Thursday, July 3, 1997
Cinergy dogs best of show

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USA Today gives franks top rating

BY JOSH PICHLER
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Aaron Billing, 10, puts mustard on his hot dog at Cinergy Field Wednesday. (Ernest Coleman photo). | ZOOM |

Cinergy diners: If you think you're eating just another hot dog when you take in a Reds game, then clearly you lack culinary appreciation. At least USA Today thinks so. The nation's newspaper gave the Reds' hot dogs a home-run rating. Philadelphia and Kansas City were the only other clubs whose dogs met the challenge. Cleveland only mustered a base hit.

How did the Red's hot dogs reach this pinnacle of taste?

Joseph Sims, general manager of vendor SportService, gave two reasons. The first and obvious factor is the meat.

"We use Kahn's hot dogs, which are a two-meat hot dog, pork and beef, whereas lot of other ballparks use hot dogs with a third filler like chicken," Sims said.

But it's not just the meat. Preparation also is crucial. SportService grills their hot dogs fresh, a policy enacted four years ago. Freezing dehydrates the meat, and often results in a salty dog.

Sound familiar, Astros? USA Today said Houston's dogs were "too salty," and rated them a foul ball.

The other component to the Reds' success, Sims said, is the bun. "We changed our bun this year," Sims said. "We now use a Klosterman bun, which is an egg bun and very soft. Buns make a big difference." Catch that, Milwaukee? "Dry bun makes the hot dog almost inedible," USA Today said of the Brewers' dog.

Taking notes, Seattle? "Base hit, typical dog with soggy bun," said the tasters.

Maybe next year, Mariners.

In this era where many teams use new stadiums to generate fan interest, a good hot dog gives the Reds drawing power, Sims said. There's something to that, Alex Nueman of Hamilton said at recent game.

"I wouldn't say that I come here just for the hot dogs," Nueman said. "But they are good and, after all, they're a part of baseball." They also are reasonably priced, particularly the popular $1 kids' dog.

Adults can dive into the standard $1.50 frank (eight hot dogs to a pound), or, for those who've got what it takes, the $2.25 beast. (Five hot dogs to a pound.)

Sims said that the new stadium will allow SportsService to diversify its menu. Mexican food, fresh cookies and rolls, and health food will become standard fare.

But don't expect the Reds to forget their roots.

"It all comes back to hot dogs," Sims said.

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