advertised yet as the owner/manager Matt Visconti wants to take time to train his staff before word gets out about their opening. This Papaya King is different than those in New York in a few ways. It is much smaller. They will also have a cart outside the store with a griddle which will serve hot dogs. There are more toppings offerred here than in New York. I don't have a menu (they aren't available yet) but they offer cole slaw, chili, and other things that you can't get in New York. But they are more expensive as well. A 10 to a lb natural casing dog goes for $1.99. The special is $4.99 and includes 2 dogs and a Papaya Drink. It is at least a dollar cheaper in New York. The dogs are from Marathon Enterprises (Sabrett) and are the same great tasting dogs you can get in the city. I enjoyed mine with the house mustard, which is a Dusseldorf blend. The only place near me where I can get a similar dog is Boulevard Drinks. But it's a major hassle to park at Journal Square. Papaya King serves a bigger dog (10 to a lb rather than 12) and is located in a shopping center with plenty of parking. A welcome addition to the New Jersey hot dog scene.

Tautog, The West Orange location is owned by the same guy who owns the East Hanover location. The Italian Hot Dogs are the same at both. West Orange does not have all of the different kinds of dogs available at E. Hanover. Just Italian Hot Dogs and sausage sandwiches. The Irvington and Scotch Plains stores are owned by a different guy (Jim's uncle) and serve a much greasier sandwich.

Yesterday I went to Jimmy Buffs E. Hanover location for the first time. This is the newest of the 4 Jimmy Buffs that are currently in operation. East Hanover and West Orange restaurants are owned by Jim Raccioppi, grandson of Jimmy "Buff" Racioppi, founder of Jimmy Buffs and inventor of the Italian Hot Dog. The Scotch Plains and Irvington locations are owned by Jim's uncle Mike. The Italian Hot Dog at Jim's 2 locations don't have the excessive oils that his uncle's restaurants are known for. It's a matter of taste. Some people like their sandwich with extra oils. Jim's are more to my liking. Just the right amount of oil without being what many consider too greasy. The East Hanover Buff's also has a bigger menu selection than the other 3. Here you can get an Italian Hot Dog, footlong, (the same 5 to a lb natural casing dog served at Syd's) pushcart, (the same 8 to a lb natural casing dog served at Jerry's) and a giant quarter pound Schickhaus dog. This is a beef and pork dog that is very popular. Served at Max's and other hot dog restaurants at or near the Jersey Shore. You can also get hamburgers, cheesesteaks, shrimp, fish and chips, homemade soup, and many other items. Check out the menu at http://www.jimmybuff.com. On this visit, I stuck to hot dogs. First I had a single Italian Hot Dog. It was excellent. Good fresh pizza bread that was hard and chewy. Each location gets their bread fresh from a local bakery. This bread was perfect for an Italian Hot Dog. The dogs are from Best, as are all of the beef dogs used here. But you have a choice of getting yours skinless or with natural casing. The peppers were plentiful and prepared perfectly. The potatoes were tasty and fresh. Not in chunks like Dickiee Dees, but sliced fairly thin, although thicker than Tommy's. I would have to say that this dog and Tommy's are the 2 best Italian Hot Dogs I've ever had. To make a comparison, I would say that I like the bread and peppers better at Buff's. The dogs are equal, while I prefer the potatoes sliced very thin like they do at Tommy's. I also had a footlong. This is the same dog used at Syd's, which happens to be my favorite hot dog. Natural casing, 5 to a lb with a prefect snap and blend of spices. E. Hanover Buffs is the only place I know of that serves this dog other than Syd's. The popular gourmet grilled cheese restaurant in Jersey City called Melt, also used this dog before they closed. The footlong is prepared a unique way here. It is sauteed in oil like the dogs that are used for the Italian Hot Dog sandwich. Then it is taken out of the oil and put on a charcoal grill. The dog is then put on a toasted bun and topped with a tasty deli mustard. The result is a dog, that if you can believe it, is even better than Syd's! It's the same dog, and while similar in taste, the frying plus char grilling really brings out the flavors and spices in this dog. The dark char marks give the dog an attractive appearance. The grill is a charcoal grill, while Syd's uses a gas grill. I was going to sample the Schickhaus dog, but the footlong was so good, I had to have another one. As I mentioned in other posts, this is my favorite dog to have at home. I buy them from the factory. And on occasion I get one at Syd's. Voted best grilled dog by the Munchmobile, this was the favorite overall of the S.W.A.T. Team. I didn't think that this dog could be made any better. But Jim Racioppi has proved me wrong. The combination of this dog, prepared the way it was, with the toasted bun and delicious deli mustard, makes this the best hot dog I've ever eaten. I was just blown away. Had the S.W.A.T Team gone here, I would have voted it best dog. It goes for $3.25 tax included. Syd's is $3.48. You can get any of the dogs here made the way you like. If you ask for a footlong, it comes the way I described it. You can also get it boiled, then grilled, like Syd's if you wish. Or just boiled. They have a griddle as well, so you can have it that way. Next time I'll try one of the Schickhaus dogs. Again, you can get it the way you want, but if you just order it without specifying how you want it prepared, it gets cooked on a griddle and finished off on the charcoal grill. The footlong was so good, I had both of mine with just mustard. But I sampled the homemade chili on the side. It was unique and very good. One of the best that I've had. Meaty, with a nice sweet flavor and a touch of greeen pepper. Service was quick and efficient. You place your order at the counter and it comes out from the back. If you want to eat in, you pick it up at a side door which leads to another room where there's tables and a long counter with stools that used to be a bar. This sure beats having to go through the hassle of being waited on like at a Diner and having to wait again for your check like you have to do at Syd's. There is also a game room in the back that is available for private parties. Tuesday's are called Fat Tuesday's. All double Italian Hot Dogs are sold for the price of a single. I highly recommend this place. I've been to other hot dog restaurants that try to do more than one type of dog. Rarely are they all done well. Jimmy Buff's is an exception. All the offerings are top of the line. The only negative part of my experience is realizing what I have been missing these couple of years since they opened this location.

What, no hot dogs?!!

There is a place called Ob-Co's which has excellent donuts. In fact, it was picked by the Munchmobile as having the best donuts in the state. This past summer I was on a team that reviewed hot dogs. On a trip to south Jersey, our first stop was at JoJo's Italian Hot Dogs on rt 37 in Toms River. Before JoJo's opened (it was our first of 10 stops) we headed over to Ob-Co's. I wanted to save room for hot dogs, so I didn't eat here, but everyone else did and raved about it. They open at 6 AM and close when they run out of everything, which is usually around 9:00. We lucked out because it was close to 10:00 and they were still open. Ob-Co's 547 Fischer Blvd. (off rt 35 near JoJo's) Toms River

They were closed as of yesterday. Despite the location, and the traffic patterns you described, they did well. I knew the original owners also, and they were quite successful. They sold because they wanted to move to Florida. There is a parking lot, so there was available parking.

And just like that, Frank & Fries is no more. I spoke with the owner today and was told that the place was sold yesterday. It will soon be a Mexican restaurant. I'm really disappointed because I think the food was excellent and the owner seemed like he was really into making it a great hot dog and hamburger restaurant. I helped him a little with the menu, and stopped to eat occasionally. There was no better grilled beef and pork dog anywhere. He used the Thumann's griller; natural casing and 1/4 pound and sold it for $2.00! And made money on it. It was prepared on a griddle and finished off on a charcoal grill. He made a spicy chili, but I enjoyed this tasty dog with just mustard. The fries also were awesome. Hand cut and twice fried. When he was making food before the Grand Opening, Frank explained his process for making fries. I don't remember it, but it was quite involved. The result was the best fries I've ever tasted. And that's saying a lot with Syd's, Amazing Hot Dog, and a few other places that make great fries. I brought some home, and my wife also agreed that the fries were the best she's sampled. I had been meaning to post again abot Frank & Fries, but never got around to it. Guess it doesn't matter now. I was curious as to why the owner would sell after only being open a month. Like many other places, (Callahan's and Eagans come to mind) he was offerred a lot of money. And he decided that he wanted to devote time to producing a show for the Discovery Channel. He still owns Nunzio's in Scotch Plains. He was doing very well at Frank & Fries, and the place was becoming quite popular due to the excellent quality of the food and the very reasonable prices. This was the third and last incarnation of Frank & Fries. Maybe the location is jinxed.

Link here: http://www.nj.com/search/index.ssf?/base/l...er?livfd&coll=1

Today's Star Ledger has an article about the merger between Syd's and Tony's Place. It's in the Savor section. I'm glad that a few more of Syd's selections are now available, including their fries.

Eric's lease was up and he doesn't have the time and/or money to look for a new place. So the next best thing was to move somewhere else where he can continue to work. Otherwise he wouldn't have an income. Hopefully this arrangement will be temporary.

I went to Syd's new location Friday, Nov. 3rd. They are indeed at Tony's place on Morris Ave. Called Tony's Place featuring Syd's, or Syd's at Tony's Place. Tony's is a small diner that looks like a slimmer version of Syd's. What I mean is that it is long and narrow, with a counter to your right as you walk in the front door. It is about the same length as Syd's, but about half as wide. And it lacks the atmosphere of Syd's. I wasn't impressed at all with Tony's. There were too many people working in a cramped area getting in each other's way. Service was slow; it took me a long time to get a hot dog. All of the employees are Tony's; the only one from Syd's is Eric, the owner of Syd's. He was able to get the grill from Syd's and put it in the back where he makes the burgers and dogs. Same great dogs, but the roll was falling apart. I had a chance to ask Eric if he changed the roll. He didn't, but wasn't able to elaborate as someone from Tony's needed his immediate attention and I didn't see him again. I believe that the Bakers Touch roll that he uses isn't of the same quality that it used to be since they stopped baking them individually. Many hot dog joints stopped using this roll. Eric continued to use it at Syd's, but put it in a toaster oven, which I believe he no longer has. I heard another woman compalian about the roll also. My dog was barely warm; at the old Syd's it was always served hot. I think this was due to a delay in getting it from the back to me. The fries used at Tony's are the standard frozen Sysco fries that are indistinguishable from countless other establishments that use them. Syd's always had great fries that were homemade, hand cut, and never frozen. The waitress that I spoke with told me that the only food from Syd's are the dogs and burgers. I told her that I wished the fries were from Syd's as well. I elaborated on the differences, to which she replied that it's a lot of work making fries. Maybe, I said, but I don't care. I'm the one eating them and I prefer the superior fries that Syd's used to serve. The dog was also $3.49, which is about 20 cents more than I remember it costing. I hope someday Syd's has a place of it's own once again, where Eric has total control of the menu and the staff. To those who loved Syd's, let me suggest that you might be better off going to Best Provisions in Newark and buying these same dogs yourself and preparing them at home. I do, and save myself a lot of money in the process. And enjoy the same dogs prepared the same way that the old Syd's did. And don't let anyone tell you that the dogs are made especially for Syd's. They are made at Best and sold to anyone who wants them. For awhile Melt in Jersey City used these same dogs.

The dog is a Sabrett beef and pork dog. Sabrett has 2 recipes; this one and the all beef. You can get the all beef Sabrett almost anywhere, the beef/pork dog is only available through a Sabrett distributor. But they will sell them to you. The Hot Grill uses this dog, although in a smaller size than Callahan's. The Windmill also uses this dog, but they grill rather than deep fry it.