Hot Dog Joe, Bridgewater

     While speaking with Joe it became clear that he is a passionate cook.  He prepares all of his toppings and even grows some of the ingredients in the small garden he tends behind the trailer.  He insists on serving only all beef hot dogs.  His go-to brand is Thumann's but he has been known to serve Black Bear if he runs out.  Joe adds a bit if apple cider vinegar to the water when boiling his dogs soften the natural casing.

     The hot onions (w/ peppers) were outstanding!  These are homemade and the tangy flavor held a nice amount of heat.  His chili was very good but was a bit milder than I prefer.  It had neither the strong cinnamon/coriander/nutmeg flavor that most of the texas weiner joints serve but it also didn't have a tomato base.  It is best described as a mildly seasoned ground beef.  If you're near Bridgewater around lunch time, give this stop a try!  He's open 10:30a-2:30p 6 days a week (closed Sundays).

Apple's Deli, Springfield (permanently closed)

     Apple's Deli has a long, interesting history (although it only opened in 2016!)  The owner, Matthew Applebaum, bought the old Evergreen Deli in Springfield after serving as chef at several North Jersey restaurants.  One of these was Amazing Hot Dog in Verona, now long gone.  This was an opportunity for Matt to serve what he loves under his own banner.

     The big hit at Apple's Deli has got to be the Syd's dog.  Originally served as Syd's in Newark (also long gone) this is a Best natural casing 5:1 all beef dog that is only available at the Best Provisions store, also in Newark.  It is first boiled and then given some char on the grill.  Below is a shot of mine with brown mustard.  Absolutely fantastic!

     The pic at the bottom of this post was taken during the 15th Annual NJ Hot Dog Tour where Apple's hosted an outdoor cookout for the participants.  It was a great day for an outdoor venue and everyone enjoyed their wonderful hospitality!

*** Update - Permanently closed in 2019

Relish Hot Dog & Sausage Co.

     Relish Hot Dog & Sausage Co. opened its doors in 2017 and has already made a big impact in the hot dog world.  They were one of the 10 finalists in the 2018 Best Hot Dog in NJ competition.  Their unique rolls add to the magic.  They cut a loaf of Italian bread in half and the skewer the flat end onto one of the metal spikes that sit next to their grill (see below).  The process makes room for the dog and toppings as well as warming the roll.  What a great idea!

     The storefront boasts a large window that allows direct access to the street traffic, so buying a dog to satisfy tour hunger is pretty convenient.  One downside to the structure is that it does not provide any seating, either inside or out.  There isn't much room surrounding the building to loiter while you eat!

     The "hole in a roll" technique provides a stout container for your hot dog and toppings.  The dogs are all beef Thumann's and weigh in at a quarter pound.  Standard toppings are available and Relish provides several creative topping combinations as suggestions.  Below I sampled a K.C.Kraut which boasts beer kraut, house wiz & awesome sauce.  The flavor and texture was a real treat, but as I neared the end of my meal I recognized a possible flaw in this unique design.  The wiz, sauce and residual moisture from the kraut tended to accumulate at the bottom of the "roll" since it was being held vertically.  The result was that the last few bites were considerably more messy than my first bites.  I will plan for this on my next visit, so don't you be caught unprepared!!