616989 Sun May 03 18:45:32 -0700 2009 1 18 Manhattan 0 4651219 Went to the Hot Dog Hootenanny at Astor Wine Center today and it was a hoot! The Serious Eats gang led by a too skinny Ed Levine, Adam Kuban, et. al. were all there. Deja vu from the Burger Bash but with tube steaks. Three of my favorite local doggie purveyors were there: first up, Papaya King , representing the traditional NY Sabrett dog with mustard, sauerkraut and red onion sauce (the inventor of which recently died). In contrast to that was Wheelhouse Pickles which presented a "garden variety" Chicago style dog with raw onions, pickle spear, celery salt and poppy seeds (as with all things Chicago my least favorite). Then the too cool Crif Dogs whose slogan "Eat Me" was totally unnecessary to get me to consume the south of the border "chihuahua"- a bacon wrapped hot dog with avocado and sour cream. Finally, to reflect the international impact of America's sausage, from Bleecker Street by way of Seoul, the bulgogi dog from New York Hot Dog. Grabbed a great Kelso dark ale and headed into the classroom usually set up for wine and cheese tastings but which today had cheeseboards with 7 different nuggets of regional hot dogs-ranging from southern red hots to natural casings of traditional artisanal German style wursts to the relatively tasteless mass produced hot dogs (hint: it's first name is spellled O-S-C-A-R). Another informational and fun foodie event. Sun May 03 18:45:32 -0700 2009 10173 guttergourmet 1 4655936 GG - thanks for the review - unfortunately I couldn't attend. I hope Crif gave "Eat Me" credit to JJ's, the truck beside Branch Brook Park in Newark (among others I'm sure....) Tue May 05 10:07:57 -0700 2009 4651219 12695 harrison