The hot dog lives in #RVA

Okay, a quick diversion in this post to focus on a long, lost passion.

Growing up in the New York area there were a couple of foods that required almost religious-like journeys to satisfy your desire for them. Pizza was one of them, as early in life you discovered which of the crispy-thin-crust, off the boat from Italy establishments would do the trick.  In Jersey (not trying to stereotype here), you could find one of those places on almost every street corner so things were good and there was consensus.

But then there was the hot dog.  And the arguments would ensue.  Not just any argument but Jersey Sopranos-style arguments.

Did you prefer the dirty water dogs from the Sabrett's stand that could be found on almost every street corner of the Avenue of the America's?  Did you have to make the trek to Coney Island to the original "Nathan's" where the side of potatoey fries was the perfect companion.  Was it the bag of kosher "specials" that my dad would get from the butcher?  These were the man's man hotdogs more knockwurst in size.  Or for us in Jersey was it the drive to Clifton to Rutt's Hut where they fried the dogs and the castings snapped when you ripped into them?

Boiled? Grilled? Fried?

You see the dilemma.  And that was before you decided what to put on them.

Over the years, the hot dog has taken "second sizzle" in the fast-food, casual-serve world of dining.  The burger, the burrito and even the fancy coffee drink are the backbone of the franchise of choice.  Aside from Nathan's and A&W, the hot dog has perhaps skipped a generation especially when you're looking for that fun, quick meal out.

Last week, not by choice, I found myself eating lunches on back-to-back days at two of Richmond's up and coming hot dog eateries.  I am happy to report that the hot dog lives in RVA with both establishments serving up the best the dog can offer.

At City Dogs in Uptown and Shockoe Slip, you can take a national tour of the hot dog with offerings from cities around the US.  They bring in the actual hot dog brand the city made famous and dress it up according to regional taste.  For example, I ordered the "Coney Island"  ( Sabretts dog I think, with chili and mustard) and a North Carolina dog (with BBQ and cole slaw).  The dogs had a nice snap to them and the buns held up nicely with the toppings.  They also served a host of sides, burgers and other sandwiches.  A fine effort and a great way to educate yourself about hot dogs from across the country.

On Saturday, we took the kids to Joey's in Innsbrook.  The wife had been bugging me for years to try Joey's which until recently could only be found at the Exxon on Lauderdale.  This new stand-alone location represents the Joey's brand….all about the hot dog.  Joey himself was manning the tongs and there were literally a hundred dogs on the griddle as you walk in.

You order them at the counter and one of three ways.  Plain.  Mustard and kraut.  Or "all the way" with chili mustard and onions.  There are White-Castle-style "to-go" boxes on the back wall and your choice of a couple of sides including potato salad, a yummy macaroni salad, or chips.  There are two desert choices and….that's it.  At Joey's, the dog rules.  The dogs are thin, but good and again they hold up to the toppings.

The good news in both cases besides the food was they were both very busy.  This is especially interesting since Joey's is located in what we like to call the "storefront of death" in the front corner of Innsbrook.  Many restaurants and smoothie joints have tried there.  All have died.  We think Joey's has a shot.

They may not be healthy.  They may not be as sexy as a good burger or a slice.  But the hot dog is making a comeback and for those in Richmond who were limited to the dogs at Costco (very underrated and a great deal), it's not a moment too soon.

Any other dog establishments in RVA or the neighboring area we should try?  Please comment.