Fire at Amazing Hot Dog

[judsg]

I am lucky that I tried the delicious hot dogs last week just before the fire. Hawaii 5-0 and the salsa and guacamole were really different and delicious. Not an everyday thing but a great idea and welcome change.

The fries stayed warm until I got them home in Livingston.

I'll be ready for a repeat when they re-open in 6 weeks.

[Beth E.]

This has been a very rough week for the Amazing Hot Dog gang. I thought that by now I might have good news to report, but it appears that the damage is more extensive than it originally appeared. Even though there wasn't a lot of fire damage there is extensive water, smoke and heat damage. It looks like they will have to start from scratch and rebuild. But rebuild they will. Eric says they are having to go down to the studs and everything will be brand new.

Thank you so much for your continued support. I appreciate all of the well wishes and positive vibes you are sending this way.

[ejebud]

This has been a very rough week for the Amazing Hot Dog gang. I thought that by now I might have good news to report, but it appears that the damage is more extensive than it originally appeared. Even though there wasn't a lot of fire damage there is extensive water, smoke and heat damage. It looks like they will have to start from scratch and rebuild.  But rebuild they will. Eric says they are having to go down to the studs and everything will be brand new.

Thank you so much for your continued support. I appreciate all of the well wishes and positive vibes you are sending this way.

←

A most recent picture from yesterday:

Matt and I are going to decompress in Florida for a few days (Sunday through Thursday) This should give the insurance companies some time to decide who pays for what. If all goes well, and we have an answer from the landlords ins co, we could concievable schedule contractors for the following Monday and begin final demo and plan the rebuild. We are doing our level best to keep our heads up and truthfully some days it aint easy, our mental health jaunt to FLA should serve us well and we'll be raring to go upon our return. I want to personally thank the EG comunity for your support and kind words. I'll post more details as they become available.

Eric

[KatieLoeb]

Oh Eric!! So sorry - I just noticed this thread today and wanted so send you my well wishes. Go, rest and enjoy your mental health days. You've surely earned them. Come back refreshed and ready to do battle with the insurance companies and get all back on the right track. This too shall pass.

Please let us know when you're back up and running. I finally traded in my old clunker for some reliable transport and was thinking of all the weekend day trips I could take from Philly now. AHD was high on my list so I'll be there as soon as you're back and I'll bring a few PhilleGulleteers with me.

[Rachel Perlow]

Eric, Did you lose your hot dog ephemera from the front windows, as well? That would suck. Have you thought of ways to improve, as long as you're down to the studs and rebuilding? May I suggest working out a better/more permanent looking way to store/serve the limeade? Any items being dropped from the menu or are there going to be any additions?

(no need to rush on a response to this, just wanted to throw out some ideas)

Have a good rest in Florida!

[Curlz]

Eric, Did you lose your hot dog ephemera from the front windows, as well?

←

I wondered the same thing, and from what I could see last night, sadly, yes. The one thing that did make me smile was the smiley face and note drawn on the front door that said We'll Be Back. And of course, they will!!

Enjoy the R&R and sunshine, guys. It's certainly well-deserved.

Curlz

[ejebud]

Eric, Did you lose your hot dog ephemera from the front windows, as well? That would suck. Have you thought of ways to improve, as long as you're down to the studs and rebuilding? May I suggest working out a better/more permanent looking way to store/serve the limeade? Any items being dropped from the menu or are there going to be any additions?

←

The Hot dog antiques were boxed up and taken to the restoration company for cleaning. They were pretty protected by the enclosure and the windows. We are going to probably drop cucumbers from the menu and we are considering adding a hot dog referring to the fire in some way. Jason will be happy to hear that it will probably be pretty spicy using sambal perhaps. We are considering elongating the front counter which will then push the soda fountain closer to the door bya foot or so in turn giving us a little bit more room behind the cashier. We could then add a limeade dispenser, you know the ones that constantly circulate the product. Looks nicer than the pail with a spigot I suppose, LOL!!

So I am looking forward to FLA. I had a minor sore throat the friday before the fire and it has been severely aggravated by the soot and constant talking I've been doing over the last week. I now sound like Harvey Firestein with larangitus. The doc says I have to just shut up and let my vocal cords rest. That's like telling me not to eat, but I'll do my best.

Eric

[Rachel Perlow]

we are considering adding a hot dog referring to the fire in some way.  Jason will be happy to hear that it will probably be pretty spicy using sambal perhaps.

←

May I suggest naming it the Phoenix Dog? What would go on that besides a spicy sauce? I'm guessing a cactus pickle would be too esoteric?

[Jason Perlow]

El Fuego de Verona: An amazing with Sambal sauce with shredded BBQ chicken and refried black beans with chopped fresh Jalapenos and chopped red onion and melted cheese.

[zhelder]

So sorry to hear about the fire. I'm glad I got to make two visits for some of the best hot dogs and fries around. Best wishes for a quick and successful rebuild! I'll be back as soon as you're ready to go again!

[Anonymouze]

I can only suggest the "Flaming Frankfurter of Fate" (reminiscent of the Fickle Finger of Fate from Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In!) or Verona Vittles of Victory or a real groaner The "Haute-Dog". Thankfully fate can be good and bad, I'm sure your fate will be even better (is that possible???) the 2nd time around. Goodluck and enjoy Florida.

[tommy]

"hot dog"

[TongoRad]

I guess I'll jump on the 'dog pile' but with the following disclaimer: this is meant to hopefully amuse Eric and Matt but I guess it could be classified as black humor so I will offer up pre-apologies if it is found offensive.

"Amazing Hot Dog- Deep fried, never flame broiled"

I hope you come back better than ever, and I will be there this time.

[ejebud]

I guess I'll jump on the 'dog pile' but with the following disclaimer: this is meant to hopefully amuse Eric and Matt but I guess it could be classified as black humor so I will offer up pre-apologies if it is found offensive.

"Amazing Hot Dog- Deep fried, never flame broiled"

I hope you come back better than ever, and I will be there this time.

←

No offense taken. This whole situation is so unbelievable it almost humorous. I gotta keep it light or it becomes REALLY heavy.

Thanks for the show of support, TongoRad

[NJ2FLA]

Hey boys,

Sorry to hear about the fire and see the pictures. I feel really bad. I was on the Verona-CG web site and didn't see mention of it. I hope that everything works out for you and look forward to coming in again.

Meanwhile.. depending on what part of Florida you are going to give me a ring and we can go out and grab a beer! I am in Boynton Beach.

Take care and best of luck!

-Scott

[ejebud]

Hey guys,

Matt and I have returned from our "Mental health" trip to Florida. Our bodies are well rested and our minds are clear. we are ready to move on with the rebiulding of Amazing Hot Dog!!..We are just waiting for the Landlords insurance company to give us the green light and begin work. I'll keep you posted. I wanted to share a few food related pictures from our fishing trip on wednesday. Matt and I both caught Kingfish aka King Mackerel. It was just what the doctor ordered.

Eric

[Curlz]

Those are some gorgeous fish!

But I'm confused...no AHD Speedos?

[allie]

Yayyyyyyyy! I'm so glad to hear this guys. I just drove past AHD today and it made me whimper to see it so dark in there. I've had Jason's pic of the My Schmiero as my wallpaper, and I drool every day waiting for you guys to re-open. Congrats on the mental health rejuvenation, and best of luck getting AHD off the ground again.

[NoviceFoodie]

My dad is on the Verona Fire Dept and he called me the next morning to tell me the horrible news - I felt/feel so bad for you guys! I had just gone there for lunch the Saturday before with my Dad and it was great - a co-worker and I were even planning a lunch trip up from W. Caldwell, which we have now vowed to do after you re-open.

Good luck with your re-building and re-opening - can't wait!

NoviceFoodie

PS - How about naming the new dog "FD Flamer"?

[Anonymouze]

I thought of 3 more silly names: Danger-Dogs and Red Hot Fever Franks or Steamy Weiner (nah, the last one sounds too like a porn star name!)

Edited March 14, 2006 by Anonymouze (log)

[rooftop1000]

I thought of 3 more silly names: Danger-Dogs and Red Hot Fever Franks or Steamy Weiner (nah, the last one sounds too like a porn star name!)   

←

....And a weiner called a Flamer doesnt sound like some sort of porn?????

T

[Randi]

I think Rachel's suggestion of The Phoenix is brilliant. Subtle...and yet...not.

[ejebud]

My kids (and all of us) were craving Amazing Hot Dog. We couldn't go to AHD so AHD came home tonight:

Hand cut; twice cooked fries:

Bacon wrapped "Amazings":

One in the fryer:

A Hawaii 5-0 and one very satisfied customer:

"Now THATS a HOT DOG!!!!"

[Dana329]

Sure, tease us like that! Pretty soon you're gonna have a bunch of egulleters show up at your door clamoring for Amazings.

It's 8 am and I want one already.

Can't wait til AHD reopens!

Dana

[ejebud]

Hey folks, Here's the latest update: We FINALLY got the required permits and the landlords contractor started getting the place ready for the work he has to do. All the debris and junk has been removed and tomorrow morning they are going to begin tackling the walls. We originally were talking about complete rmoval and rebuild of the walls, but I think we decided to do a chemical cleaning/Kilz oil based primer/thin layer of spackle to make them even and smooth then fresh paint. I've been guaranteed that there will be no detectable smoke odor when they are all done. PSE&G should give us power back as well tomorrow. Then we can get temp lighting in and test the walk in fridge. All of our equiptment is going to be replaced with new and there will be very few changes. Some changes of note are slightly bigger LCD TV's (from 15 inch to 17 inch wide screens) 18 inches more of counter space for bagging togo orders, a high tech Co2 powered ketchup and mustard dispenser at the condiment stand instead of the little table top manual pump that had to constantly be refilled, and a cold beverage dispenser for our homemade limeade. The contractor said his work will take at least a month so we are going to say at least 6 weeks from today for a potential re-opening time slot.

Matt and I have begun scoping out possible second locations in our free time(of which we have alot of) If there is a spot in your area that is available and you drive by and say "THAT would make a great spot for an AMAZING HOT DOG", please let me know. Thanks again for all your support.

Eric Eisenbud