WONDER WIENERS
It’s National Hot Dog Month, so get your buns in gear.
July is National Hot Dog Month, and this year National Hot Dog Day will officially be celebrated on July 18, when the North American Meat Institute holds a luncheon on Capitol Hill. But real Americans know our true hot dog holiday is July Fourth, when Nathan’s Famous holds its annual hot dog eating contest in Brooklyn and millions of wieners are consumed at beach cookouts and backyard barbecues across the land.
At the original Nathan’s hot dog stand in Coney
Island, franks were eaten at a furious pace. Reigning men’s champion Joey Chestnut downed a record 72 hot dogs in 10 minutes last year. Chestnut broke his own world record on Wednesday by eating 74 hot dogs in 10 minutes to claim his 11th Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest title.
Fortunately those who eat for pleasure and not competitively can take their time to relish the relish (or mustard, cheese and chili). No matter your preference — New York pushcart with soggy sauerkraut, Chicago dog with relish, tomato and sport pepper, or Colombian perrada with pink sauce and pineapple — there are some wonderful wieners out there for the chomping.
With the (hot) dog days of summer upon us, click through the photo gallery for some top spots where frankfurter fanatics in South Florida can chow down.