Hot Dog Alert #23

Some people say hot dogs are not good for you. To them I say, if you really want to help Americans be healthy, concentrate your efforts on banning smoking. Leave hot dogs alone and let the people enjoy our national dish in peace. And if you are still concerned about their health, send them to Camden Yards in Baltimore on July 2 for an Orioles game.

On that day, the Orioles are partnering with the Peruvian avocados team to give each fan a free topping of avocado on any purchased Oriole Dog, they are calling it the Avodog. If you haven't tried avocado on a hot dog, you should. It adds some unique flavor that not only enhances the taste of the meat, but gives you body a nice dose of omega-3 fatty acids. They tell me those are good for you.

So if you are in the Baltimore area, get your keyster out to the ballpark on July 2 and eat a few Avodogs. You can always tell anyone that objects that you are doing it for medical reasons. 

Hot Dog Alert #22

My secret food passion (other than hot dogs) is Mexican food. I mean who doesn't love the greasy and salty goodness of tacos, tamales, enchiladas and the like? The only problem is that is just doesn't feel right eating it at a ball game. Nachos are a ballpark staple but I need a hot dog. Some teams like the Albuquerque Isotopes have had an enchilada dog and the Isotopes have the right idea; why not fuse the favorites of Mexican food AND a hot dog?

The Texas Rangers answered the call on this and did so in typical Texas fashion: in a BIG way. Ever heard of the Most Valuable Player (MVP)? The Rangers now have the Most Valuable Tamale (MVT). The MVT takes the Rangers famous 24 inch Boomstick Dog to another level by stuffing it inside of a tamale. Then covering it with chili, nacho cheese and sour cream. Cost: $27. It sounds like a lot, but take it from me, I have had the original Boomstick Dog and it can easily feed four people. That is less than 7 bucks per fan to tackle this monstrous, Mexican meat bomb.

A roll of Tums is not included but recommended.   

Hot Dog Alert #21

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But hot dogs are obviously the most tasty meal of the day. And hot dogs at the ballpark are even tastier. If you are like me and occasionally get up a little to late for the breakfast menu at your local diner what can you do? If you live in Kansas City the answer is clear; head over to Kauffman Stadium, get a ticket for a Royals game and then head to the concession stand and grab a Sunrise Dog.

This new creation from Aramark allows you to enjoy breakfast on a bun anytime the Royals take the field. It is like pulling up a stool at a roadside diner for some biscuits and gravy, only you get to watch live hardball action while dining.

The Sunrise Dog is footlong breakfast beast that includes a griddle cooked frank, cheddar cheese, white gravy, bacon crumbles and a fried egg. It's everything you ever dreamed of; sleeping in late and then heading over to an afternoon Royals game for breakfast at the ballpark.

While I have not eaten it, it is certain to be a messy affair with the gravy and egg yolk and what not. My advice is to grab A LOT of napkins. I hear it is delicious and I highly recommend trying any hot dog so out of the ordinary. I would never steer you wrong. After all, I don't want to end up with egg on my face.  

Hot Dog Alert #20

The temperatures and blackjack tables are not the only things heating up in Reno, Nevada this summer. The Reno Aces are bringing the heat when it comes to hot dog offerings.

The Aces, gentlemen that they are, have designed the Versus Dog, a hot dog intended to honor the team they happen to be hosting. All of their opponents get toppings related to their home cities on HALF of a hot dog. The other half, owned by the Aces, remains consistent.

The Reno part of the dog has coleslaw and pulled pork. Here is the rundown of what the other fifty percent sports dependent upon opponent:

Nashville: Steak House Dog- tomato, caramelized onion, steak sauce

Memphis: Bacon BBQ Dog- chopped bacon, BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar

Salt Lake: Salty Dog- deep fried pickles, spicy mustard, chopped bacon

New Orleans: Cajun Dog- pepper jack cheese, w. Onion, tomato, creole aioli

Tacoma: Alpine Frank- sautéed onion/mushroom, Swiss

Sacramento: Mac Dog- 3 cheese mac, parsley and Just Plain Dog with Ketchup

Albuquerque: Baja Dog- fajita blend bell peppers, pico, cilantro lime crème

Fresno: Taco Dog- Ground beef, lettuce, Tomato and shredded cheese, hot sauce

Las Vegas: Street Dog- chopped bacon, onion, bell pepper, jalapeño

El Paso: Tex-Mex Dog- chili, chili con queso, onion, Texas bottle caps or fresh jalapeño

That's a lot of trips to the ballpark to check out each dog. But hey, it's summer, it Reno, and nothing beats a hot summer night than an outing at the ballpark. Try them all and then try your luck at the slots.