Rate-A-Restaurant #392: Mr. Monster (Glendale)

Restaurant: Mr. Monster

Location: 116 S. Artsakh (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Hot dog

We stipulated: We were at the Glendale Exchange to hit the Below Five store, and stopped into L&L for spam musubi. But next door, this new restaurant offering Korean rice corn dogs looked interesting. We checked it out.

They stipulated: They recommend you order your Mr. Monster dog with a light sugar coating, but you can get it without. Right now, they're offering a grand opening 2-for-1 dogs. They also come with multiple sauces.

What we ordered: We ordered two Mr. Monster dogs — and with the special, that came to just $2.49. Nathan got his with sugar; I wimped out and got it without. We got the wasabi mayo, cheese mustard and sweet chili dipping sauces.

High point:  We weren't sure what to expect, and were pleasantly surprised. I like the crunch of the coating. Nathan liked the sugar, naturally.

Low point:  I'd love them to have a turkey or veggie dog option. Hopefully in time.

Overall impression: A definite quick snack or weekend lunch that doesn't hurt the wallet. Nice sauces on top of the unique taste.

Will we return:  Yes! Nathan is already asking for a return trip.

Rate-A-Restaurant #260: Slaw Dogs

Restaurant: The Slaw Dogs

Location: 720 N. Lake Ave., #8 (Pasadena)

Type of restaurant: Hot Dogs

We stipulated: We were in Pasadena to visit the Huntington Library -- but this was right after the big winds, and the Huntington was closed. We decided to treat ourselves to lunch -- and Slaw Dogs popped into mind.



They stipulated: For their gourmet dogs, either order one of 10 special "Slaw Dogs" or build your own.



What we ordered: Mike: Thai slaw dog (above; chicken sausage, spicy peanut-coconut satay dressing, cilantro-carrot slaw, crushed peanuts, siracha aioli) $6.59. Maria: A.B.L.T. dog (below; double bacon, chopped romaine, tomato, avocado, roast garlic aioli) $6.29. Plain hot dog for the kids, $3.49. Belgian fries, $2.99.



High point: Amazing choices and unique selection of hot dogs and sausages, with great tasting buns. Several different kinds of dipping sauce as well (although not homemade).



Low point: The loaded-up dogs are a bit hard to eat. Plus, we found it odd that there was no kid hot dog. And the fries were most certainly "belgian fries" (below).



Overall impression: Good place to bring the kids (what kid doesn't love hot dogs?) and a gourmet way for you to try it as well.



Chance we'll go back: Yes-- there are plenty more dogs to try!

Rate-A-Restaurant #209: New York Hot Dog & Coffee (a.k.a. Korean Hot Dogs)

Restaurant: New York Hot Dog & Coffee

Location: 245 Bleecker Street (New York)

Type of restaurant: Korean hot dogs



We stipulated: In New York, we were telling our friend Michelle about the magic of Kogi's Korean tacos. "Well," she asked us, "have you heard about the Korean hot dogs?" Nope. We were intrigued. A bulgogi hot dog? Tell us more! Luckily, on our final day in NYC, Michelle was free for lunch. And she worked close to New York Hot Dog & Coffee. Good enough for us.

They stipulated: There are more than just Korean hot dogs at New York Hot Dog & Coffee; and, strangely, their other specialty is Belgian Waffles. Seriously. Also, for $2 more, the meal deal includes a small soda and either spicy fries, chips or a frozen yogurt. Yikes. Too much food.



What we ordered: Kimchi-Bulgogi Hot Dog ($6.50) for me; Bulgogi hot dog ($5.99) for Maria; Bulgogi wrap with rice ($6.50) for Michelle; and a plain hot dog ($3.25) for Evan.



High point: I'm not a big meat-on-meat fan. But I make an exception when there's a big draw or something unusual. And I was so intrigued by the idea of bulgogi and kimchi on a hot dog, I was sold. And you know what? It was good. But possibly the highest point was afterward: I had no regrets. (That time I ate at Oki-Dog in L.A.? Big regrets. Here? Not at all.)

Low point: The temperature of the bulgogi and the hot dog just wasn't hot or steamy enough. That probably would have led to a more flavorful experience.




Overall impression: I say "no regrets," but I don't think I'd rush back and get a Bulgogi hot dog too soon again. It still seems like a bit too much. But I do like that they offer up chicken items and a variety of sausages for non-bulgogi fans.

Most importantly, though, I gotta take issue with the name of the joint. Apparently New York Hot Dog & Coffee actually originated in South Korea, where the name makes sense -- they're trying to add a little New York hot dog culture to a society that doesn't see that every day. Of course, moving it to the actual New York, it just sounds kinda generic. The name doesn't do it justice, but I guess visiting Koreans will be familiar with the name and logo..

Chance we'll go back: Once you've tried it, you've tried it. We'd probably hit a different unique NY eatery next time.

For a complete list of our more than 200 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant website.

Death By Hot Dog

The folks over at Metblogs L.A. are trying to kill you.

Clearly that's the goal behind the Hot Dog Deathmarch. The event, held June 13, will take you to three of L.A.'s gut-busting hot dog emporiums: Pink's, Oki-Dog and Skooby's.

Pink's, no problem. Pink's and Oki-Dog? Send in the Pepto. Pink's, Oki-Dog and Skooby's? Send in the medics.

They won't actually be marching from place to place -- although, I think that's not a bad idea. Perhaps we oughta merge this with the Great Los Angeles Walk.

Here are some details:

Who will win this weenie smackdown?! Certainly not YOU, after you’ve had three hot dogs in as many hours. But you’re all winners in our eyes, so it’s ok.

Our destinations are Pink’s, Oki-Dog, and Skooby’s. Yes, there are many other great wieners in Los Angeles (har har har). We think these three are enough for one afternoon.

No, we will not really be MARCHING. That’s crazy talk. We will all meet up at each successive location at a pre-determined time, flash-mob style.

Do you have the guts?! Do you want the glory?! Throw the Pepto in your holster, fling caution & your cholesterol to the wind, and join us! Once more into the bratwurst breach!

______________________________________________________
The date: Saturday June 13
The time: 3pm - time of death
The progression: Meet at Pink’s, then Oki-dog, Skooby’s, emergency room
The fun: contests, prizes, acid reflux
The why: WHY NOT? Don’t answer that.

You may recall, we visited Oki-Dog and lived to tell the tale of the infamous Pastrami Burrito during the 2007 Great Los Angeles Walk down Pico.

For those about to Hot Dog March, we salute you.

Where My Hot Dogs At?

(Photo: Karen Tapia-Andersen/LAT)

Los Angeles is a hot dog town, the L.A. Times' Food section proclaims:

We have our old-time dog houses such as Pink's in Hollywood, Cupid's in Northridge and the notorious Oki Dog, with its indefensible topping of pastrami and cheese. A lot of Angelenos are waiting to find out what will happen to Hollywood's famous Tail o' the Pup stand, which has languished in a warehouse since 2005. Look on the Internet and you can read of the grief felt when Sherman Oaks' 36-year-old Wiener Factory closed last New Year's Eve.

I've always loved that as much as L.A. is a health food capital, we're also home to some of the best not-so-healthy fare in the country as well.

OK, so maybe this sounds a little more stereotypically L.A.:

"Our motivation was to pay homage to the hot dog as an iconic American food," says Murray Wishengrad of the Stand chain (Encino, Century City and Westwood), "to elevate the hot dog in both quality and environment. All our places have beer and wine licenses, so you can have a glass of Merlot with a great hot dog."

The story goes on to talk about some of the new gourmet hot dog spots around town, the opening of two Chicago hot dog chains in the region, and a quick history of frankfurters.