Hotdogs hit the grills for 4th of July

One of the great Fourth of July traditions in America took place Wednesday.

The Nathan’s Famous International Hotdog Eating Contest has been a mainstay at Coney Island for more than 50 years. This year, Joey Chestnut won his 11th title by downing a record 74 hotdogs in 10 minutes.

It certainly grabbed the attention of Tim Rogers, co-owner of Lancaster Taphouse.

“I’m always impressed when you watch those hotdog eating contests, how many hotdogs those people can get down,” said Rogers.

The Lancaster has embraced the long-time barbecue favourite by incorporating three gourmet hotdogs to their menu: the Chicago-styled hotdog, bacon jam hot dog and the lobster dog.

But despite all the different fixings someone can have, Rogers has one he prefers above all others.

“You gotta have the caramelized onions,” Rogers said. “You add that and it takes it over the top.”

Another place to grab a hotdog with all the fixings in Regina is at Coney Island Cafe, which has everything from a hotdog with peppers and jalapeno cheese sauce to one with deep-fried pickles and ranch dressing.

“We’ve got anything that you can basically think of,” Curtis Krassman, manager at Coney Island Cafe, said. “As long as we’ve got the product on the menu, we can put it on a hotdog.”

Krassman always adds banana peppers to add some kick to his meal. He also said if he was a bit younger, he would’ve enjoyed going down to the states in order to try his hand at the famous eating contest.

“A hotdog is one of my favourite meals to eat all year round,” he said.