Not because I actually would watch the game. Well maybe a hit or 2. But mainly for people watching (because inevitably the cast of Jersey Shore would appear) and the food of course! Which brings me to this weeks taste, the Ball Park Frank.
Anybody remember their infamous slogan? "They plump when you cook 'em." I don't understand (and probably don't want to know) why they plump, but however they do it, Ball Park Franks have become a staple in ball parks across the country. So here's your Ball Park Frank history lesson. They started in Detroit at the Hygrade meat packing plant. I remember Hygrade Hot Dogs. I digress. I don't know why Ball Park wouldn't let me interview them. I'm completely reputable! So I had to resort to my dear friend the interweb to gather a bit of history. Thank you Wikepedia who tells us about the contest won by a sales rep to name the Hygrade hot dog. Her prize: $25 and leather chair. I wonder if she thought of collecting royalties? Scandal! Somewhere around 1957 or 1959 (because I seem to be finding both of those dates), requested by the owner of the Detroit Tigers, Ball Park Franks became the official hot dog.
Personally, I love hot dogs. There, I said it! Its even better if its burnt on the grill. Somehow I don't think they would do that for me at any ball park. However, they do have their fancy hot dog rollers that somehow "grill" them. Giving that taste you can only get on the road. They also have that that soft steamed bun thing that is yet to be duplicated at home. I am not a purist and a fan of the condiment. I prefer mine with ketchup, mustard and relish. If I'm feeling really daring, mustard and onions. So do you agree about the Ball Park frank?
As for the next venture? I don't know. I have to check out the list. Any thoughts?
Its the first thing I buy when I arrive at Comerica Park!
ReplyDelete=) I love a good grilled HotDog myself, either be at Comerica or the local Home Depot. This article reminds me of the times me and Father would goto HomeDepot and get a couple dogs and check out the new tools that were coming out. Everytime I go to see the Tigers I always pick up a couple delicious Dogs and of course, a nice cold beer. Great choice for this weeks Blog!
ReplyDeleteNuff said' =)
-Mr Vashotty
I had no idea The Ball Park Brand was a Detroit thing. Boy, where have I been?
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy my dog over the campfire, slighly burnt with mustard.
Mussels would be a good tasting for next week. I have tried 4 different places and still keep coming back to Maggianos
I think it's nitrites that make them plump...I think. I like the smell of hot dogs at the park even though I don't eat them any more. Supposedly, Comerica park has veggie dogs, or smart dogs or something like that, but you have to go to the club house to find them. That's great...where's the club house???
ReplyDeleteTry french's fried onions on your hot dogs. But make sure you put them under the dog or they will cut up the roof of your mouth. That's one of the things they put on them in Norway and it is very tasty!
ReplyDelete-Shannon
The Home Depot Dogs aren't grilled, they are steamed. At Comerica Park I prefer the steamed dogs that the walking vendors sell rather than the greasy grilled that the concession stands sell
ReplyDelete