Damn, going down to Houston this Saturday, I'm going to have to get a handful of them even though the wife hates chili dogs.....
I appreciate what JCI means to this city, it's been here for a long time and it's nice to have something with history in Houston when so much of it is long gone, but I'm not even joking when I say that I would gladly murder all of you if we could get a Nathan's Hot Dog stand in this city.
The best James Coney is the one in Stafford (Murphy Road exit) because of their bread. Not sure exactly why it is. Maybe they steam the buns more. The other James Coneys I've been to aren't as good. Some have been downright disappointing.
You put enough of some combination of cheese, onions, relish, mustard, and chili on anything and it'd probably taste good. I love the hot dog, but don't understand the "pricey" hot dogs. Maybe I need to try it at one of these joints you guys posted. Of course I also didn't understand what the big difference among pizza places were (they all tasted like... pizza.... to me) until some co-workers and I ate Chicago stuffed pizza from Giordano's that we had flown in. Man, that was some damn good pizza. But... I won't dis anyone's love for the hot dog. I guess it's like when people come to me and tell me the best bbq they've ever had was from Dickey's in Dallas or Luther's or comething. You just want to b****-slap them into yesterday, but you just chuckle and offer advice... :grin: Any of you guys try Hot Doug's in Chicago? They sell hot dogs with exotic meats. Are you guys fans of the regular hot dog or "rippers" like up in New Jersey where they deep fry the hot dog. That just seems so dangerously good. lol. Ah, the Travel Channel/Food Network... you're going to kill me one day.
Here is what's cool about JCI. Not only do they have great original hot dogs, but they have other options for folks that don't want the chili-cheese variety. One thing I learned just a few years ago is that JCI uses the EXACT vendors as every Chicago dog. The Chicago dog here is as authentic as any you will find in Chicago. I tried it, and they really are the same. Here is an article if you need proof of this, Chicagoans... http://www.houstonpress.com/content/printVersion/226595/ As much as I like their authentic Kraut dogs, that is something I can do in my own kitchen. And if y'all haven't tried a Sonora dog yet, you're missing out. The JCI version of the famous Mexican perro caliente features an all-beef wiener wrapped with top quality bacon and served in a bun with whole pinto beans underneath diced onions and tomatoes over top. Then there's mustard and squiggles of chipotle mayo and avocado sauce. The Tuscon version usually comes with a generous amount of avocado or guac and is squiggled with a spicy jalapeño sauce.
Honestly, if you get to Max's, get the Fried egg sandwich. Hell, it's across the street from me. Let me know next time you're over in this neck and I'll buy. And this link shows how it is made. Prepare to salivate. http://bcove.me/brppwfz4
That's strange. I have the exact opposite feelings about Nathan's. I like their packaged grocery store hot dogs pretty much, but I can't stand the ones they sell at their franchises.
