I demand the return of Mr. Dog. His awesome cart with the fold up top and a wide variety of condiments available to enhance your street meat experience! These are the visions in my dreams.
But I must awake and face the reality that our new hotdog man and his shoddy condiment-less world are all we have for street food (besides delicious vinegar soaked Ken's Fries of course) - this sub-par hotdog experience is taking up incredibly valuable real estate, and even more valuable: the only available street vendor permit available at the moment in our fair city (why exactly there is only one available, I am not sure!)
Street food is something that has come to the forefront of the food world of late. Our own Shawn Hartwell of Simple Fish & Chips has made a recent appearance at the Food Truck Eats revolution in Toronto. There is another event scheduled August 20th for those of us who missed the first round. Food trucks are popping up in unexpected places. Offering reasonably priced food that is full flavoured and delish! Just turn on your boob tube and find Eat St. on the Food Network for guaranteed salivation (and download the app for road-trip satisfaction!).
Stratford has a rather unfortunate foray into the world of street food. The new Robin's Dogs is a disappointment. His buns rest on the ground, a card table set up for your basic ketchup, mustard and relish. Where is the wide variety of interesting mustards, the sauerkraut, pickles, hot peppers...
There are better dogs at Molly Blooms: Nathan's Famous Hotdogs that are far superior to the ones available street side. The buns are pretzel-like, perfectly chewy and you can top your dog with an array of condiments including spicy deep-fried jalapenos!
Why is our city - a culinary destination - so far behind the times? Give me street meat with interesting condiments, or give me death.
