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By
Sarah B. Smith
Opening day of the St. Louis Cardinal’s
2007 baseball season is finally here. Along with
the opportunity to again cheer for our beloved World Series
champs comes another part of the baseball experience—hot dogs.
According to the National Hot Dog Council, baseball fans eat
more than 24 million hot dogs in major league parks each year,
with 800,000 of those consumed by fans at our own Busch stadium
says Dave Bosch, concessions manager.
While clearly part of the pleasure of eating a hot dog is the
nostalgia and ballpark ambiance, several spots in St. Louis
offer their own unique settings for eating the all-American
hot dog.
Carl’s Drive-In has been
a fixture along Manchester Road for more than 70 years. A small
spot along the former Route 66, Carl’s serves foot long hot
dogs ($2.50), Coney Island or chili dogs ($3.50), as well as
other diner favorites. For the last 21 years, Frank Cunetto
has been the owner and the man you will frequently find behind
the grill. One of Cunetto’s specialties is the curlyq hot dog—a
hot dog with perpendicular slits, dropped into a deep fryer
and served on a hamburg bun. Don’t miss another of Carl’s treat—homemade
root beer, made fresh daily from the original IBC recipe and
served out of an old root beer barrel. While small—there are
just 16 stools at the counters—Carl’s is a must for hot dog
lovers.
For the past 30 years, Woofie’s Hot
Dogs on Woodson Road has been pleasing its loyal
customers with their Chicago Vienna beef hot dogs. Owner Paul
Fitzgerald won’t reveal his three secrets to the perfect hot
dog, but with fans like Bill Cosby, Bob Costas, Dan Dierdorff,
and other celebrities whose pictures dot the walls of Woofie’s,
he must be doing something right! You won’t be able to miss
Woofie’s yellow, orange and brown facade with a spinning “V”
(for Vienna hot dogs) sign. Counter seating is quaint, with
12 stools inside and tables outside.
While Crown Candy Kitchen
in Old North St. Louis is famous for its awesome ice cream,
it also has a great lunch menu, including delicious hot dogs.
The Crown Candy experience is legend—the Karandzieff family
has been serving customers since 1913—and totally authentic.
You can enjoy your hot dog in one of their 16 booths surrounded
by Coca-Cola memorabilia from the century. Their quarter pound
all beef franks are served plain ($3.75) or with eight ounces
of chili poured on top ($5.50). For the complete experience,
you will, of course, want to compliment one all American food
item with another—ice cream—perhaps a three scoop chocolate
malt?
Jennifer’s Pharmacy and Soda Shoppe in Clayton is
a throwback to the 50’s, with stools that swivel alongside an
old-fashioned lunch counter. You’re surrounded with curiosities,
cards, cosmetics and toys—along with good food. Proprietor and
pharmacist Jennifer Rich has been in business for 16 years,
with the last two at its North Central Avenue location in Clayton.
Hot dogs are served traditional ($3.00) or Chicago-style ($3.95).
And while you’re indulging, why not try one of Jennifer’s great
tasting desserts. You won’t be disappointed with the baked apple
donuts covered with sugar.
Variety is the theme at Classic Red
Hots in Chesterfield. Cheese Dog, Philly Dog, Reuben
Dog, Grilled Fire Dog, Corn Dog, Bagel Dog—even a Veggie Dog.
All that, in addition to, your classic jumbo, colossal and Chicago-style
hot dogs ($2.49-$3.89). If that isn’t enough to bring you back
for seconds, the deep fried Twinkies might. Served with powdered
sugar and cherry sauce, they are awesome.
As The Guide to Life, the Universe, and Everything notes:
“long before there were hamburgers and milkshakes, there were
hot dogs. The world’s first fast food was the humble ballpark
hot dog.”
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TalkingPOINTS
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Jennifer’s
Pharmacy and Soda Shoppe
30 N. Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 862-7400
Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Carl’s Drive In
9033 Manchester Road
Brentwood, MO 63144
(314) 961-9652
Tuesday – Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Woofie’s Hot Dogs
1919 Woodson Road
St. Louis, MO 63114
(314) 426-6291
Monday – Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Crown Candy Kitchen
1401 Saint Louis Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63106
(314) 621-9650
Monday – Thursday: 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Classic Red Hots
41 Forum Shopping Center
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(314) 878-4687
Monday: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday – Friday: 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Busch Stadium
Gashouse Grill, Left Field Pavilion, Triple Play, Ballpark
Favorites, Riverview Corner and Plaza Grill are among the
concessions featuring hot dogs. And don’t forget the Kosher
Hot Dog Kiosks! |
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