Hot Dog Fever

by Juleana Enright on Nov.28, 2011, under Foodie

Though food truck sightings may be dwindling the colder it gets, there are a few diehards still a’trucking and delivering the best, locally-made, small kitchen powered treats and savory eats the cities have to offer. Among the enduring food truck lot is MN quality wiener buffs – Natedogs.

Natedogs specializes in the all-American snack – the hot dog – done with a local, homegrown, all-pork twist. Owner and proprietor, Nate Beck, serves up family-farmed hot dogs and bratdogs sans nitrites, nitrates, hormones or antibiotics guaranteed to be “so delicious” that pairing them with condiments is practically a sin. But don’t worry, you won’t be marauded for your ketchup fondness. Natedogs doesn’t judge, although, they may persuade you into going for their housemade mustards like the honey spiced or beer mustards made from Surly Cynic instead of the red stuff.

I recently discovered Natedogs at last week’s Vita.mn 5 year anniversary party where the pups were being devoured at only $3 a dog. Paired with a can of locally-brewed Surly, there’s no finer, yet simplistic duo. And luckily, these tasty hot dogs can still be enjoyed even though summer is long gone. Catch Natedogs in St. Paul Fridays at MPR headquarters at 9^th & MN from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays at the St. Paul Farmer’s Market at 5^th & Wall St from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and savor the local goodness.