Wass the deal with hot dogs in Maine? Wasses Hot Dogs that is. While I like hot dogs all year round, summer time is when I enjoy them most and lately I am having my annual summer hot dog fling. Around this time every year I go on a hot dog binge. I may drive many miles for my fix. I think that this year my mileage is even greater than ever. Just the other day I did an over 100 mile round trip so I could visit all three Wasses locations.
Wasses Hot Dogs have been an icon in Mid-Coastal Maine for over 35 years. With three outposts in Rockland, Thomaston, and Belfast; they have sold millions so far and there is no end in sight. I have been familiar with the Rockland and Thomaston locations because I lived near them the past year. I would stop by in Rockland to have one for a snack and to keep my energy up as I toured the countryside researching articles and consulting. It was only the other day that I finally made it to the Belfast location. Well, the places may be different, but the dogs are the same, great. I love the snap of the natural casing franks, grilled in peanut oil and sauteed onions until browned, and served up in a soft, steamed roll. Condiments abound: sauteed onions, regular or spicy mustard, regular or spicy relish, local Morse's sauerkraut, chili, cheese, and bacon. (There's also ketchup for your dogs, but I believe that that's kid stuff.)
One of the things I like about Wasses is the balance of condiments to the hot dog. there is just the right amount so that the condiments add to the taste and experience, but don't overwhelm it. I have several favorites. When I want a meal in one dog, I get spicy mustard, bacon, cheese, and chili (above, right.) If a light snack is called for then I order one with spicy mustard and sauteed onions (above, left.) If I need some spice it's time for spicy mustard and spicy relish (above, center), and if I need something tangy I go for the Morse's sauerkraut.
6-22-2008 @10:32AM Dawn said... Can we do like a find-the-best-hot-dog-joints-in-and-around-massachusetts?
I swear there are no good places to get a great hot dog in ma--wasss up with that? :-)
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6-22-2008 @1:45PM Sharon said... Please, please make the trip down to Cape Neddick to try Flo's Hot Dogs. Oh my god, I'm jones'n.
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6-22-2008 @4:40PM rainey said... Can't say I have any particular memory of the hot dogs of Maine from my summers there but there's nothing like a New England hot dog roll! You just can't get a nice crispy, buttery toast on a conventional roll like you can on both sides of a New England roll.
Oh how I miss 'em! ...preferably with lobster or fried clams.
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6-22-2008 @5:30PM Shelley said... Having grown up in Maine, (and now living away) when I think of Maine and hot dogs, that means Red Hot Dogs. These are hot dogs that have a bright red casing and when properly grilled/cooked/fried have a snap that is addictive. I know Jordan's Meats, who made them, went out of business, but I heard another company has them available.
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6-23-2008 @10:44AM Jon said... I hope you went somewhere good while in Belfast, such as the Three Tides bar or the Belfast Co-Op. Because that's a long trip to make just for a hot dog.
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6-28-2008 @6:32AM JMForester said... Sharon- It's 175 miles each way for me to Flo's. I plan on visiting them eventually when I am next in that area, but don't have time to until late July. -JMF-
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6-30-2008 @7:43PM Harold Harriman said... In central New England and Southern Maine for many years the only hot dog to eat was ESSEM made in Lawrence MA. Natural casing and skinless made in many sizes they were served in most restaurants. Alas the company was sold out and the dogs are almost extinct, as far as I know they are only sold in the deli section now. The only roll to eat them on is the New England "Salad Roll" the proper vehicle for a Lobster or clam roll also. Living in Florida now I have to stock up when I visit and bring them home along with some Essems if I can get them.
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6-30-2008 @7:48PM jp said... Boars Head Natural Casing 7/1 Dogs are the best by far..Grilled, steamed or boiled..... by the way the mustard goes on first, nerver on top.....Hey Chicago how the heck can you taste the dog with all that stuff you pile on.
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7-14-2008 @6:17PM seadoo4me@comcast.net said... Russer is the company that makes Essems. They were owned by Tysons a few years ago. Don't know if things have changed. More importantly though, Essems are supposedly sold under the names Russer, Jordan's, and Deutschamacher. I can't vouch for the first two, but Deustschamacher ones sure taste and "snap" like Essems. I've picked them up at some of the supermarkets in Methuen MA, and Gorham NH.
I'm visiting NH from VA at the moment, and when I fly south in a few days, there will be a box or two of Deutschamachers in the carry-on (along with some frozen peas for cooling).
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8-05-2008 @7:21PM Lukey said... I can't say exactly who the manufacturer is, but I just bought Jordan Reds at my local Big Y market. Step up to the deli counter and place your order. I also made Alton Browns Asian Cole Slaw to put on top. AWESOME!!!!
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8-24-2008 @10:48PM Jaguar8450 said... If any of you travel to or thru New Jersey, try a Windmill hot dog.
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