Hot Dogs – Edmonton

Haute Dogs

A classy take on a classic meal

By Robert Michon

Whether they’re roasted over a roaring campfire or grilled on a backyard BBQ, hot dogs are a key part of summertime cuisine. But let’s be honest—though they’re cheap and easy to make, hot dogs can also be a little bland. So if you’re getting tired of the same old ketchup/ wiener/bun combo, you may want to spend some time this summer getting to know the gourmet hot dog scene. Edmonton has no shortage of “haute dog” shops to explore, and you just might walk away with your own new trick.

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Fat Franks

Locations: Capilano, 125-5015-101 Avenue, West Edmonton Mall Food Court & Street Corners Everywhere

Price: $3 to $7

With twenty-one years of service under its belt, Fat Franks is practically an Edmonton institution. Since opening two decades ago, this company has been focused on perfecting the street food experience. Quick, cheap and tasty, these dogs are perfect for eating on the go, whether that means a quick lunch or a late-night snack on Whyte Avenue. Fat Franks is infinitely customizable, offering a number of different types of sausages, buns and premium toppings. After ordering, they hand the reins over to you to mix and match your favourite sauces and garnishes. You’re likely to run out of summer afternoons before you exhaust the possible ingredient combinations that these carts and kiosks have to offer. With gluten-free and vegetarian options available, Fat Franks has something you’ll love no matter what you’re craving on your hot dog.

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It’ Dog

Location: 8621-109 Street

Price: $7 to $10

Opening early last year, It’ Dog is the youngest of Edmonton’s gourmet hot dog shops. The perfect melding of Korean and American styles, It’ Dog is perhaps the only place in the city where you’ll be reaching for the kimchi instead of the sauerkraut. Whether you order your dog to go or grab a table in their small shop, you’re in for a truly unique experience. Each hot dog is served on a pretzel bun and is piled high with some of the most unconventional toppings you’ve seen on a dog. Bulgogi, shrimp, pineapple and mac and cheese are only a few of the exciting toppings you can choose from. It’ Dog is a good match for any culinary adventurer, but even if you’re just in the mood for something traditional, this shop has something for you.

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Pub 1905

Location: 10525 Jasper Ave

Price: $9.75 (Includes side)

You might want to sit down and order a beer for this one. Pub 1905 focuses on the full restaurant experience, and while they offer a menu loaded with tasty treats, it’s their gourmet dogs that have people talking. Using high-quality fresh ingredients, Pub 1905 offers a variety of creative hot dog variations that are sure to excite your taste buds. You can order your gourmet dog in the classic, vegetarian, spicy or calorie-loaded variety, each time getting a whole new taste experience. Be sure to stop in for a bite the next time you find yourself downtown.

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The Dog

Location: Summertime Festivals

Price: $6 to $10

The Dog’s stand-alone restaurant closed its doors earlier this year, but long-time fans of these one-of-a-kind hot dogs need not worry. The Dog survives in the form of a mobile kitchen, which is expected to hit Edmonton festivals all summer long. Operating in tandem with its sister-restaurant, Sloppy Hoggs Roed Hus, The Dog’s mobile kitchen focuses on delivering the same quality ingredients that made the restaurant such a treat. All of the ingredients, from sausages to sauces, are prepped in-house and are sure to impress. Offering exotic meats, a wide vegan selection and even hot dogs that look suspiciously like dessert, it seems as if nothing is beyond the reach of The Dog’s culinary masterminds.

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Home Made Gourmet Mustard

Making your own gourmet mustard is not only easy, it’s a short, delicious path to BBQ bragging rights. Give this one a try.

Honey Brown Mustard

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup yellow mustard seeds
• 1/4 cup brown mustard seeds
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup of your favourite beer
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Directions

In a small container, mix the yellow and brown mustard seeds with the cider vinegar and 1/2 cup of beer. Cover, and place in refrigerator overnight.

The next day, place the soaked seed mixture in a small pot with the remaining 1/2 cup of beer. Add the sugar, honey, salt and turmeric. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then remove it from the heat, and let it cool.

When cooled, pour the mixture into a blender, and blitz it until smooth. Transfer the mustard to a Mason jar, and refrigerate before using.

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