July is National Hot Dog Month.
Celebrate Baseball and Hot Dogs now until the last pitch of the season.
By Suzanne Corbett, Food/Travel Editor
July brings more than fireworks and the MLB All-Star Break. It’s National Hot Dog month. The month when the world celebrates one of baseball’s iconic ballpark foods. A ballpark tradition since the early1890s, which some historians believe is rooted to St. Louis baseball. Linking the ballpark classic to Chris Von de Ahe, a St. Louis German immigrant who owned the St. Louis Browns.
As the story goes Von de Ahe owned a saloon across the street from the ballpark was the first to sell hot dogs during the game. He got the idea to sell hot dogs inside the ballpark after watching hungry fans come into his saloon after the game to eat. Sounds likely, but such is the stuff of urban legends. Culinary historian Bruce Kraig, Ph.D. professor emeritus at Roosevelt University whose specialty is hot dog history, agrees. Kraig shares hot dog history with the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council and in his book, Hot Dog: A Global History.
Beyond the history the fact remains that hot dogs are a must for countless fans when taking in a game. It doesn’t matter if that game is at a Major or Minor league ballpark or a neighborhood sandlot. When a hot dog is added into the mix it contributes to making it the best game experience ever. Just ask Cardinal Executive Sous Chef Norman Taylor. Chef Norman agrees and makes sure there are plenty of red hots to satisfy hungry Cardinal fans.
This year at the concession stands and food kiosks stationed throughout Busch Stadium you’ll find your favorite dog. From the classic dog that you can dress yourself to designer dogs and sausages as the Bacon Cheese Sausage topped with sauerkraut and crispy onions. However, when you eat that hot dog check your manners. After watching contestants at Nathan’s Hoe Dog Eating Contest jam as many dogs down their throats a refresher on hot dog eating etiquette may be in order
Do’s and Don’ts with Hot Dogs
The following are does and don’ts recommendations for eating hot dogs from The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, reminding fans hot dogs aren’t a fussy dish while still offering a few rules of decorum.
First rule: Don’t put hot dog toppings between the hot dog and the bun. Always “dress the dog,” not the bun. Condiments should be applied in the following order: wet condiments like mustard and chili are applied first, followed by chunky condiments like relish, onions and sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, followed by spices, like celery salt or pepper.
Do serve sesame seed, poppy seed and plain buns with hot dogs. Forget the fancy gourmet stuff like sun-dried tomato or basil buns, these are considered gauche.
Don’t use a cloth napkin to wipe your mouth when eating a hot dog. Paper is always preferable.
Do eat hot dogs on buns with your hands. Utensils should not touch hot dogs on buns. And if you use plates, make it paper plates. Every day dishes are acceptable, but never mother’s good china.
Don’t jam your dog down your throat. Take no more than five bites to finish a hot dog. For foot-long wiener, seven bites are acceptable.
Don’t use fresh herbs on the same plate with hot dogs over-do the presentation
Do lick your fingers. Condiments remaining on the fingers after eating a hot dog should be licked away, not washed.
Don’t send a thank you note following a hot dog barbecue. It would not be in keeping with the unpretentious nature of hot dogs. Of course, I prefer to make a phone call sending thanks.
Here’s a rule some fans will agree with Cubs fans on. Don’t put ketchup on your hot dog after the age of 18. Most anything else is OK, especially, mustard relish, onions, cheese and chili, pickles, tomatoes, sport peppers and celery salt.
Finally, do serve hot dogs anytime you like. According to the Hot Dog Council there is never a wrong time to serve hot dogs. And I agree, except for Thanksgiving.
Tell us how you like to eat your hot dogs. Post a selfie with your hot dog at Busch. I’m on the hunt to see which hot dog rules in Cardinal Nation.
