Hatfield natural casing angus beef franks

[John]

These franks were introduced about a year ago at certain food distributors in central and north Jersey. Hatfield wanted to make a quality beef frank to compete with Sabrett. I don't even know if they are available in Pennsylvania, as the Pa. market is geared to milder tasting dogs. I don't much care for the standard Hatfield frank. But the angus beef frank is exceptional. I first saw them at a distributor last summer but balked at buying the 5 lb minimum. The guy on duty told me of a cart nearby that switched to this brand from Sabrett. Unfortunately, it was past closing time, but I went back and really liked the dog. It had a rich beefy flavor that I preferred to the Sabrett dog from the cart a few blocks away.

I was in Restaurant Depot this week and came across these dogs again. This time I sprang for the 5 lb bag (only $13.00 and change wholesale) and threw a few in water when I got home. They were incredible; just as good as I remembered them. I also cooked one on the backyard grill. This is one dog that tastes as good in water as on the grill.

I wanted to see how these dogs compared to some of my favorites, so I went to a few places and got a dog of each kind still cold. I tasted Hatfield's, Usinger's Angus, Best, Sabrett, Grote & Weigel all beef, and Thumann's. For me, it's hard to pick a favorite since some of them have different flavor characteristics. Thumann's is the only dog that wasn't all beef. But the Grote & Weigel dog clearly wasn't as good as the other beef dogs. It lacked the flavor and spice. Father & Son in Linden used this dog, switched to a different dog, and then switched back. I wonder if they changed the recipe. Let me add that I cooked all of these dogs on a griddle. Usinger's has a unique spicing, with spices that you don't normally find in hot dogs. This dog has the widest array of flavors. Sabrett is spicy with garlic and papricka dominating. The Hatfield beef dog just had a rich beefy taste where you can taste the spices, but they weren't overpowering or dominant. Best's is sort of between Hatfield and Sabrett as far as spicing. Thumann's is a different animal. Which was my favorite? I don't know. My wife and son both picked the Hatfield frank. For me, the Grote & Weigel frank wasn't as good as the rest, the Thumann's dog was mild compared to the others, and the Sabrett was a little too spicy/garlicky, although this is the dog I get when I'm in the mood for this. On the backyard grill, Best is as good as there is, but on the griddle Hatfield and Usinger's really stood out.

I'm glad that I have access to Hatfield's. I wish that Usinger's was available in my area. Only one place I know of has it, but they have the low fat skinless version. Anyone know if the Hatfield frank is available in South Jersey/Pa., or is it just shipped to north jersey? In any event, it is well worth seeking out.

[rlibkind]

Thanks for the word on these new (to me) Hatfield franks, John. I'll check the local purveyors, especially those at the Reading Terminal Market who deal in Hatfield product, and ask about its availability here in Philadelphia.

[jmbrightman]

i usually buy Nathan's, or Best's and Hebrew National kosher franks. how do they compare to those choices?

[John]

Out of the three you mentioned, I prefer Best's. But the natural casing dogs which are only available at the factory or the hot dog joints that serve them. For some reason, Best's really stands out when prepared on the backyard grill. This is how Syd's makes them, but on an indoor gas grill. Hatfield's and Usinger's are great no matter how they're cooked. Sabrett is good in water and on the griddle; not so good on the grill in my opinion.

[rockhopper]

I don't much care for the standard Hatfield frank. But the angus beef frank is exceptional.

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I'm right with you about the standard Hatfield dog. Only acceptable on a Phillies dollar dog day after a vat of beer. That's why I'm surprised you found one that is good. What is the name: "Hatfield angus beef frank"?

[John]

On the label, it says Hatfield Natural Casing Beef Frankfurters. Underneath is added Made With Black Angus Beef. I spoke with someone from the company last August and was told that these franks were made to compete with Sabrett and other all beef dogs in the tri state area. A much better dog than their regular one found in supermarkets, which contains turkey in addition to beef and pork. As I said, my wife and son love this hot dog. I gave a few to one of my friends who also likes it, but says that it's a little too smoky.

[Holly Moore]

I called Hatfield. The black angus natural casing dog is sold only to food service operations. They used to have a retail pack but discontinued it. It mainly goes to the New York area. It is 8 to a pound.