The Best Massachusetts Hot Dog, According to the Food Network
Spring is here, and that means it’s officially hot dog season. Sure, you can enjoy a delicious Massachusetts hot dog no matter the season. But, there’s something about spring that makes people want to have a tasty hot dog. Part of it is probably because of baseball season starting. Eating a hot dog at the ballpark is truly an American experience. So, let’s get into the best Massachusetts hot dog spot, according to the Food Network.
Hot Dog History
On the subject of hot dogs and baseball, here’s some cool hot dog history. According to Hot-dog.org, “In 1893, sausages became the standard fare at baseball parks. This tradition is believed to have been started by a St. Louis bar owner, Chris Von de Ahe, a German immigrant who also owned the St. Louis Browns major league baseball team.” So, the tradition of eating a hot dog as a baseball game goes way back. Hot-dog.org also states that the hot dog was born in 1487 in the city of Frankfurt, Germany. It’s a little fuzzy on exactly when or how the hot dog came to America, but I’m glad it’s here. I’m a vegetarian, but I still like veggie hot dogs. According to one report, Hot-dog.org says that a German immigrant sold hot dogs, as well as milk rolls and sauerkraut, from a push cart in New York City’s Bowery in the 1860s. In any case, we know that the hot dog originated in Germany, and it’s been around for centuries and centuries. Also, the hot dog bun, Hot-dog.org notes, is largely believed to have been “introduced during the St. Louis ‘Louisiana Purchase Exposition’ in 1904 by Bavarian concessionaire, Anton Feuchtwanger.”
Best Massachusetts Hot Dog Spot
So, what’s the best Massachusetts hot dog spot? According to the Food Network and a recent study they did on the best hot dogs across the country, it’s the beloved Fenway Frank at, you guessed it, Fenway Park. “At the game, these specially designed dogs are boiled and lightly grilled, retaining the juiciness of a boiled wiener with the classic snap of one that comes off the grill,” according to the Food Network. “Each one is set into a New England-style split-top bun, handed to fans to adorn with a choice of toppings. If you can’t make it to the game, the pups are available at local grocery stores.” So, it’s pretty cool that this legendary dog has the Food Network’s stamp of approval.
You Should Probably Skip These Foods At A Breakfast Buffet
Eggs
Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it’s a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.
According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it’s challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.
Nadezhda_Nesterova/ Getty Images
Fruit
Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it’s nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren’t eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.
baibaz/ Getty Images
Waffles
nicoletaionescu/ Getty Images
There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it’s best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It’s worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it’s wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.
