North Jersey, Land of the Fried Hot Dog

Just saying the words, Fried Hot Dogs, is enough to clog an artery. We were introduced to this concept by the Anthony Bourdain "No Reservations" Show on the Travel Channel. He visited Hirams in North Jersey, ate a dog, lived, and we thought well, why not?

Fried Hot Dogs, also called "Rippers"are apparently not unique to North Jersey, but according to my weak sources this is where they were first cooked in a deep fryer.

At this point ms.outback has to give the lame cop out, that she don't eat red meat, so hot dogs are purely a mr.outback thing.

We ventured on to Fort Lee New Jersey, home of two rival Burger Joints, across the street from one another. Both serve Fried Hot Dogs. mmm.nasty. Hirams and Calahans are remarkedly similar in concept, close enough that they could throw relish at one another, and worlds apart in terms of ambiance. Rumor has it that you can get beat up if you're caught going from one to the other. After seeing the crowd at Hirams, We buy it.

We started with Hirams. Hirams seems to attract a much seedier crowd.Even the counter staff looked like they could kick my butt. It definatly attracts a seedier crowd. Yuppie intimidation factor = high. Mr. Outback had the chili dog, and gave it high marks. Ms.Outback had the grilled cheese. (Processed American grilled on an inside out Hamburger Bun).

We then drove from one parking lot to the other, making sure no one was looking. An Amublulence for the local cardiac hospital was parked in Calahan's lot. Unsure if that was an endorsement, or a warning. we continued. If it was night at Hirams, it was daytime at Calahans. Calahans "so fresh so big", serves foot long fried hot dogs, glistening in their pure exploded cooked state. An already full Mr.Outback had the jr. chili dog. He also gave it high marks, noted that the chili was milder but that he loved the saurkraut.

Apparently there's a whole host of these places dotted througought North Jersey.
Photo of Hot Dog Above is the JR Hot dog from Calahans.