The Hot ’n Dog’s effervescent owner, George Karpouzis (Image: Karolyne Ellacott)
As hungry customers file into The Hot ’n Dog around noon, owner George Karpouzis greets regulars by name, inquiring after their day and reminding them, gently, to keep up with their homework. With four schools within walking distance, this tiny new Parkdale eatery is the new go-to place for kids to looking grab a quick lunch. We decided to see what the fuss was about.
Bopping around to the radio as he puts together dogs, Karpouzis tells us, “I’m the first to admit that I have zero culinary experience—but I do know my hot dogs!” Although he runs Stouffville’s The Coolest Little Ice Cream Shop in the summer, the energetic Karpouzis confesses that he couldn’t face enduring another winter spent in the basement (nor could his wife). Originally on the hunt for a spot to house (and hawk) his half-million comic books, the former Queen Street kid discovered this sliver of a space and, switching gears, opened up a hot doggery.
Opting to steam them rather than grill, the dog selection is limited: customers can select either the carnivore version (a mix of pork and beef) or the veggie dog (from Yves Veggie Cuisine). The big draw, as befitting a kid-friendly establishment, is the endless list of toppings: currently numbering 55, the roster includes regulars like ketchups and green olives and more exotic fare, like tzatziki, zucchini relish and maple syrup (yes, maple syrup).
Karpouzis notes that the best-seller is the El Nacho, which stars salsa and Hickory Sticks (did we mention the kids?). The Hawaiian dog, featuring pizza sauce, pineapple and bacon bits, is a close runner-up. A popular pick amongst the ladies—young and old—is pickles and mayo; on our visit, a young gent opted for a dog with garlic aïoli and, at Karpouzis’s suggestion, some pineapple. The maximalist can rest assured: no matter the number of sauces and toppings added, each dog costs $3.99 and arrives with a bag of chips and a drink.
-
- Effervescent owner George Karpouzis
-
- Outside the diminutive establishment
-
- The walls are covered with stickers from the old It Store—Karpouzis has a large collection that he hands out to kids
-
- Some featured dogs
-
- The topping list is at 55 and counting
-
- Sauces galore
-
- Karpouzis puts together a veggie dog
-
- A happy customer from Parkdale Collegiate opted to keep it simple with ketchup and mustard
-
- More happy customers from Holy Family Catholic School
-
- A veggie dog topped with sauerkraut, hot peppers, guacamole, honey mustard, ketchup, crushed onion rings and mayo
-
- The El Nacho: salsa and Hickory Sticks
-
- A hot dog with garlic aïoli and pineapple
-
- Mayo and pickles: a favourite, apparently, among Karpouzis’s female customers, young and old
The Hot ’n Dog, 216 Close Ave., 647-955-0233
Good for him for having some ambition, starting on the small side, finding a target market and making it work. Hope he has continuing good fortune.
January 19, 2012 at 2:48 pm | by lolaNatural casings or skinless?
January 19, 2012 at 6:44 pm | by oppohIs there any place in the city to get natural casing hot dogs? Skinless dogs are okay, but nothing beats the snappiness of a natural casing dog.
January 19, 2012 at 6:46 pm | by oppohthis seems perfectly parkdalian….an indoor street meat shop….
January 19, 2012 at 7:20 pm | by parkdaleeaterOppoh:
January 20, 2012 at 8:40 am | by danielleI was talking to the friendly gent who operates the Food Cabbie food truck the other day about his hot dogs (he’s parked on the north side of Queen a little east of Church). He takes great pride in his house-made hot dogs, which he says have a great ‘snap’. Haven’t tried them myself, but it sounds like they might be worth checking out!
Stockyards offers natural casing hot dogs
January 22, 2012 at 11:48 pm | by Pawel