“Street Food” is an international tradition, but not so much so in America, and certainly not our Lexington Park here in Maryland. Food magazines abound with articles of exotic food available in places like Thailand, China, Japan, Mexico, etc., but I don’t think so much here (unless you count outside of ball parks, river concerts, special events, and the like). Somewhat of an exception is New York and Chicago and (?) DC, all of which are supposed to have famous “hot dog” carts with competition as to who makes the best, what’s on it, steamed or not steamed bun and so forth.
So it was with some enthusiasm that I became aware of “the Hot Dog Guy” last year over in Leonardtown (and the subject of a pre-retirement feeder report I think). With my re-entrance back in the work place I was pleased to see a little sign in the Exploration complex announcing that Thursday’s are “cart day” there. Sure enough yesterday there he was, setting up shop in the parking lot, and pretty well attended at lunchtime.
Half Smokes (which nobody quite understands what exactly that means, but are tasty), Brats, and (Nathan’s) Hot dogs are available as “The Coney Island”, The Chicago, and the DC, along with “loaded”, with chili or not, kraut or not, pretty much any way you like them. Tyler (On a Roll) Radez takes and makes your order on the spot, shown below deftly making a double, and is happy to chat with you if the line permits. Not only does he do “first Friday’s” over in Leonardtown, he now has expanded to the west side of Exploration (Thursdays); the Eastern side (Wednesdays), and also the River Concerts (Fridays). There may be other venues I don’t know about.
It’s really nice to have this kind of food service available, a nice change from the no eye contact Mickey Dee persons goofing up your order at the drive through (Thank you Joe Pesce), or non-caring service at one of the mid chains, but a real person doing real food right in front of you. We need to support this kind of effort and make it a go. Who knows, maybe we’ll see a Chicken Satay vendor one of these days.
Anyway, yesterday Mr. Radez had a “special” of a “Reuben Dog” which consisted of said (Nathan’s) wiener on a roll (not marbled rye thank goodness) along with a slice of Swiss, kraut, topped with Russian sauce. Pretty creative eh? Of course being a “special” kind of guy myself, I went for that. Turned out to be a pretty tasty variation on the traditional American classic hot dog. Sided with some chips, it made a very tasty lunch:
Prices are very reasonable, around 4 bucks. Seek him out…something different --you'll like it!!
Things to do this weekend in the land of nothing to do:
Friday River Concert – “The Real Deal” the piano of Maurizio Moretti; Rossini, Brahms, and R. Strauss.
"Shakespeare in Hollywood" – Newtowne Players, Lex Park (thru Aug 9.)
A Lecture about the Slave Cabin Restoration At Sotterely Plantation – Saturday 10:00 AM (regular fees apply). The lecture will be given by the restorers (John O’Rourke and Gus Kiorpes). An interesting note, both of their wives have restaurant experience. The Flutters will be there (including MFO and her new cast)
Tidewater Archaeology Weekend At Historic St. Mary's City – – see real archaeologists get all worked up about getting dirty. You can help too! Great kids opportunity. Regular admission applies here as well.
St. Clements Island History and Heritage day – (Saturday only) See the Blackistone Lighthouse, games for kiddies, music. Free.
Or, go out and have a nice dinner…and
DFD
No comments:
Post a Comment