The Wild, Alaskan Hot Dog Cart
“I’ll have one with mustard, hold the red nose.”
By Brooke A. Brown
Other than John Corbett’s role as Chris Stevens on Northern Exposure, what on earth does Alaska have to do with West Virginia? Well, perhaps not a lot. But for me, the Alaska-West Virginia connection couldn’t be stronger at the moment because that is where my Lovely Miss S is currently hanging out.
A lifelong lover of wildlife documentaries, Miss S is participating in American University’s Classroom in the Wild: Alaska. I am overwhelmed with pride as I write this because I’m witnessing a dream come true, if only virtually at the moment (thank you, iPhone). And that is where the reindeer sausage cart comes in.
Since my most favorite dining companion has been away, my meals have been, well, nothing to blog home about. I’ve been much more interested in the culinary offerings available in and around Anchorage. Miss S didn’t disappoint when informing me of the reindeer cart on a recent call.
Now, she swears she’s gonna try one before she returns home, and how could she not? I know I would. (When in Rome… after all.) But the peculiar thing that is of interest to me is that even apart from the lower 48, in a place prized for its vast wilderness and ample wildlife, one can still find a food vendor on a random street corner. Now ain’t that America?
The only thing that doesn’t make sense regarding the cart is the cooler of Red Bull sitting next to it. Who needs an energy drink when it’s 11 p.m. and the sun hasn’t set?
August 6th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I like my reindeer chimney smoked, but one of my alltime favorite foods is salmon, and I understand the wild Alaskan salmon is worth the trip.
If I ever make it up that way, that would be a key part of the visit. Catch and don’t release until its grilled and on the plate.
August 6th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
the Red Bull must be to keep the tourists awake. When does it get dark ? or dusk.
August 7th, 2008 at 2:31 am
Indeed the smoked salmon is awesome. I had dinner at the home of a native fisherman tonight and his homemade version was incredible!
August 7th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Lookie there, folks… it’s the ‘S’ of Miss S, herself! Be safe, honey. And say hi to the bears at Katmai for me.
August 24th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Was there, did that and it was so good. The thing about the cart in [Anchorage] that was different from the carts here [Phila] was an open flame below the grill and the sausage had a wonderfull grilled flavor. Best meal on a street corner i have ever enjoyed anywhere! Ya had to be there.
August 27th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
UPDATE: Miss S returned safe and sound to the 35th of the lower 48 states and reported that moose steak is tough, caribou is rather mild and bear meatballs are delicious! And although she had an amazing adventure, she’s happy to be back in the land of pepperoni rolls, no-bake cookies and Tudor’s biscuits.
August 29th, 2008 at 4:26 am
alaska post…
Six Apart started a working group in February 2006 to improve the Trackback protocol with the goal to eventually have it approved as…
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:09 am
Bully for the hot dog guy! Support your local vendors and keep us on the street for your kids. Perry The Hot Dog Guy