Coney Island Hot dogs in new castle?!?!? [Pgh]

Last night on ON Q there was a segment on a potential race track in new castle, whilst interviewing the townspeople about it they spoke to a gentleman who owns a Coney Island Hot Dog shop there! has anyone ever been there? im planning on driving up there on saturday myself to experience the glory that is a coney ;p
i suppose ill report back to you, faithful chowhounders!

[exncite]

My little brother is right about the buns. The BEST Coneys were years ago at the original restaurant. It's long been demolished but was about where the Eat 'n Park is downtown. Anyone remember the waitress Mary? She also worked at the other location for a number of years when it moved.
I remember my Uncle Jake used to make special trips to NC while on business trips just to eat Coney Island hot dogs instead of the business dinners he could have had.

Some things I miss also are Lamb on the rod, smelts and red sauce from Medure's, DeRosa bread and Mrs. Plonka's spice bars.

[hungryinthesouth]

Thanks Kutzeh for the recipe for Hot Dog sauce!!!! Easy and so much like the real deal that I am not going to try a different version for awhile until I get my fill of this! I have been living here in SC for 4 years and really have missed that wonderful taste!!!
I put the White Garlic Sauce up there on the board somewhere. Now I have to go and get the lamb! haha.
P.S. I did add 2 Tbls. of vinegar to the sauce as well. Darn near perfect!

[kutzeh]

hungryinthesouth,,
Thanks for trying this. It freezes well in small containers, just enough for a few dogs and good on burgers too. You can make it spicier if you wish. I will try the white sauce. We go to Marys all of the time and their garlic sauce is made with dried egg or pasturized beaten whites. I talked to the owner but he would not give me the proportions. We know them quite well. but no luck...only that egg whites, oil and garlic are used. They replaced the oil and garlic sauce.
We spend our winters in Surfside Beach SC. Is that anywhere near you? Glad we were not in New Castle this winter. Enjoy!

[jdsnc1]

Kutzeh...do you have a recipe for the hot dog sauce like Coney Island?...I have been asking for it since 2009 and have gotten nowhere. Would you please email me the recipe at [e-mail]. My son is dying for Coney Island hotdogs in San Antonio, TX. I would really appreciate it.Thanks in advance!

[kutzeh]

jdsnc1
This is called coney Isl chili but is a bit different than the restur Coney Isl in New Castle. their's seems to be thickened by cornstarch which you can do with this if you wish, This one is more like PO lunch.
here it is again. One of the best recipes I have ever gotten and I can't remember where I got it

Coney Island Hot Dog Chili

brown in pot

1 1/2 lean ground meat
2 T ch onion
drain fat if necessary
Add:

1 T salt
1 T cayenne or more to taste
1 T black pepper
4 T chili powder
1 sm can tomato paste
2 qts water

Simmer till thick breaking up meat
with potato masher-takes a while to cook, but it's worth it
Freezes well
If you wish to hurry this and use a filler,corn meal which tastes and feels like mea,t added slowly while cooking.r cornstarch to thicken

-----
Island Cafe
224 Bessemer Ct, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

[hungryinthesouth]

kutzeh,
The white garlic sauce is so close or the same and my whole family loves it. I recently bought a food processor so my husband does it in there now but a blender does well, the lemon juice makes it pop!
We live in Surfside Beach, SC! In the Deerfield Plantation. You have probably been to Joey Dogs then near the Old Tyme Pottery? There sauce is bland but they have good burgers. Let Me know if you ever make the white sauce, and Thank You again for the awesome recipe! Its a small world!

[kutzeh]

I have made the white garlic sauce that you make. Was going to try with pasteurized egg whites but after reading the container, it said they do not beat up right ,so I didn't. The sauce is very good and creamy with an intense garlic flavor and you can taste the oil flavor. Maybe dried egg whites will work. We do like this better than the garlic and hot pepper ring sauce. Both are yummy on kibbee I also have a recipe for kibbee too.. We have been to Joey's in Surfside but you are right the chili is bland, burgers are good but my husband din't really think the dogs were too special. Guess we miss the home town. There are so many ethnic restaurants and not at all expensive. Great Italian!! Mary's will be the first place we will go when we get home. Have a great day

[exncite]

Thanks for the Garlic Sauce recipe. Have a question in the preparation of the lamb. How is seasoned? There were some spices used on it, but not sure which ones.
Gonna try to make some. Headed out soon to see if I can find the correct Syrian flatbread too.

[hungryinthesouth]

When I use cubed lamb I use salt and pepper and a little hint of cumin and some garlic. Sometimes I roast a Leg of Lamb or a boneless roast and I always plug it with garlic and salt and pepper and a lil cumin. If I have a jar of banana peppers in the cupboard I also pour some of the juice over the lamb while cooking it. That's always yummy.
Let me know about the bread! I am not a big bread baker but I would give it a shot if I thought that I could have that bread on the table!!!!!!

[michaelalbert]

Is there a reason that the newest posts are at the bottom? Seems to me that it would be easier if the newest posts were placed at the top. Thanks

[treeher]

As a lifelong Coney afficianado, I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the buns. A long time ago they were Nickle's buns and were steamed. Buns today are not nearly as good and are not steamed. The sauce is still the best that there is, but something changed some years ago and it is not as hot, although the flavor remains pretty true. I've been eating them since the 1950's. Once ate 18 of 'em. The "M" in M&P is Mitzos. I knew Chris, and no one is ever going to get the Coney sauce recipe. It's harder to get than the Coca Cola recipe!

[michaelalbert]

Try Nikko and Lou's in downtown Sharon treeher. I think you will really like it. they are closed on Sunday's

[micknpcola2000yahoo]

I have tried to come close to this recipe, but my aunt says they put cocoa....? in their's I die for their chili dogs I now live in Florida, whe I lived in cleveland we would go back to NC several times a year and take home gallons portion out n freeze, always seemed to get hotter when it had been frozen.

[lesliesbest]

The "P" is for Papazekos. I'm not sure it's spelled exactly like that, but it's close. Chris Mitzsos is an attorney, and has an interest in the restaurant business. John Mitzsos ran the downtown restaurant on the square in New Castle for as many years as I can remember - more than 40! He still goes there daily M-F, when not visiting in Greece, but doesn't spend nearly the hours there that he used to. The restaurant is not nearly as busy as it was in the past. After football games you couldn't get in the door because there wasn't a seat available. It's not like that at all anymore! So sad to see for such great tasting food!!

[michaelalbert]

Peg,
FYI, just up the road in Sharon is a little restaurant called Nikko and Lou's. They also do the Coney justice. We come from Canton and they are as good as the NC coneys. Dad was born and raised in NC and it was always a treat to do Coney Island.
What I find very interesting is that the sauce by itself is nothing. It is when you combine it with the mustard, onion and coney that the magic happens...IMHO.
Thanks for all your posts. Looking forward to trying some of these recipes. If you have a favorite, please mail it to me @ [e-mail]
Fondly,
mike
p.s. the sauce freezes very well.

[Burghfeeder]

I stopped at Niko and Lou's for the first time and really enjoyed it. I admit that I'm no expert on this type of Coney (dogs or sauce), but I know they were good!

http://burghfeeding.blogspot.com/

[hungryinthesouth]

There is two Coney Island Hot Dog shops in New Castle. One is downtown and serves beer and is very good, The other is on Route 18 and is equally as good and has a drive thru window. I live in the south now and there aren't any half way decent hot dog shops anywhere! I live in Myrtle Beach where there over 1400 restaurants! Thanks for the recipes!!!! I make lamb every chance I get. Southerners don't seem to have a taste for it ither
! I also put up the White Garlic Sauce Recipe a few scrolls up.

[gaz]

Hi Peg, went to school at Westminster in the 70's. Was introduced to Coney's by frat brothers...nothing like it in the East. Would love the recipe for Coney Sauce, I've tried duplicating it..but only close.Dream of opening up a shop in New England....maybe you will be the Boost, Gary

[ralphnf]

For all the NC chili dog fan's out there, or for the NC chili dog curious, a version of Bill's has opened in Pittsburgh's Strip. The name of the restaurant is Hot Frank's. I grew up in Ellwood City where the reigning chili dog champ was Red Hot's, run by relatives of the folks that run Bills. The Chili at Bills is possibly even better than Red Hot's, its a little spicier. For any Pittsburgher's that might not be familiar with NC style chili dogs, order your hot dog's with chili, mustard and onion. Burgers or cheeseburgers ordered in exactly the same way are also excellent. Don't go to Bill's without sampling the chili, it is their raison d'etre.

Munch recently reviewed the place but her/his review was extremely disappointing, making almost no mention of the chili. This is unfortunate because I'm really hoping this place takes off.

-----
Red Hot Restaurant
219 6th St, Ellwood City, PA 16117

[cnurse2525]

Just went to Ladies of the Duke, still great. MP Coney still great. Bills still great. They opened a Red Hots in Austintown. Dogs taste as good as Coneys. They have Gyros there that were good. Tried a recipe from the internet for MP Coney sauce, was close (author said his Mom had worked there) and I am trying to perfect it. Hmmm time to make another trip to New Caste...Ollies and Coneys....

-----
Ladies of the Duke
1114 N Croton Ave, New Castle, PA 16101

[MikeDoyle]

NEW CASTLE! Born and raised there, couldn't wait to get out, but LOVED the FOOD!!!!!!!

[bcher]

NEW CASTLE!! I was just there over Easter and reflecting back to the town I remember in the 50's/60's -- moved away in 1973 -- the town has changed so much but the food is still the best. I always go to Coney Island or Bill's and Mary's when I'm there. I saw the recipe's for chili but would love to get recipe for Mary's garlic sauce. Hope someone will share.

[hungryinthesouth]

I think I know you!

[jdsnc1]

Peg,
Please, please email the New Castle coney island recipe to me. I have tried so many recipes and none really come close! Would be forever gratefull if you could send it. email is [e-mail] Thank You!!!!

[rayl]

I grew up in Coitsville, just across the state line from New Castle. There is no hot dog sauce as good as Coney Island Lunch on the squarein NC. It isn't the same as it was originally when I first had it in the 50's. It was real good untill about ten or so years ago. I've tried to make it but it can't be duplicated. Last few times I got some to go, it had a gelatin type quality to it when it was cold. That isn't how it is supposed to be.

I wish I could make it, by the way everything meant mustard onion and chili, no ketchup. I wonder if the fact that the guy that prepared it used to stack about ten or twelve dogs up his hairy fore arm and then slap on the condiments made it taste so good? I know that they used skinny dogs, Sugardale 12/12's.

Ray L

[LoloRobison]

P.O. Lunch Box's Yappers and Chili Cheese Fries ... Mmmm. Never had a better coney anywhere, and I've been everywhere! Pasta lunches on Sundays at Ladies of the Dukes cannot be beat, if they are still operating. DaRosa's Italian Bakery ... get their bread fresh-baked and hot out of the oven. New Castle, Pa., is a mecca of fine ethnic cuisine ... Italian, Syrian, Middle Eastern, Polish, American, you name it. Residents take the culinary experience very seriously. If you're on a diet, you're SOL!

[NHillsChris]

I grew up in New Wilmington, and moved to Pittsburgh about 15 years ago. It was quite a shock that not every restaurant didn't have lamb on a rod. And you would think that in the whole metro Pittsburgh area doesn't have one good hot dog shop. I order mine with chili and cheese. And good pizza, forget about it. Coney Island, Pizza Joe's, Bill's, here's to you.

[ilikefood123]

With all the food mentioned in this thread I'm surprised nobody mentioned Ladies of the Dukes! If I ever go out to eat Italian, I refuse to get pasta because the sauce is always a disappointment.....but Ladies of the Dukes is just great.

I now live in North Carolina and am amazed what people think is good food. Bar-b-que? Grits? Black-eyed peas?! Makes you want to vomit. I am thankful every day when I think about growing up in New Castle with the Italian, mid-Eastern, Polish/eastern European influence to food.

[Tubbie50]

I was raised up in west pittsburgh went to new castle vo tech high school the first year it opened . Used to go to PO Lunch all the time and also Bills hot dog shop . I sure miss the food I live in Lake Havasu City AZ now . My brother in law used to work at PO lunch he said they used to put left over hot dogs ground up in the sause . The resipe that has that I am going to try . I used to have my family get me New castle chili that was very good just add onions on the dog I think you can still get it or even have it shipped to you . I f I get the phone number on who still sells the chili I will post it . God Bless You All
Jim Walker

[howkat]

Just saw a reference to this site on the Taste of Home bulletin board. I live in New Castle and didn't know we were so famous! Those chili recipes are so guarded that I don't think you'd ever get the original one. The people who own the hot dog shops are Greek, if that means anything. We took some chili with us,on dry ice, when we flew to California to visit our son.

[hungryinthesouth]

Okay Guys, I too grew up in NC. Went to St. Joesph's The Worker in grade school. Moved to Mercer after that. Does anyone actually have the recipe for anything close to the hot dog sauce from Coney Island? I have been buying lamb here in Myrtle Beach and my husband got the white garlic sauce recipe off of the internet. ohhhh its sooo good.

[backwoodschef]

Could you please share your recipe for white garlic sauce? Just ate at Mary's while home over Christmas and loved every bite of there deliciousness!

[hungryinthesouth]

White Garlic Sauce Recipe, Original Recipe Yield:4 cups. Prep Time, 15 minutes, Servings,32
Ingredients:
4 bulbs of garlic cloves separated and peeled
1 cup of lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups of corn oil( Though its probably healthier with olive oil)
Directions:In the container of a blender, combine the garlic cloves, lemon juice and salt. Blend at medium speed until smooth. Continue Blending while pouring oil into the blender in a thin stream.

[hungryinthesouth]

You will probably want to cut this recipe in half since the sauce doesn't keep very long.

[Don S]

Jenny
I live in New Castle. Coney Island Hot Dog Shop is actually called M P Coney Island and it is located on Wilmington Rd. (state route 18) on the north side of the city. I think that the chili sauce is unique to this area. It's a little spicy-not really hot-, but so good. The right way to order a dog is "with everything" which is with just chili sauce and onions. The other post from JeffB mentions some other New Castle favorites.
The bakery is called DeRosa's and is located on Jr. High St., just off of East Washington St.(state route 65) on the east side near the high school football stadiur (Taggart Stadium) You have to buy the open hearth bread- it is the best anywhere. Order the "split" loaf. The crust is awsome.
The old fashioned donut shop is called May's and is also on the east side on East Washington St. south of Jr. High St. up the hill 2 blocks past the first traffic light.
Forbush's is on state route 65 about 5-6 miles south of the city, but I believe that they close after Labor Day. The frozen custard is old recipe and the best around.
New Castle doesn't have much but the variety of ethnic foods we do have is somethng to write home about.

[BuncoHappens]

I was back home in NC last month and Forbush's is CLOSED!! I was not happy!
I miss all of the great food from NC....love lamb on the rod and Augustine's Pizza. I can fit 7 pizzas in my RV freezer to bring back to FL.....and then I hide them from my kids!

[rickjones]

Isn't there a MP Coney Island on the Diamond?

[mnman1957]

Wow, what a neat site! I was browsing for a decent enough coney sauce recipe to send to a customer/friend in Ozland and stumbled across you good folks. I am a former New Castle dago now up here in the land of the Swedes/Norwegs and Germans, aka Minneapolis. I make a point of eating a box of dogs (and buying some frozen chili for home) every time I visit M&P. Plus ya gotta have their fries and ask for "heavy chili" on them as well! If you're older now like me, you'll definitely wanna watch what you eat for a few days thereafter (cholesterol-wise), heehee I did notice though on my last visit (Oct '06) that the chili is lighter colored --not black like it used to be. None of the employees there (Nesh. store) were seasoned enough to know what I was referring to when I asked why. Still VEry good though! Good pasta is still more of an anomaly here...so I also miss Ladies of the Dukes kind of sauce, among many, many others. For lamb-on-the-rod, Starwood's on Butler Ave is an ABSOlute must!! Pizza Joe's was always excellent in the pizza/calzone, etc dept, but no one made better pizza than Capri's in SP Mall, Boardman, OH --he's long closed now and would love to hear of anything close in taste! Ok, back to my lutefisk and hotdish, lol.

[Chasdet]

I'm intrigued! I am a Cincinnati native, and lived for about 9 years in Detroit, the two great coney island capitals of the world (but with very different chilli's).

Wondering how you would describe the New Castle chilli...anyone able to compare to Cincy or Detroit style? Also, please post the address if anyone has it. Sounds like a little road trip for me and my two Cincinnati chilli loving kids this weekend.

[mnman1957]

Hi Just joined this forum and you may already have tons of replies. That said, I do enjoy Cincy style alot! The main diff. is of course the overtone of allspice, cinnamin, clove, etc in "your" sauce... that the NC chili doesn't have. "Our" chili is more mustardy. Bad imitations are too taco filling-like. If done correctly you really do not taste any one spice/herb, it is a back-of-the-mouth grabbing taste, but not 5-alarm. I never realized so many folks enjoy this stuff as I do --fun!!

[Jagmike]

Hey ChasDetroit, I haven't had Cincy or Detroit. I would say it's hot without being spicy if you get me?! NO BEANS EVER! I've heard a rumor for thirty years about the secret ingredient being actual hot dogs ground up in the sauce. Wouldn't surprise me. My favorite in the New Castle, PA area is M&P Coney Island, next would be Bill's Sandwich Shop, then PO Lunch, which is considerably hotter. Gotta have it "everything", which in that neck of the woods is mustard, onions, chili. Enjoy, Mike

[lesliesbest]

I have had both chilis, from New Castle and Cincinnati. I lived in New Castle since the age of 15. I have siblings in Cincinnati and get there a few times a year to visit. I love Skyline, Price Hill, and the other "Cincinnati Chili" haunts. They are VERY different. Coney Island chili is a spicy, "hot" chili sauce that, if you are not expecting it, can leave you begging for a drink. But it's such a good taste that you really don't mind the spiciness it contains. Cincinnati chili, on the other hand, has cinnamon in it, and is a mild chili sauce in comparison. Further, everything Cincinnati is laced with shredded cheese. Coney Island fare does not have that. Both are very, very good...in different ways.

[rickjones]

Plus: no spaghetti with the NC chili, but I agree: They are different and I do like them both.

[lesliesbest]

Rick, For a while downtown Coney Island was offering spaghetti with their chili sauce, but no beans, as in the Cincinnati Chili shops. That's why I didn't mention the spaghetti.

[rickjones]

I truly hope they stopped the spaghetti thing.

I was raised on MP Coney Island Hot Dog Shoppe hot dogs since I can remember and my family ate them long before me and always raved at how good they were. My dad would order a dozen just for himself. When you order them, you just ask for "Four (or however many you want) with everything". Also, you must get their fries with chili sauce ladled over them and don't forget to order a chocolate shake, they're delicious. I've been eating them since about 1965 when I was 4 years old. I used to live in New Castle, but now live around Butler, Pa and believe it or not we just got an order together to drive the 50 miles to New Castle to get a few dozen of their great dogs. Oh yeah, don't forget to ask for extra sauce when you order. YUM!!!! While you're in New Castle, stop at Pizza Joes up on the North Hill and get some spinach rolls and pepperoni rolls and some red sauce to dip them in. I always like getting a quart of chili sauce from Coney Island and mixing some red sauce in with it for dipping sauce for the rolls from Pizza Joes. New Castle has some really good etnic foods from many different nationalities. Take some time and visit the many restaurants that offer such great foods. There's a restaurant opposite Cascade Park that has great food like lamb on the rod and steak salad and smelt. Don't forget to find one of the good Greek restaurants there that serve really good gyros. There is also the Iron Bridge Inn and Rachel's Roadhouse out on route 19. There is just too much to mention and the restaurants are all over the New Castle area.

I was wondering if you knew how to make this sauce for the hotdogs...we had Coney Island Chili many years ago in New Castle, Penn and now I live in Illinois. We called them directly but they will not send me some via mail. Do you have any suggestions?
thanks, starving in Illinios for coney island Jenn

[nene1296]

I would love this recipe as well! And for the pepper sauce and garlic sauce for lamb on the rod. I grew up on all of this great New Castle area food! I have been married to a Sailor for almost 11 yrs now (he recently got out of the Navy) and have lived all over the mid west and east coast and have found nothing like coney island chili or red hot chili in ellwood city! Anytime we make a trip home we have a few with everything and lamb on the rod! We have introduced our young boys to this wonderful fare and well! We would love to make it at home here, to have a taste of home is so comforting!

[Mystery_Girl]

Many that visit from around the US, always go back with a gallon or two. It freezes well, and does keep until needed. Perhaps one day Coney Island will be convinced that there are enough out there that want the REAL sauce, and start shipping. I've shipped to friends, and it's arrived in perfect condition. From PA to California - I freeze it in quart containers, and add those reusable ice packs (dry ice works too).

[lambretta76]

What is "lamb on the rod"? And what other ethnic eats can be found in New Castle - I'd love to explore next time I'm back in Western PA.

[nene1296]

lamb on the rod is lamb pieces grilled on a skewer and then served with pepper sauce and garlic sauce oh and I almost forgot the Syrian bread! Very tasty! I hope to find a recipe for syrian bread!

[TimPhen]

I also grew up eating New Castle chili dogs and can tell you it has a taste all of its own with a unique spice or blend of spices that is hard to narrow down. Although the origin of the sauce is indeed Greek, the "Original Greek Coney" recipes found on the Internet are a far cry from the New Castle Chili Sauce found at New Castles Coney Island, Bills and P&O Lunch. With that said, I as well have been searching long and hard for a recipe that even comes close to the "real thing". From what I'm told by the New Castle old timmers, the recipe is guarded and kept close.

For those of you looking for the sauce server with "Lamb on the Rod".. Simply dump a jar of yellow hot pepper rings in the blender, juice and all, along with 1/2 bottle of Italian Salad dressing and blend it up......

[lexxuscook]

I, too grew up in New Castle and LOVED Bill's hot dog sauce...pestered them for years for the recipe and always had to take at least a gallon of it home with me when I visited.

After years of trying to duplicate the sauce, I finally got it! Here it is:

1 lb. ground beef
1 tsp. red pepper flakes
1 tsp. oregano
1 tsp. basil
2-1/4 tsp. cayenne
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. salt
2 md. onions, finely diced
1 15-oz can tomato sauce
1 can water
1 Tbsp. prepared mustard
4 raw hot dogs, ground

Combine all ingredients and simmer at least 2 days in crockpot.

Now....if anyone has perfected the garlic sauce that they used to serve at Frengels....I'd love to have that recipe!

[mmitch47]

The lamb sauce is an easy one to do bcause ir is done primarily to taste.

2 qts. Hot banana peppers, drained
6-8 med. Onions diced
6 cloves garlic minced fine (add or delete cloves to your taste)
1/2 c. lemon juice concentrate
Oil (veg. or olive) see note below

Combine all ingredients and fill quart jars. Add vegetable oil to cover. Place 1 or 2 cloves garlic in jar or dice and put in enough for your taste. Store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Olive oil can be used if using immediately but olive oil solidifies in the refrigerator.

I prepare peppers the day before by washing them and slicing them in rings and soak overnight in white vinegar. Pour off vinegar and jar.I use pint jars or babyfood jars when making gifts.

[tradel]

Lexxuscook ~ I moved from New Castle to Florida a year and a half ago; I've been searching and searching for this recipe, I even tried the recipes I had in my NC cookbooks (not the same). My absolute favorite chili sauce is Bill's also, I saw in your post that this one is the original, how sure are you that this is it? I'm really hoping for a good response. LOL

[Jagmike]

Hey Jon K., I was also raised or as I like to say weened (weined) on all of the area's best, Coney Island, Bill's, P.O. Lunch, and depending on how old you are you may remember Spiro's in Mahoningtown. I live in NV now but the family is all back there still & we visit about twice a year & the folks come here too. I ALWAYS tote home sauce of some kind. I belong to a car club here and our summer BBQ'S always feature hot dog chili from one of them. I have thought about bringing a franchise here but the only one that does it is Bill's under the trade name of Papazeko's. I have found one common theme as they are all Greek owned. I also miss the Lamb Salads, Steak Salads, etc. I can remember my grandfather, who didn't eat anything, aksing me to bring him Coney Island Chili Dogs right up 'till he died. 'Bout the only thing we could get him to eat. I go back & you see three or four generations at the same time in those places. Another favorite was Pizza from Handy Andy on the top of the hill in New Castle, I forget what street. There was also a GREAT pizza place in the rundown New Castle mall, YUM! Miss that stuff, and haven't found anything close here in the west.
Mike in Reno

[tradel]

Hey Jon, If you REALLY want good pizza greens and pepperoni rolls, you must try Mangino Pizza in Mahoningtown. They are absolutely phoenominal!! The restaurant across from Cascade Park is closed now, there are several good Syrian restaurants but nothin beats Mary's on the south side. They also have daily specials. To get the good greek food you have to travel to Boardman Ohio to The Grecian Gourmet, its past the Southern Park Mall aways, it's in Canfield near Tippecanoe Road. I know everybody raves about the Coney Island Chili but actually I like Bills best. Happy eating.

I'm in Chicago but have lots of family there. The Coney Island is an institution, and pretty good. You also might seek out Da Rosa's, an old-school Italian bakery that makes good bakery pizza, including with greens (rabe/escarole?), and other stuff. Nearby is an excellent old-fashioned donut shop. Decent mom and pop Italian, Syrian/Lebanese, and Greek abound also. Great old frozen custard stand too, Fourbushes, I think, but it's probably closed for the season if it still exists. Abou 20 min. north in Sharon (?) is a very popular and pretty good Italian place, Combine Brothers. I'm sure others have more info...

[peg mitchell]

lived on the north hill for nearly fifteen years. every time we go home we grocery shop., from Joe's pizza, to Mary's on Southside, Wajilewski's kielbassa now made and sold at the the giant grocery store in town. Miss terribly the bakery that carried the crusty rye bread. but we bring home more than a dozen loaves of de Rosa bread...the south has no clue about breads. I am lookuing for a source or recipe for pogach that was sold at the grocery where I would buy my lamb. Have recipe for lamb sauce. My recipe is hot banana peppers sliced soaked over night in white vinegar and then jarred with oil, garlic and onions. We do not blend it so you can pick up a whole pepper slice with the meat or syrian bread. I also have the Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce recipe but it will take up too much space here so if you want it please e-mail directly. You all have made me homesick...

[Rich Harding]

I lived on the North Hill too (Clen-Moore Blvd). Just went up for a visit and brought home a quart of Coney Island Chili and a marninated boneless leg of Lamb, New Castle Pepper Sauce and Garlic Sauce to make Lamb on the Rod (forgot the Syrian Bread though). My friend's cousin (full blooded Greek) owned the Sun Grill (on E. Washington Street I think) and made the best Lamb on the Rod (Bingo's made great Lamb on the Rod too). I love the ethnic foods you can still find up there (unlike the south). I have a Coney Island Recipe too. It is very close, but still doesn't hit the nail on the head. I used to have the Capital Grill's coney recipe, which tasted like the MP Coney recipe, but can't find it now. Well, got to go get the Lamb cubed and ready to grill. Yinz made me homesick again and I was just there!!!

[kutzeh]

Coney Island Hot Dog Chili

brown in pot

1 1/2 lean ground meat
2 T ch onion simmer till thick, breaking up meat
drain fat if necessary and stirring ( use potato masher)-
takes a while
add but worth it. Freezes well
1 T salt
1 T cayenne or more to taste If too thick after storing-add a little water
1 T black pepper
4 T chili powder
1 sm can tomato paste
2 qts water

[Mystery_Girl]

Not even close

[rickjones]

"Not even close" is not even close to the New Castle Coney chili recipe

[leonard53]

There is a great hot dog chili sauce made over in Youngstown called "Rinaldo's Hot Dog Chili Sauce". I t taste very much like the Coney Island chili in New Castle. It's in a lot of the Youngstown area grocery stores.

[michaelalbert]

Thank you, leonard53....I was just in that fine city today after having lunch at Niko and Lou's on my way to Catullo's for garlic bacon....OH MAN....it is the best I've had since Hurtuk's closed. I picked up some Hungarian smoked kielbasa....I'll give you my take on it soon. Blessings!

[The Chowhound Team]

Please post any recipes on the Home Cooking board:

http://www.chowhound.com/boards/31

Thanks!

[Judy B.]

;Hi Peg, I am born and raised in New Castle Pa. I grew up on Rebecca St and moved to Ray st on the East Side when I was a freshman in high school. I grew up eating my Dad's coconut cream pies from deRosa's bakery and Augustine Pizza's. But what I miss the most are the Coney Island and P & O box Hot dogs with Chili like no other. I live in the South now and I havn't had a descent hot dog since I moved away. Could I please, please, please have the recipe for the hot dog sauce.....Thanks so much for your blog. It brought so many good memories back. There is no lamb like Mary's on the south side and my younger brother went to school and is still friends with the wajilewski family. God Bless

[bfgiz]

Here's the recipe:

New Castle Chili

One pound of ground beef
4 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon red pepper
one large onion chopped fine
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoon vinegar

Cook beef and drain off the fat real good. Add the rest of the ingredients, cover with water completely and simmer 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Keep adding water to keep it from drying out. Then add 4 tablespoons corn meal with water to it slowly. Cook some more for 10 - 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be sure it doesn't dry out. Cook on low heat.
You can alter the recipe to taste at your liking

I don't know what they meant by red pepper. I'm sure it's not red pepper flakes. I used black pepper, although maybe cayenne pepper, but the black pepper did give it that kick. I'm not sure about the vinegar....may leave that out next time and I did put some salt. The onion also looked a little foreign. I don't remember seeing onion in the New Castle Chilli of yesteryear, but I figured what the hey. I chopped it really fine and you couldn't tell it was in there.

I will use a slow cooker next time.

Anyhow, we'll never be able to duplicate the old P.O. lunch chili, but this isn't bad! By the time you get the onions, mustard and ketchup on the dog....you still have that same sensation as New Castle Chili..........it will bring back memories.

[Mystery_Girl]

Where did you dig this one up? Not even close.

The company that mass produces "New Castle Chili" is NOT affiliated with Coney Island. Their chili sauce isn't anywhere close to Coney's.

[bfgiz]

That's where you'd be wrong, Mystery_Girl. I have made this chilli many times since this post. The only thing I do differently is I don't fry the ground meat any more. I saw a chef make chili on FoodTV. He simply covered the ground meat in water and broke it up with his hands. It's a little gross to do, but the bottom line is the chilli gets really fine like it was at P.O. lunch without frying it. I skim the grease off as it is cooking. I do add black pepper now. The black pepper adds a nice "kick". I only put in about a tablespoon. Yes, it's not the real thing, but it is definitely better than nothing! Everyone I've served this to that has never had a hot dog in NC loves this stuff! I've been to NC and bought chilli from Jim's and Coney Island and you know what...to me, they aren't the real thing either! So folks, don't let Mystery_Girl dissuade you from trying this recipe. I didn't see her post a recipe. How is it she thinks she knows so much? Did she even make this chili and try it?

[rickjones]

That's not it. Gotta have chocolate in the mix. Trust me.

[lesliesbest]

Rick, When I worked at Coney Island downtown in the mid 70's, the recipe was posted in the kitchen and did not contain chocolate. Also, the recipes posted are close, just need some tweeks.

[gaz]

Does anyone really have the recipe....I would love to open up a doggie place in the New England area..Thanks up front

[rickjones]

Trust me on the chocolate-it's in the chili. Curiosity gets the better of me-do I know you from back in NC?

[bfgiz]

New Castle Chili (revised from an earlier posting)

One pound of ground beef
4 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon red pepper
1 tablespoon black pepper
one large onion chopped fine
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 tablespoon vinegar
4 tablespoons corn meal

Put beef in a pot and cover with water. (A non-stick pot is better) Break up the beef with your hands. Add the rest of the ingredients, and simmer 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Skim off the fat as the chilli is cooking. Keep adding water to keep it from drying out. Then add 4 tablespoons corn meal to it slowly. Cook some more for 10 - 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be sure it doesn't dry out. Cook on low heat.
You can alter the recipe to taste at your liking. I like my chilli very hot, so I always add more of the the red and black peppers to "kick it up a notch".

Since my original post, I have made this recipe tons of times. No, this is NOT the original. It was sent to me by one of the folks that posted here. If you live far away from New Castle, this recipe will definitely satisfy you. Trust me on this! You can experiment with the ingredients. I always add more of the hot ingredients. The last batch I made was really great! I couldn't even THINK about eating a hot dog without chilli on it!

I grew up in New Castle. To me, the ONLY chilli for me back then was P.O. lunch. Hudson wasn't bad. Now, when I go there, I always get chilli at Bill's on Cascade Street. I think that's the best being made in NC now, but that's just my opinion.

Anyhow, we'll never be able to duplicate the old P.O. lunch chili, but this isn't bad! By the time you get the onions, mustard and ketchup on the dog....you still have that same sensation as New Castle Chili..........it will bring back memories. So, get that pot out and give it a try! You won't be sorry!

Barb (Lelenko) Flanagan

[kathymayer]

Several people here have said they have a recipe for New Castle Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce. I sure would love to have it. It's the best. I used to get the New Castle Chili Company sauce from Giant Eagle, but I tried their website (newcastlechili.com) and it's not longer available. Also tried their phone number and it's disconnected.

[kutzeh]

I live in New Castle and this recipe is close to the chili The other post got
the directions messed up..Happy Eating!

Coney Island Hot Dog Chili

brown in pot

1 1/2 lean ground meat
2 T ch onion
drain fat if necessary
Add:


1 T salt
1 T cayenne or more to taste
1 T black pepper
4 T chili powder
1 sm can tomato paste
2 qts water

Simmer till thick breaking up meat
with potato masher-takes a while to cook, but it's worth it
Freezes well

[Mystery_Girl]

If you add a quart or two of Ragu, you could use this for spaghetti. As for being the recipe for the Coney's sauce ....keep dreaming.

[kutzeh]

You certainly have a sweet way of answering people and a very strange taste in spaghetti sauce.!

[hungryinthesouth]

Hey kutzeh! I am still making your recipe for my family and they are still loving it! I no longer live in Surfside. We have moved to Greensboro, NC. Now I am only seven hours from N.C. This town reminds me so much of Pennsylvania. I have hills again!

[kutzeh]

Nice to hear from you. We are back in New Castle as we only spend winters in Surfside. I'm happy to hear you are enjoying your move. We drive thru Greensboro twice a year on our trip south and back. Maybe we can meet at a late lunch someday. I like your idea of not frying the meat. One step less, that's always a goodd thing. Have a great summer

[hungryinthesouth]

I do miss Surfside but I am no longer wanting for good places to eat. I am going to try some places in the downtown area that are supposed to have great burgers and onion rings and crawfish cakes. The chef is New Orleans trained. If it is good we could meet there someday.
I did read on here that somebody skipped frying the meat but it wasn't me. I may try it though. I have a friend who puts her meatballs in the sauce raw, and everyone loves em. Have a great summer as well! P.S. Having lamb for Mother's Day.

[lesliesbest]

New Castle Chili Co. is no longer in the same building it once was in Shenango Township so I would assume it is out of business. There was nothing posted to note that they had moved to another location.

[osubuckiii]

Could you please post the recipe for the Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce. I would love to have it. My mouth is watering right now.

[sbanks8911]

Peg,
I would really appreciate the recipe for the PO Lunch hotdog recipe. Now living in S/W FL, and you cannot buy a good chile dog. I do make the lamb on the rod and use a sour cream base for my garlic sauce. If you have a better one, I'd appreciate that one too. Thanks alot.
Stu B

[AWWDTHORNE]

I lived in New Castle until moving with my family to the DC area in 1966. My mom was a teacher at NECAHI. It was a great place to grow up. Besides the food, I have fond memories of skating at Frazier's Pond.

We used to get lamb on the rod at a place on the South Side that served their pepper garlic sauce using a sour cream base. I have tried to duplicate it for fondues and such. However, I don't seem to get close to what I remember. Adolescent memories could be part of the problem; however, I would be interested in your sour cream base sauce if you would provide it.

Bill T

[treeher]

Peg: I'd love to get the recipe. I have one, it is good, but it is bogus compared to the real deal. I'm at [e-mail].

thanks!

[fycameron]

Hi Peg
I am a BIG BIG fan of CI and Red Hot chile sauce. I grew up around New Castle but move away to Conneaut Oh. I would love to have the recipe for the sauce. I get a quart every time I go home.
Please,Please send the magic formula!!

Thanks Floyd Cameron at [e-mail]

[michaelalbert]

Dear Peg-
I am new to CHOW but not new to the Coney Island experience. My father was born and raised in New Castle. We live in Canton, OH. now and he would take us there several times a year. The highlight was Coney Island and the hot dog experience! I miss those days and my father who passed away a year and a half ago. Would you please email me that recipe? Perhaps I might have a recipe that you would like. I have found that Niko and Lou's in Sharon PA. is a good (and closer) runnerup. Anyway thank you for taking the time to share your story.
warmly,
michael albert

[keenpattersons]

I grew up On Clen-Moore Blvd. as well and would love the recipe for the coney lsland sauce. I get it whenever we go back to visit, but that's not often enough.

[bluesnafu]

Peg, I grew up eating Coney Island Hot Dogs from New Castle and sure would like to have the recipe. I'm having a barbeque in two weeks with my family who loved their chili dogs and sure would like to use it that day. Thanks! [e-mail]

[treeher]

Please. won't someone share their coney recipe? I conservatively estimate that I've eaten 10,000 of the buggers.

[e-mail]

[chooze]

Peg, How do I get in touch with you for the Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce Recipe? My email is [e-mail]
Thanks for any help you can give. Carol

[sjlutton]

I too have been searching for the "New Castle Chili" recipe, but have yet to discover the special ingredient that gives it that unique hot, smoky flavor. I've tried just about every chili powder known to mankind along with Spanish hot smoked paprika, but none of those ingredients are a match. If someone knows exactly what I'm referring to, please let me know.

[sweetylynn1]

hi there just got recipe from friend whos relative worked there long time ago but i just made it compared it to real thing taste the same fantastic theres cornmeal in it cumin,cayanne black pepper salt ground sage paprika,onions and ground meat took me 3 hours to make made 14 pints so recipe is for large amount

[mmitch47]

Haven't been on in a long time but here is the recipe I have; I would like yours so I can compare...

1/2 lb ground chuck, fried
1 cup "Del Monte" Ketchup
1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup "Vlasic" dill pickle relish
1 tablespoon instant minced onion
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 tablespoon Root Beer Cola but do not add more then that. (Secret Taste)
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 Tblsp Black pepper
Cayenne pepper to taste (however, if it gets too hot will resemble Butler Hot
Dog Shop/s sauce

Toppings;
Grated Mild Cheddar Cheese
Chopped Sweet Onion
Sauerkraut (Water Rinsed and Strained)
Catsup or Ketchup
Mustard
Fry ground meat in 2 tablespoon cooking oil and 1/3 cup water,
crumbling with a fork, until no longer pink. Add the ketchup,
water, relish, onion, mustard, chili powder, Root Beer, salt
and cayenne pepper, stir well to blend then stir occasionally
while simmering for about 20-25 minutes. Thin with more water
as needed. Serves 12– 14 ,

[arichardsmsedlpcc]

I would love to have your recipe--wouldn't mind having 14 quarts if it's the real thing!
Thanks!

[Mystery_Girl]

It doesn't matter how long the person "worked" at Coney Island, because NO ONE other than the owner has the recipe. The people who work there only STIR. The final product, and have NEVER seen the actual ingredients or the mixing.

It IS amusing to see so many thinking they have the recipe. If you like it, fine. BUT, do NOT try to pass it off as the REAL recipe.

[hungryinthesouth]

We all have fun on here talking about all of the foods from our town. I don't think any one is trying to "sell" any recipe on here. Relax and enjoy.

[lesliesbest]

This is not true. I worked at Coney Island in the mid 70's as a waitress. Te cook had the recipe posted in the kitchen and she made it in large soup pot size batches. I asked her for the recipe once and she told me she was not supposed to give it out but I could go ahead and write it down.

[hungryinthesouth]

And did you?

[bfgiz]

Peg, we are chilli dog freaks but can't get to New Castle right now to get some chilli. Could you send me the recipe or post it here?

[e-mail]

Thanks

[D.Weinfurther]

Peg, I used to have P O Lunch ship me chili ( I live in CA). It's been a few years and their number no longer works and there is no listing. Did they go out of business?

[rickjones]

P.O. Lunch is closed-don't know how long. That sauce was slightly sweeter than Coney Island and the pickle was the P.O. signature.

[hungryinthesouth]

Oh No! P.O. Lunch Closed? What is in there now? I moved away about 8 years ago but I have soooo many memories there. One of the last times I talked to my brother before he died was in there. I grew up going there. I miss that dirty lil town.

[rickjones]

I was in NC June 9 for the weekend and saw a "For Lease" sign on the P.O. Lunch store front and the inside was cleaned out.

[jdsnc1]

P.O, Lunch moved up the hill on Wilmington Road. Still going strong!!

[rickjones]

Thanks. I'll be there the next time I'm in NC.

[Lil Dani]

Hi Peg I use to be from the area, my family loves Coney Island, we use to go every saturday to get hot dogs, they still do. I just moved to San Diego and miss Coney Islands sauce so much can you pleace email the recipe to me I would really appreciate. Thank you so much! [e-mail]

[rmcduffie]

Was born and raised in New Castle and miss all the same things. I live in Picayune, Mississippi now. I sure would love that recipe for Coney Island Chili. We get home a couple of times per year and Coney Island is always one of our first stops.
rmcduffie

[Buzzie8]

Peg,
I heard about the MP Coney Island Chili sauce last night at a party from my brother-in-law who grew up in New Castle. He said he would bring some back on his next visit but I thought I would give your recipe a try. If you could please e-mail it to [e-mail] it would be greatly appreciate. I saw other recipes on this site is yours the same? Thanks,
Buzzie

[BACASTLE]

Hello Peg. Iam new to this site. I would like the recipe for Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce. I work in New Castle for about 13 years and really enjoyed the Hot Dogs at Coney Island. I would like to get the recipe from you. You said to e-mail you directly. ? What is your e-mail address ? Hope you can help.

[LoloRobison]

Hi, Peg. I crave PO Lunch Box Coney everyday. It was a family favorite every time we visited New Castle, which I did at least once a month for 12 years. If you would kindly e-mail it to me, I'd be forever grateful.

Thanks so much!!

[sumblkguy]

Can you please email me the recipe for the coney sauce. I would appreciate it very much. I've been looking all over for the recipe that would remind me of home (new castle)

[sumblkguy]

my email is [e-mail]

[gorden pfau]

Hi Peg, I ate at Coney Island In New Castle back in the 30's and it was owned by two Greek brothers, and they had the best Coney Island hot dog sauce, ever. I have tried for years to duplicate, I come close but not the same. PLEASE send me the recipe, I would imagine that by now its grandsons that run it, I forget the names of the brothers. I really appreciate your taking the time to answer. Gorden

[Mystery_Girl]

The son and nephew run the Coneys.

[gorden pfau]

Jenn, if you find it please forward to me @ [e-mail]. I ate there in the 30's and the brothers made awesome hot dog Chile suace.. Many thanks, Gorden

[Svejk]

I just had hots dogs for dinner with Coney Island Chili. I live in eastern Maryland and "import" the chili when I visit my family back home. It freezes well, and so I try to stretch my supply out between family visits but sometimes I hit long dry spells without it. I've tried unsuccessfully over the years to duplicate it. I see a lot of recipes posted here, but it isn't clear that Peg Mitchell's is among them. Anyone want to comment on which of these recipes seems to be closest, and is Peg's here anywhere?

[bsarich]

Peg,

Please, please pass along the recipe. I have tried so many recipes and none really come close! [e-mail]

[918melissap]

Dear Peg,
I am from Pulaski and have moved to Oklahoma. Am in desperite need of the Coney Island Recipe. Would be forever gratefull if you could send it. email is maliky2747 at yahoo.
Thank You!!!!
Melissa

[Scubachef]

Please email me the New Castle Coney island Recipe. Many years ago I lived in NC.

[e-mail]

[mickaltman]

peg, i lived in new castle for 10 years on brooklyn ave. really miss coney island hot dog sauce, when ever we are able to get back there i think i eat it at least once everyday we are there. please send me the recipe. send to ([e-mail]) . i would also like to go home and have a stromboli from pizza joes are maybe a pepperoni roll. thank you, mick and sondra, neosho missouri

[lesliesbest]

What about wedding soup, another local fare? I never even heard of it until I moved to New Castle in the '70's. I've raised my daughter eating homemade wedding soup, and I have made my husband a lover of it, too!!

[rickjones]

Wedding Soup? It's everywhere.

[BCF]

Unfortunately, DeRosa Bakery is closed! Reading all of your posts makes me miss it even more...

[LIBBYLOU0227]

Derosa's bakery recently reopened in New Castle, but I am not quite sure where. I want to get some syrian bread. I am looking for a recipe for Syrian bread. I would also like to have the coney Island chile recipe. thank you. Libby [e-mail]

[rickjones]

Anybody remember Syrian Picnics?

[lesliesbest]

Rick, It was never anywhere I ever lived, and I lived in upstate NY, NJ, FL, LA, Eastern PA, OH, NY (near NYC), etc. I never heard of it before moving to New Castle.

[hungryinthesouth]

Are you Syrian?

[rickjones]

No. Many of my friends are. Your mentioned your sister, she might remember the Assid family. Chris Assid, was a pharmacist in NC. He passed away about two weeks ago-age 64.

[rickjones]

It's not a favorite of mine but I have seen it on menus in: OH, MA NH, NY IL, MI, PA (of course) OR, NorCA, FL, MN. I thought it was everywhere but that may because I don't really care for it.

[hungryinthesouth]

The only way I remember the Syrian Picnics is because my cousin Judy Moses always worked a Syrian festival every year that I never had the pleasure of attending . Do you recall this? It was at a park somewhere and I was a little girl in the 70's and early 80's?

[rickjones]

I think it was called the "St. Elias Festival" at least that what is called now. It was held for a long weekend in a park, the name of which escapes me, and was huge and Big Fun! Lamb on the rod was cooked over open fires and served with syrian bread and sauce and there was plenty of beer and soda. I think that it is now a one day deal. Probably still fun, though.

[jdsnc1]

St. Elias Picnic is held every Labor day at Cascade Park

[rickjones]

Do you happen to know where it was held in the '60's-'70's?

[CNak13]

Peg...I would love to have the recipe for Coney's chili sauce. You can e-mail me at [e-mail]. I would really appreciate it. I was born and raised in New Castle. I live in Arizona now and I miss the food in New Castle so much.

[nanik006]

peg, can you email me the recipe? would love to try it.

[monicarebmann]

hey I would love the recipe for chili! I moved from new castle 6yrs ago and dream of this chili! I have not ate hot dogs since I left since the chile in the south has beans in it! please email with directions on how to make the best chili in the world!!! [e-mail]

[clarkl]

It looks as though you share all of my favorite places. Have introduced hundreds coney island in New Castle but live in Georia now. Would love to have that recipe. I am at clark,[e-mail]

[johnteedee]

Hi Peg, I grew up in West Pittsburg, just 5 miles from New Castle. Coney Island was my favorite then and now. I always go there when visiting. I would love to have your recipe. Could you email it to [e-mail]. Thank you, John

[bluesnafu]

Hi Peg, would love the recipe for Coney Island Hot Dog Sauce. Thanks much. [e-mail]

[sumblkguy]

Hi Peg,
Can U please, please email me the new recipe for the coneysauce to [e-mail], I would die for that recipe!

[Tammie1434]

I would love to have the coney island hotdog recipe..please email to me [e-mail]

[JandDG]

Peg,
Grew also in New Castle and love Coney Islands chili. When ever I go back I usually pick up a quart and bring home and freeze it. I would appreciate it also if you could email me the recipe. Thanks!

[Mystery_Girl]

It's amusing to see how many people "think" they know the Coney Island chili recipe. Considering it's a secret, not written down in a conventional way, and having seen some of the examples ....I'm amused.

[cnurse2525]

I am amused also, someone could be this rude...thank God your replying to very old threads and no one isreally reading your trash.

[Burghfeeder]

Agreed. The folks on here are willing to share their constructive comments and recipes, and I appreciate it.

[bfgiz]

Yes, I gave this mystery girl a bit of grief myself. I posted a recipe that is pretty darn good and she said it's not even close. Since when did she become the "big Kahuna" of New Castle Chilli?????

[NAMVET]

Hey , i grew up in mercer, know new castle well,used to cruise wonder boy & mac donald's back in 50's we went to a bar downtown for coney's then..i would to have that recipe for coner sauce . go there every time i get home. 6 to eat there and 6 to go. and a couple qts. sauce... kids just spread it on bread.been around the world and it's still the best!! people here dont know good food.. dogs subs lamb .. now i am homesick

[Whigsboy]

Still have family in Sharon and I believe it's safe to say that Combine Bros. has gone down hill, which is why we haven't ordered from there in several years. Well, if you need nothing more than garlic to get your taste buds excited, then by all means go there. Otherwise, it's not worth any sort of drive to go there.

Live in the N. Hills of Pgh now and am going to have to go to New Castle for some dogs and lamb on a rod. There was an upscale Italian place New Castle that had a fantastic lamb dish that was essentially the same thing. I forget what it was called, but I believe it's closed now.

[lesliesbest]

I have to agree with your report on Combine Bros. I used to go there for lunch from work with my co-workers, then they stopped serving lunch. I went back recently for dinner with my husband and was sorely disappointed. The menu had changed drastically, the prices had gone up, and the food was only adequate! So sorry to report. It used to be a great place to eat!

-----
Combine Bros
# 518, Hermitage, PA 16148

[bjille]

The restaurant you are thinking about was Medure's, and yes, they are closed now. My mother worked there for many years, and their Lamb on the Rod and Lamb sandwiches were the best in New Castle. There is nothing to compare in New Castle now---but the restaurant named Sony's (or something like that) is on Wilmington Road has lamb sandwiches and so does Parkstown Lounge. Neither are as good as Medure's, but they're better than nothing. I go to either place when I go back to New Castle to get a "lamb fix". The other item Medure's had that noone else can copy is the fried smelts. They were fantastic. I do have a New Castle wedding soup recipe that is as good as any I've eaten--I get rave reviews on it when I share it with my friends in my transplanted home. I have a chili recipe, too, but it's not PO Lunch quality. If I want chili, I either go to PO Lunch or Bill's and buy it to freeze.

[miatortilla]

I would love the recipe!! Grew up in New Castle, but now live in North Carolina and we have some fake hot dog chili on the stove as we speak!
email is [e-mail]