Hot Dog Johnny's, Butzville

     This stop on our Tour is one that I have a long personal history with (over 40 years!)  My parents purchased a vacation cottage in the Poconos when I was 6 or 7, and we would pass this stand as we traveled the 2 1/2 hour trip from Staten Island.  Being about 60% of the way to our destination, this was a great place to stop to "empty one tank & fill another!"

     I always wondered what "buttermilk" tasted like, but my parents were too "frugal" (cheap!) to let me find out firsthand.  When our son had that same curious question, I was more than happy to indulge the boy and ordered a frosty mug.  I now know that it is an acquired taste... one that I most certainly do not share!!

     One of my favorite characteristics of Johnny's is their open air pavilion overlooking the original stand from 1944, and a peaceful branch of the Delaware River.  This was a great place to end our 2011 Tour.

     As I do every time I visit, I ordered a mug of birch beer and (2) hot dogs with the "works".  This instructs the crew to add yellow mustard, raw onions and a pickle spear (a quarter of a dill pickle).  Incidentally, a "Route 78" will also add ketchup to that order.  The familiar taste triggered taste bud memories galore, but as a purely impartial judge, I cannot award first place (or even second) to my old favorite.  My wife agreed that they over-applied the onions and the mustard.  It was difficult to taste the dog underneath all the condiments.

     The birch beer and the ambiance are the two main attractions to this stop.  Don't get me wrong... the dogs are delicious and very satisfying, but we have had some pretty amazing dogs today!  I will still continue to visit Johnny's whenever I'm in the area & have some time.  It's a great family stop, with swings for the kids and plenty of space to relax & recharge.

Jimmy Buff's, East Hanover

     Here again is a hot dog restaurant with a rich history.  Nearly 80 years ago "Jimmy Buff" introduced italian hot dogs to the city of Newark, NJ.  The name has carried through the years and is currently represented by 5 restaurants throughout New Jersey.  During our tour we visited the headquarters in East Hanover.  The interior was reminiscent of a 50's diner: pastel colors, patent leather seats and a lot of chrome.

     The first noteworthy observation was the friendly service.  The hots dogs were juicy, they gave a little "snap" when your teeth first bit into them, and provided a wonderful overall taste.  We had input from kraut & mustard people, double italian eaters and footlong chili cheese fans.  Everyone agreed that this stop on our tour was the new "stop-to-beat"!!  There was an overall consensus that the roll got a little bit soggy (depending on your condiments) but it was a small price to pay for a great tasting dog!

*** NEWS FLASH ***
     It has come to my attention that as of July 2013 only 2 locations are still operating in New Jersey.  The West Orange location and the newer Kenilworth location.  The East Hanover store, formerly their headquarters, has closed along with the Watchung store (which I pass periodically & prompted my investigation into current availability).  I hope the friendly folks we met at the East Hanover store have found a place in the new organization.