December 17, 2011
When we posted about Snag Stand, twitter burst into life with hot-dog recommendations. My eye was particularly caught by Astarlia's recommendation of Grandstand Hotdogs, promising of really good vegan hot-dogs for $6. So with the combination of a sunny day and some rare spare time during the pre-Christmas craziness, Cindy and I wasted no time in checking it out.
Despite (or because of) the sunshine, Birrarung Marr was pretty deserted, meaning no queues at the hot-dog stand. The menu provides a wide variety of dogs, from the straight-up ketchup and mustard version, to less conventional approaches (e.g. Thai and Malaysian-inspired hot dogs!). Cindy is a staunch traditionalist - she doesn't even think onions really belong on a dog, so she ordered the classic version ($6).
The veg sausages here are much less fancy than those on offer at the Snag Stand; we suspect they're Sanitarium brand hot dogs. Still, stuffed into a white bun roll and slathered in sauce and mustard, these are much closer to a traditional hot-dog than the fancy-schmancy versions served up at Snag Stand. It's all pretty basic - cheapo dawgs in cheapo buns with loads of condiments. Still, for $6 she had no real complaints.
I went a bit more upmarket - the Bavarian comes with pickles, warm sauerkraut, onions, sour cream and mustard (and a few bonus napkins!). Despite all the additions, this is still only $6, making it one of the better value hot dogs around - Lord of the Fries charges $8 and the Snag Stand closer to $10 (although the appallingly-named 'Massive Weiners' in Prahran apparently has a $5 veggie foot long!). All the accompaniments make it hard work to eat this with any dignity, but nobody's really shopping for dignity at a hot-dog stand. Sauerkraut is a particularly excellent addition to a hot-dog, and this whole package worked very well. I'm keen to go back and try out the chilli-dog in the not-too-distant future.
Despite (or because of) the sunshine, Birrarung Marr was pretty deserted, meaning no queues at the hot-dog stand. The menu provides a wide variety of dogs, from the straight-up ketchup and mustard version, to less conventional approaches (e.g. Thai and Malaysian-inspired hot dogs!). Cindy is a staunch traditionalist - she doesn't even think onions really belong on a dog, so she ordered the classic version ($6).
The veg sausages here are much less fancy than those on offer at the Snag Stand; we suspect they're Sanitarium brand hot dogs. Still, stuffed into a white bun roll and slathered in sauce and mustard, these are much closer to a traditional hot-dog than the fancy-schmancy versions served up at Snag Stand. It's all pretty basic - cheapo dawgs in cheapo buns with loads of condiments. Still, for $6 she had no real complaints.
I went a bit more upmarket - the Bavarian comes with pickles, warm sauerkraut, onions, sour cream and mustard (and a few bonus napkins!). Despite all the additions, this is still only $6, making it one of the better value hot dogs around - Lord of the Fries charges $8 and the Snag Stand closer to $10 (although the appallingly-named 'Massive Weiners' in Prahran apparently has a $5 veggie foot long!). All the accompaniments make it hard work to eat this with any dignity, but nobody's really shopping for dignity at a hot-dog stand. Sauerkraut is a particularly excellent addition to a hot-dog, and this whole package worked very well. I'm keen to go back and try out the chilli-dog in the not-too-distant future.
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Tummy Rumbles were reasonably positive when they visited (some three years ago now!), and I can't find anybody else who has bothered to review them.
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Grandstand Gourmet Hot Dogs
Birrarung Marr (behind Federation Square), Melbourne
vegetarian hot dogs $6
http://www.fanaticalfoodie.com.au/ (be warned, their site doesn't seem that up to date)
Accessibility: The hot dog stand is on the highly accessible path that runs along Birrung Marr. Ordering and pick-up occurs at a high counter. There are park benches and steps around to sit on, but not a great deal of shade.
I think I prefer the sound of the snag stand which I have tried once but I want to try their snags with sauerkraut - that is my sort of topping - unfortunately am at birrung marr less so am less likely to try it but will try and remember should circumstances find me there
ReplyDeleteJohanna - ask carefully about Snag Stand's sauerkraut before ordering it! We hear a rumour that it includes bacon.
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