Hot Dog Alert!

Rich Pawlak · August 4, 2005

Stopped into this new, 3-week old hot doggery the other day, on the northern end of the Morrisville Shopping Center, hard by the Calhoun Street bridge that leads into Trenton (Pennsylvania Ave and Old Trenton Rd., I believe). They are serving up those big Sabrett dogs, nicely grilled, on nice warm buns, with a respectable chili sauce, if you ask for yours "all the way". Two earnest hot dog -lovin fellas behind the counter, and some spiffy sleek tables on which to enjoy their wares. They also offer a Iowa-inspired "loose meat" sandwich. But this place is a keeper. Definitely worth the drive from Philly, South Jersey, even North Jersey.

Jeff L · August 4, 2005

Stopped into this new, 3-week old hot doggery the other day, on the northern end of the Morrisville Shopping Center, hard by the Calhoun Street bridge that leads into Trenton (Pennsylvania Ave and Old Trenton Rd., I believe). They are serving up those big Sabrett dogs, nicely grilled, on nice warm buns, with a respectable chili sauce, if you ask for yours "all the way". Two earnest hot dog -lovin fellas behind the counter, and some spiffy sleek tables on which to enjoy their wares. They also offer a Iowa-inspired "loose meat" sandwich. But this place is a keeper. Definitely worth the drive from Philly, South Jersey, even North Jersey.
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Sound good Rich, I'll have to add to my list. Do you know of any places besides Casino in the burg who serves good Italian hot dogs?

Jeff L · December 2, 2005

Stopped into this new, 3-week old hot doggery the other day, on the northern end of the Morrisville Shopping Center, hard by the Calhoun Street bridge that leads into Trenton (Pennsylvania Ave and Old Trenton Rd., I believe). They are serving up those big Sabrett dogs, nicely grilled, on nice warm buns, with a respectable chili sauce, if you ask for yours "all the way". Two earnest hot dog -lovin fellas behind the counter, and some spiffy sleek tables on which to enjoy their wares. They also offer a Iowa-inspired "loose meat" sandwich. But this place is a keeper. Definitely worth the drive from Philly, South Jersey, even North Jersey.
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Found myself in Yardley earlier today and remembered you posting about this place. I also passed by it a few weeks ago on my to Antonio's Cafe in Morrisville (quite good food there but another topic)

I had the Pennsylvania Italian hot dog and boy was I happy. I guess they can't exactly call it a New Jersey Italian hot dog being that they're on this side of the river. It was perfectly grilled and packed with nice, small roasted potato wedges, onions and peppers. This dog was a foot long and the roll was really perfect. My only complaint, not really a complaint but say observation, was that the peppers weren't the long and slow roasted ones I enjoy at Casino in the burg. But there were still pretty good.

On my way out I told one of the guys (an owner I presume) that he's giving Casino a run for their money. He said "We'd like to think we're better". They just might be and that's saying something. I like Coney Joe rolls much better than Casino's torpedo rolls. I think too the hot dog is better quality.

So Holly if you're reading this post, when you make your next run into Trenton to try Casino's offerings, add this one to your list as it's no more than 10-15 minutes away from Casino.

rlibkind · December 2, 2005

I guess they can't exactly call it a New Jersey Italian hot dog being that they're on this side of the river. It was perfectly grilled and packed with nice, small roasted potato wedges, onions and peppers.
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Antonio's sounds like they make a good dog, especially since they start out with a decent frank. But a real North Jersey Italian dog is not grilled: it's deep fried, a la Tommy's or Charlie's. The 'taters and onions and peppers are also deep fried.

John · December 3, 2005

And they use circular Italian bread called pizza bread rather than sub or torpedo rolls. There was an article last week in a Trenton paper (The Trentonian?) about Casino's opening up a store in the same strip mall as Coney Joe's. I'll have to find it and post it here. There are lawsuits involved. Casino Tony Goes claims to be the original Italian Hot Dog. But they are mistaken. The Italian Hot Dog was invented in Newark, not Trenton by the Raccioppi family (owners of Jimmy Buff). I've spoken to Jim Raccioppi, grandson of the founder, who told me that only Jimmy Buff's can claim to be the originator of the Italian Hot Dog.

John · December 3, 2005

It seems to me that Casino Tony Goes is getting a taste of their own medicine. They are prohibited by law from claiming to be the originator of this sandwich. By some legal ruling, they are allowed to call themselves the original, but not originator. It's just semantic mumbo jumbo. The truth is that this sandwich originated in Newark, NOT Trenton. Their sandwich is a bastardized version . They use a sub or hoagie roll rather than circular pizza bread, and fries rather than thin sliced potatoes.

Jeff L · December 3, 2005

And they use circular Italian bread called pizza bread rather than sub or torpedo rolls. There was an article last week in a Trenton paper (The Trentonian?) about Casino's opening up a store in the same strip mall as Coney Joe's. I'll have to find it and post it here. There are lawsuits involved. Casino Tony Goes claims to be the original Italian Hot Dog. But they are mistaken. The Italian Hot Dog was invented in Newark, not Trenton by the Raccioppi family (owners of Jimmy Buff). I've spoken to Jim Raccioppi, grandson of the founder, who told me that only Jimmy Buff's can claim to be the originator of the Italian Hot Dog.
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You know it's really amazing that this thing has escalated to the point the Trentonian reports. By the way, the Trentonian is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp...we aren't talking Washington Post or NY Times here folks. I will say that I think it would be ridiculous for Casino, whether or not they were originators or sell the original Italian hot dog, to move into a center where a really good hot dog joint is firmly established.

I see a Pat's vs Geno's starting to brew in this mostly low end shopping center of the pretty low rent town of Morrisville. (appolgies to anyone here who may live in Morrisville, but come on, you know I'm right!)

I think I have my solution though and that is to buy one Italian dog from each place and take the best of Casino and mix it with the best of Coney Joe for a truly awesome hot dog experience!

Viva the hot dog wars..bring it on

John · December 3, 2005

I had posted the article in between my last 2 posts. It had to be deleted because of EGullet's policy of not allowing copyrighted material to be posted. But I am permitted to post a link to the article. My previous post was a comment on the article.

http://www.trentonian.com/site/news.cfm?ne..._id=44551&rfi=8

Rich Pawlak · December 3, 2005

I had posted the article in between my last 2 posts. It had to be deleted because of EGullet's policy of not allowing copyrighted material to be posted. But I am permitted to post a link to the article. My previous post was a comment on the article.
http://www.trentonian.com/site/news.cfm?ne..._id=44551&rfi=8
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People sure know how to ruin a good thing. Live and let live, I always say.

Sfuffy · December 3, 2005

You know it's really amazing that this thing has escalated to the point the Trentonian reports. By the way, the Trentonian is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp...we aren't talking Washington Post or NY Times here folks. I will say that I think it would be ridiculous for Casino, whether or not they were originators or sell the original Italian hot dog, to move into a center where a really good hot dog joint is firmly established.
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Actually, The Trentonian is owned by the Journal Register Co.

Jeff L · December 3, 2005

You know it's really amazing that this thing has escalated to the point the Trentonian reports. By the way, the Trentonian is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp...we aren't talking Washington Post or NY Times here folks. I will say that I think it would be ridiculous for Casino, whether or not they were originators or sell the original Italian hot dog, to move into a center where a really good hot dog joint is firmly established.
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Actually, The Trentonian is owned by the Journal Register Co.
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I stand corrected. It used to be owned by Murdoch. I haven't actually read the paper in probably 20 years or so since movng away from West Trenton.

Jeff L · December 3, 2005

I had posted the article in between my last 2 posts. It had to be deleted because of EGullet's policy of not allowing copyrighted material to be posted. But I am permitted to post a link to the article. My previous post was a comment on the article.
http://www.trentonian.com/site/news.cfm?ne..._id=44551&rfi=8
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People sure know how to ruin a good thing. Live and let live, I always say.
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At this point all of this sounds like legal posturing to me. I still want to know why, of all the retail space available on this side of the Delaware, Casino would opt to move right next to a competitor.

I guess we must factor in here the fact that Casino is more of a full scale restaurant offering many other things besides their specials (Italian dogs) and Coney Joe just has hot dogs I think.

Jeff

Holly Moore · December 3, 2005

I hit both places today. Both serve good dogs. Neither serves what I consider to be the North Jersey Italian Hot Dog of my youth. As has been pointed out above, the North Jersey version is fried in oil, topped with veggies fried in oil, and is served pita style in round bread baked in a pizza oven. What I missed about both Casiono Tony Goes and Coney Joe's was the grease factor. In a classic North Jersey version of the Italian Hot Dog, everything oozes together. That is a good thing.

Surprisingly, I didn't miss the pocket bread way of serving the dogs. My frustration with North Jersey Italian Dogs is that it is very difficult to get all the ingredients in one bite. One needs to eat through the thick layer of potatoes to get to the rest or the sandwich.

With the South Jersey version, the potatoes, onions and peppers are a topping, like lettuce and tomato on a burger. As such one can bite into the dog and get some of everything. Would that there was more grease binding everything together.

Grease wise Casino Tony Goes wins out. Also I preferred their peppers, onions and potatoes. My complaint, the dog got lost on the bun. I didn't realize it until I got home and looked at the menu - I could have ordered a double dog, just like the North Jersey version. They win heritage-wise too. I met the daugher and granddaughter of the founder. The place has been there since 1935. Heritage and tradition always makes a hot dog taste better to me.

The folks at Coney Joe's said their Italian Dog is still a work in progress. They use a jumbo Sabrett's frank. My main problem was the grease factor. Coney Joe's crew looked at me strangely when I complained my dog wasn't greasy enough. Fortunately I am used to such looks. Also their peppers and onions lack the soul of those at Casino Tony goes. Pseudo Italian, sorta.

John, I din't think that Casino Tony Goes version is a rip off of the North Jersey version. Rather great minds working in the same direction. Founder Canio (Tony) Sbarro was born in Italy. He didn't care much for the basic New York dog. So when he opened his place he added the sauteed potatoes, onions and peppers. I'm buying into their claim that both are originals - that there are two distinct Italian Dogs - North Jersey and South Jersey.

As to the name "Casino Tony Goes." Tony was always heading out to pick up supplies - especially fresh produce. People would stop him to tak. Tony, in a rush to get back to his restaurant always told them in broken English, "Gotta go, gotta go." That's the stuff of nicknames. Tony's became "Tony Goes."

I'll post pics as soon as I fine the cord that connects my camera to the PC.

For the GPS enabled, addresses of both places. Both are closed on Sunday.

Casino Tony Goes: 15 Anderson Street, Trenton NJ.

Coney Joe's: 1 E. Trenton Avenue, Morrisville PA

Jeff L · December 3, 2005

I hit both places today. Both serve good dogs. Neither serves what I consider to be the North Jersey Italian Hot Dog of my youth. As has been pointed out above, the North Jersey version is fried in oil, topped with veggies fried in oil, and is served pita style in round bread baked in a pizza oven. What I missed about both Casiono Tony Goes and Coney Joe's was the grease factor. In a classic North Jersey version of the Italian Hot Dog, everything oozes together. That is a good thing.
Surprisingly, I didn't miss the pocket bread way of serving the dogs. My frustration with North Jersey Italian Dogs is that it is very difficult to get all the ingredients in one bite. One needs to eat through the thick layer of potatoes to get to the rest or the sandwich.
With the South Jersey version, the potatoes, onions and peppers are a topping, like lettuce and tomato on a burger. As such one can bite into the dog and get some of everything. Would that there was more grease binding everything together.
Grease wise Casino Tony Goes wins out. Also I preferred their peppers, onions and potatoes. My complaint, the dog got lost on the bun. I didn't realize it until I got home and looked at the menu - I could have ordered a double dog, just like the North Jersey version. They win heritage-wise too. I met the daugher and granddaughter of the founder. The place has been there since 1935. Heritage and tradition always makes a hot dog taste better to me.
The folks at Coney Joe's said their Italian Dog is still a work in progress. They use a jumbo Sabrett's frank. My main problem was the grease factor. Coney Joe's crew looked at me strangely when I complained my dog wasn't greasy enough. Fortunately I am used to such looks. Also their peppers and onions lack the soul of those at Casino Tony goes. Pseudo Italian, sorta.
John, I din't think that Casino Tony Goes version is a rip off of the North Jersey version. Rather great minds working in the same direction. Founder Canio (Tony) Sbarro was born in Italy. He didn't care much for the basic New York dog. So when he opened his place he added the sauteed potatoes, onions and peppers. I'm buying into their claim that both are originals - that there are two distinct Italian Dogs - North Jersey and South Jersey.
As to the name "Casino Tony Goes." Tony was always heading out to pick up supplies - especially fresh produce. People would stop him to tak. Tony, in a rush to get back to his restaurant always told them in broken English, "Gotta go, gotta go." That's the stuff of nicknames. Tony's became "Tony Goes."
I'll post pics as soon as I fine the cord that connects my camera to the PC.
For the GPS enabled, addresses of both places. Both are closed on Sunday.
Casino Tony Goes: 15 Anderson Street, Trenton NJ.
Coney Joe's: 1 E. Trenton Avenue, Morrisville PA
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Believe it or not, I was going to mention that you could get a double dog in my pm to you the other day. I really liked Coney Joe's hot dog better than Casino and think Casino should get a longer dog to fill out the roll.

Agree with you about the peppers and onions but I actually liked the Coney Joe's potatoes better than Casino.

So do either get a mention in Holly Eats?

John · December 4, 2005

I think Casino Tony Goes uses a Dietz and Watson frank.

John · December 4, 2005

Holly,

I e-mailed Maryann Scott sometime late last Spring or early Summer when I read an article about Casino Tony Goes. The article talked about them going into franchising, and also mentioned that they are the original Italian Hot Dog. From corresponding with Mrs. Scott, I truly believed her when she told me that she was unaware of Jimmy Buff's. Her family may not have been aware of the Italian Dogs in Newark or consciously trying to rip them off, but the fact is that Jim Raccioppi's grandfather made these sandwiches in the 1920's and began selling them in 1932. Jimmy Buff's also has the legal right to refer to themselves as the Originator of the Italian Hot Dog, which I believe they are. The Maccaroni family may have come up with their version on their own, but they weren't first.

I haven't been to Casino Tony Goes or Coney Joes, but I have had the South Jersey style Italian Hot Dog, which is actually very common in North Jersey pizzerias. I much prefer the greasier North Jersey style with everything fried and put in the circular bread. To get this type of dog, you have to go to a place in North Jersey specializing in Italian Hot Dogs, or a pizzeria in North Jersey that makes them this way. Most pizzerias, as I've said, use the torpedo or sub roll and thicker potatoes, even french fries.

I've criticized Jimmy Buff's in the past for being overly greasy and using too small hot dogs, but the more I eat them, the more I appreciate them. The Buff's location in Irvington is the only Italian Hot Dog joint near me open late on Sunday nights when I like to have one, so I go there often. I'm getting used to the extra grease, which actually goes well with a few Czech Pilsners. And the smaller dogs fit in nicely with the pocket of bread allowing you to get bread, dog, and vegetables in practically every bite.

Holly Moore · December 5, 2005

Casino Al Goes' version of the Italian Hot Dog

Coney Island Joe's

For comparison - a North Jersey Italian Hot Dog from Tommy's Italian Sausage in Elizabeth NJ and, on the right, Jimmy Buff's version.

Rich Pawlak · December 12, 2005

I finally got to stop by Coney Joe's again the other day, and after all of the discussion here, I had to try the Italian dog.

It was magnificent,;well-done, as ordered, topped with a nicely seasoned mix of onions peppers and potatoes.

After that quick visit I felt compelled to go to Casino Tony's, so, common sense be damned, I headed for the 'Burg in Trenton. Their Italian dog just didnt stand up, as it was overwhelmed by the plain peppers, onions and potatoes. Not a bad dog, mind you, but just not as good as Coney Joe's.

Jeff L · December 12, 2005

I finally got to stop by Coney Joe's again the other day, and after all of the discussion here, I had to try the Italian dog.
It was magnificent,;well-done, as ordered, topped with a nicely seasoned mix of onions peppers and potatoes.
After that quick visit I felt compelled to go to Casino Joe's, so, common sense be damned, I headed for the 'Burg in Trenton. Their Italian dog just didnt stand up, as it was overwhelmed by the plain peppers, onions and potatoes. Not a bad dog, mind you, but just not as good as Coney Joe's.
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Exactly my thoughts in my previous post. I feel Coney Joe's Italian dog really is better than Casino although I don't know how both you and Holly managed to eat 2 of these things in a row.

All this talk here has inspired me to make my own Italian hot dogs. I've roasted red and yellow peppers and fried up some potatoes and onions together with a good Nathans hot dog as Sabrett is not available around here. I put them in a Maiers Italian roll (they come 6 to a bag) which lends itself perfectly for the dog, peppers, onions and potatoes as it is wide and really soft. Just pan fry the inside of the roll over the hot dog and you're home!

Rich, did you get a chance to chat with anyone about this ridiculous legal wrangling?

Rich Pawlak · December 12, 2005

I finally got to stop by Coney Joe's again the other day, and after all of the discussion here, I had to try the Italian dog.
It was magnificent,;well-done, as ordered, topped with a nicely seasoned mix of onions peppers and potatoes.
After that quick visit I felt compelled to go to Casino Joe's, so, common sense be damned, I headed for the 'Burg in Trenton. Their Italian dog just didnt stand up, as it was overwhelmed by the plain peppers, onions and potatoes. Not a bad dog, mind you, but just not as good as Coney Joe's.
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Exactly my thoughts in my previous post. I feel Coney Joe's Italian dog really is better than Casino although I don't know how both you and Holly managed to eat 2 of these things in a row.
All this talk here has inspired me to make my own Italian hot dogs. I've roasted red and yellow peppers and fried up some potatoes and onions together with a good Nathans hot dog as Sabrett is not available around here. I put them in a Maiers Italian roll (they come 6 to a bag) which lends itself perfectly for the dog, peppers, onions and potatoes as it is wide and really soft. Just pan fry the inside of the roll over the hot dog and you're home!
Rich, did you get a chance to chat with anyone about this ridiculous legal wrangling?
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Mine was a stealth mission for an article. I'm not big on introducing myself anyway.

Holly Moore · December 12, 2005

Mine was a stealth mission for an article. I'm not big on introducing myself anyway.
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I used to feel that way. But now think it's only essential for reviews and then only before you've eaten there. The depth of information you can get from face to face conversation usually makes for a much more interesting write-up. If I'm interested in the place, really like it, or have questions, I'll wait until after I've eaten and paid and then introduce myself. Doesn't always work since I'm taking a lot of pictures and owners and employees get justifiably curious. Introducing myself often gets me on the other side of the counter/in the kitchen which makes for some neat pics and better information on the process.

As to the Italian Dog - just like North Jersey, the peppers, onions and potatoes usually overwhelm a single dog. In North Jersey I always order a double dog or, even more to my taste, a double sausage. I didn't think about it at Casino Tony Goes. Actually when served on a long roll, as both places do, I'm thinking the Sabrett's dog from Coney Joe's and the toppings and grease from Casino Tony Goes.

So has anyone tried Coney Joe's loose meat burger yet?

John · December 15, 2005

I like to make Italian Hot Dogs at home every once in awhile. Since I prefer the original North Jersey style, this is how I make them. I start with pizza bread from Carmen's bakery in Union. Before he got his own bakery, Carmen used to supply pizza bread to almost all of the North Jersey places making Italian Hot Dogs including Jimmy Buff's, Charlies Famous, and Charlies Son's. When he got his own bakery, he stopped making a large quantity of pizza bread, and no longer supplied bread for these places. But he does make a few a day for his customers.

I get this bread, which is as good or better than any pizza bread around, and add Best's beef frankfurters, which are used at almost every hot dog joint and pizzeria that makes this style of hot dog, and add a mix of red and green peppers, and potatoes sliced thin with the use of an instrument called a mandolin or mandoline.

Here's the process: Heat the oil in a deep fryer to 350 degrees. Slice the potatoes and throw them in the oil. When they are turning brown, throw the dogs in and set the timer for a minute or 2. Then throw the peppers in. I don't eat onions, but if you like them, put them in at this time. After about 2 more minutes, take everything out. Have the pizza bread open in a pocket, put spicy brown mustard on the bottom with a spoon, put the dogs in and top with the peppers (and onions) and then put the potatoes on top of that.

The result is a great sandwich that costs a lot less to make at home. And in my opinion is better than what you get at the places that serve them. And by the way, the 8 to a lb Best dogs that are available in the supermarket are a great size dog to put on your sandwich. Charlies uses this size; other places use a smaller dog.

Holly Moore · December 15, 2005

Sounds great, John. Please add it to Recipe Gullet if you want to. For those who don't have a deep fryer, I think it would cook up just as well in a cast iron skillet with two or three inches of oil.

My initiation to the Italian Hot Dog and the Italian Sausage was at a long gone place called Pizza Mia, on Route 46 approaching Denville NJ. He baked his own pizza bread and it was a special treat when the bread was still warm from the pizza oven. In the center of the counter was a grill with plexiglass on three sides to protect the customers and a lip all away around. The peppers, onions and potatoes were semi-cooked and sitting on one side. The hot dogs and sausages, on the other. When a hot dog or sausage was ordered, everything was pulled into the hot oil in the center and finished off. Once done it, along with a healthy dose of the cooking oil, everything got heaped into the slice of pizza bread.

Pizza Mia also did a roast beef sub (I think it was called a sub) on a whole round of pizza bread, sliced in half. It could have gone up against any Philadelphia hoagie.

rockhopper · January 9, 2006

There used to be a sandwich joint on Arena Drive in Trenton named Tony Goes. A few years ago Tony Went. Is this the same family?

lamando · January 10, 2006

After my many visits to C-Town for the NRA show, I have been looking for this particular Polish hot dog. Well I finally found it. A 8 to 10 oz. all beef Polish hot dog. I am working it into my lunch menu, hopefully will have it complete by Tues or Wed. I have seen nothing like this anywhere in the tri-state area.

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