390476 Tue Apr 10 20:39:38 -0700 2007 7 3 California 0 2469221 A couple months ago I stopped by the Jaquez Fast Food cart (after 5pm) on East Market Street for a quick bite before heading out of town. The buns are still warmed on the flat top alongside the dogs. But different this time is that the strip of bacon is separate instead of being wrapped around the dog before grilling. Even though it doesn't integrate as well in the taste when slid into the bun next to the dog, the crisper texture of the bacon more than makes up for it. The price is still $2.50, same as four years ago. With yellow mustard, salsa fresca, onions, mayo, pickled jalapenos, and relish, this is a wet-style of dog and not exactly tidy to eat in the car. And, certainly not while driving. So, I took a moment to appreciate the art of a well-crafted dog and polished it off before resuming my journey. As much as I like Julio Valdez's dog and the choice of cheeses, the grilled layering on the Jaquez offering vs. the steamed heat of Valdez's gives this one the edge. Aren't we lucky to have such good choices? Image of Jaquez hot dog with the works - http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/369665762_58efc8b6de_o.jpg Earlier visits to Jaquez Fast Food for Salinas Street Food - http://www.chowhound.com/topics/85168 Tue Apr 10 20:39:38 -0700 2007 10039 Melanie Wong 1 2469294 It sounds like a pretty good dog, but where is it under all those condiments? What did you wash that down with, considering you would be driving? Tue Apr 10 21:24:23 -0700 2007 2469221 10059 ChinoWayne 2 2469340 Yeah, you can barely see the tip of the strip of bacon poking out on the end on the right side of the photo. This cart has champurrado, but I didn't buy one this time since I had a bottle of water in the car. But when I hit those jalapenos, I was wishing I had something milky at hand to put out the flames. Edited to add: Here's a link for the Valdez dog, even more stuffed with condiments. http://www.chowhound.com/topics/344164 Tue Apr 10 21:52:16 -0700 2007 2469294 10039 Melanie Wong 1 2616839 That's an amazing dog! I'm probably going to be dreaming about it until I can get there and get one of my own. Thu May 31 08:52:25 -0700 2007 2469221 10252 larochelle 2 2618637 Anything Sonoran-style, I know you're on it. Come visit --- I could use your expert palate to judge the local hamburgesa scene. I know you've eaten these around Mexico, while I've not tried one from a truck yet. Thu May 31 15:57:40 -0700 2007 2616839 10039 Melanie Wong 1 2616924 Beautiful Jaquez dog! I can (unfortunately, almost but not quite) taste it from here in Colombia. I'm lucky to be going back to Mexico for such treats in August. You guys have the best of all worlds. Thu May 31 09:16:22 -0700 2007 2469221 36661 Sam Fujisaka 2 2616964 If we had smell-o-vision, you'd catch the aroma of crispy bacon sizzling on the grill! Thu May 31 09:24:59 -0700 2007 2616924 10039 Melanie Wong 1 4889129 The Jacquez Hot Dog cart had to relocate down the street, now in the spot where the retired Mayra's used to be. The cart is now sporting a "no smoking" sign as a partner in Steps to a Healthier Salinas. http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/3279532017/ Sat Jul 25 00:56:07 -0700 2009 2469221 10039 Melanie Wong