In Which We Consider the Dog Itself

Reflecting on our second component of the perfect “dog”, the hotdog itself, I would make the analogy that the meat portion of the product is to the overall hotdog experience much as a quarterback is to a football team.  He gets star billing but is really sort of nothing without the supporting cast.  It is, after all, the bun and the condiments that determine if the hotdog is of star quality or just a pedestrian passing along the way to The Biggest Loser.  A fresh bun and homemade chili can save a poorly prepared dog, but a damp bun or, God forbid, canned chili can ruin even a Kobe-beef hotdog.  It is therefore difficult in my mind to put too much value on the hotdog itself.

However, we must have some type of evaluation for, indeed, even the worst of quarterbacks has a rating.  We have already made the case that the bun is responsible for proper fit so we shall give short shrift to hotdog size.  Indeed a mini-dog can be great if the onions are fresh.  We have already determined that locations only qualify if they serve all beef or unidentified meat product as the filler so chicken, turkey, and/or tofu dogs can be judged in a different venue by those of that care.

In evaluating the dog the casing should be smooth.  5 points shall be awarded for dogs that fit this description.  Deduct 1 point for wrinkled dogs and two points for a dog that has burst.  Deduct all 5 points if the dog is intentionally “butterflied” as this is an indication that the dog and the preparer have gotten (as my Grandmother would say) “above their raising.” 

At this point the scoring becomes very subjective.  The dog should be sampled sans bun and condiments.  Savor the moment and evaluate the smell, the feel on your tongue, as well as the flavor experience.  Don’t gulp.  Award up to five points for the overall tactile, taste, and olfactory experience keeping in mind that there are many, many miles to go before you sleep.

That is about it for the hotdog itself.  Next the condiments or what makes a dog a dog.

Thoughts and suggestions are welcomed but will not necessarily be seriously considered.

 

 

 

 

Best Darn Hotdog - Part Two

The lack of posting has nothing to do with abandoning this project but rather time has been spent in serious contemplation of just how to establish criteria for objective evaluation.  After devouring an untold number of dogs in various and sundry locations outside the county (I did not want to be accused of prejudging or establishing a criteria based on one of the possible candidates) and contemplating my navel for several days I have reached the following abstruse conclusions.  Although you might doubt the ability of anyone using the word abstruse to be able to judge hotdog quality.  I only used it for credibility with the PHD readers.

To professionally evaluate the quality of the dog one must be aware of the individual components that work together in harmony to create the perfect taste sense experience.  Therefore, as I see it, the hotdog is actually comprised of three main components, those being the bun, the dog itself, and the all-important condiments.  I will attempt to analyze these individually.

Today we shall discuss the bun.  The bun is important not only as the holder of the other two components but also as the initial contact point for the taste buds of the consumer.  It should be evaluated from the standpoint of size and quality. 

Size is important as it relates to the dog itself.  The bun should adequately hold the dog and condiments neither hiding them nor allowing spillage of the basic condiments that are: mustard, chili, and onions (more on that when we discuss condiments).  The perfect bun size should be of a length to allow ¼ to ½ inch of the dog to extend beyond the end of the bun and keep the aforementioned condiments within its confines.

Quality parameters for the bun deal with freshness.  The bun should be soft and pliable to the touch as this leads to melding of bun, dog, and condiments when taking a bite.  If the bun is hard to the touch it will lead to a crunch factor not in keeping with pure hotdog ethics.  If the bun is damp to the touch it has probably been steamed with the dog and a soggy bun just won’t do.

For scoring purposes we will award five points to a perfectly specified bun size.  Deductions will be: 1 point deduction for a bun too short or one too long (see above specifications), 1 point for condiment spillage based on normal condiment quantity (if you ask for extra chili and it ends up on our clothes, don’t blame the bun).  The bun shall receive no points if it fails to meet the quality criteria of pliability and sogginess.

Tomorrow we will discuss the dog itself.

 

Just Where is the best darn Hotdog in Darlington County?

In the past fifteen months I have spent a lot of time in support of activities and attractions in Darlington County.  From the Southern 500 to the Egg Scramble in Lamar I have tried to assist, contribute and be a part of all things Darlington County.  Now the time has come to put aside all these mundane activities and focus all my efforts on answering the most relevant burning question of the 21^st century in this area.  Where is the best darn hotdog in Darlington County?

I take up this cause with the full understanding that, no matter what the answer, there will be those that dissent and those that will cast aspersions on my efforts.  However, undaunted, I begin my task in earnest and with a pure and unbiased heart.  It is also a great way to take accommodations tax money and turn it in to hospitality tax money so everyone benefits; including my appetite that becomes frenzied at the idea of all those wonderful dogs.

This project is not one that I undertake without having given a great deal of forethought and planning.  In fact one may surmise after reading this tome that I actually became Tourism Director in order to satisfy my desire for dogs, dogs, and more dogs.  That accusation is not without some merit.

Be that as it may, to determine where the best dog lies is an accomplishable goal but involves some detail.  For instance I have determined there should be three divisions of evaluation:

1) Best chain restaurant dog,

2) Best service station dog,

3) Best locally owned restaurant dog.  

 

The criteria for determining if your establishments qualifies for entry in to the contest is as follows:

1) The dog must exist as a menu item other than just on the children’s menu (if it’s only the children’s menu you aren’t truly serious about your dogs).

2) It cannot be a turkey, chicken, soy or (God forbid) tofu dog.  It must be beef, pork or other.

3) It cannot be a sausage dog.  Much like the old Ford El Camino, which can’t decide if it’s a truck or a car, the sausage dog is likewise conflicted.

In my next installment I will discuss the criteria for judging the candidates and perhaps share some preliminary thoughts on the candidates themselves.  In the meantime I would love your thoughts on what you’ve read so far and candidates you have in mind (God grant me an endless list for evaluation).

 

 

 

 

WOW - What a start to the Tourist Season

The Southeastern Baseball Classic concluded last Saturday night after four days of near perfect S.C. weather.  The Conference Carolinas Girls Fastpitch Softball Tournament held at Byerly Park concluded last night with the same fantastic weather.  Estimated a minimum of 800 visitors to the area who filled up on fresh strawberries from McLeod's Farm, good eats at local establishments like Shug's Smokehouse, Bizzell's, Midnight Rooster and Westwood BBQ.  One group actually discovered Ruth's Drive-In all on their own!  We sent the entire Queen's University softball team, coaches, and parents (40 folks) to Shug's where they took over the screened in room and severely depleted Jay's rib inventory.  Another group descended on Tony's Fireside Grill who graciously stayed open an hour later to accommodate the folks.

This weekend brings on the Clemson Rural Heritage Festival at the Clemson Pee Dee Research and Education Center/Outdoor Education Trail.  Located at 2200 Pocket Road in Florence, SC this event offers exhibits and demonstrations on all things rural from blacksmithing to beekeeping along with the very best of South Carolina home grown foods.  Hours are 10AM-4PM and admission is free.  For more information you can go directly to the above link.

Hang on for the first weekend in May when we will be holding the first annual Black Creek Kayak/Canoe Festival, the first Black Creek Arts Council, Bluejeans, BBQ and Live Music Festival, the monthly Community Market, and the Junior College Region10 Girl's Fastpitch Softball Tournament.

WOW - I wish there were something to do around here.

Big Sports in a Small Town

Following the most successful RenoFest in their nine year history, we're looking forward to two large amateur sporting events this weekend.

The Southeastern Baseball Classic comes to Jimmy White Field in Hartsville, SC beginning April 15 and running through April 18.  This is a four-day round robin tournament featuring powerhouse in-state and out-of -state high school teams ranging from Maryland to Virginia to North Carolina as well as four traditional powerhouse teams from South Carolina.  In its 13th season the event is put on with strictly volunteer workers from the local Hartsville community.  It features not only fine baseball but also a scholarship program for scholar athletes participating in the tournament.  Add to that the Hartsville hospitality and you get a feel for why local residents say they practice The Art of Good Living.  For more information go to: www.southeasternbaseballclassic.com or www.visitdarlingtoncounty.org or call 888-427-8720.

On April 17 the girls come to town as Byerly Park in Hartsville becomes the site for the Conference Carolina Girls Fast Pitch Softball Tournament.  11 college teams from the Carolinas, including Coker College of Hartsville, will participate in a three-day double elimination tournament culminating Sunday afternoon with the championship game.  Byerly Park is one of the premier sports venues in the region with facilities for softball, baseball, tennis, track, football, soccer, horseshoes, and basketball as well as outdoor performances.

Getting Ready for Spring

After the winter doldrums we are revving up for another busy tourism spring.  RenoFest, Southeastern Baseball Classic, Lamar Egg Scramble, Black Creek Arts Festival Artist Crawl, Black Creek Kayak/Canoe Festival, Black Creek Blue Jeans and BBQ Festival, assorted sports activities every weekend at Byerly Park and, oh yeah, a little event called the Southern 500 at the Darlington Raceway - all between the end of March and Mother's Day.  Pretty good for a little country area where you'd think there is nothing much going on except the weather.

The first major event on our calendar is always RenoFest, always the last weekend in March.  In its 12th season RenoFest has grown in to one of the premier bluegrass events in the country. This year's festival is set for March 27-29 at the Center Theater in Hartsville, SC.

As in years past the festival will open at the Center Theater on the afternoon of Friday, March 27, with the South Carolina Bluegrass Band Contest followed in the evening with the Downtown Hoe-Down featuring Barbeque and a free outdoor concert in Burry Park in downtown Hartsville.

Saturday morning revs up quickly with the South Carolina Championship guitar and banjo contests. Saturday afternoon and evening is dedicated to bluegrass music and those who love it with featured performances by: Church Street Blues (the 2008 band winner), Claire Lynch, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out and Ronnie Reno and the Reno Tradition. All events Saturday are held at the historic Center Theater in Hartsville.

The festival winds up Sunday morning with a free gospel music sing at Wesley United Methodist Church in Hartsville.

First Prize for the RenoFest 2009 Banjo Competition will be a Deering Terry Baucom Signature Model 5-String Banjo, one of the premier instruments produced by the Deering Company.

RenoFest was started in 1998 as a one-day concert in Hartsville, SC to honor the memory of Don Reno, a South Carolina native and bluegrass legend. Since then, it has become a regional tradition and wonderful opportunity to welcome both the beginning of Spring and the start of America’s bluegrass festival season. In January of 2006, RenoFest was honored by the SC Festival & Event Association with its most prestigious award, the “State Event of the Year.”
For more information on RenoFest and the 2009 festival go to: www.renofest.com or call 888-427-8720, 843-332-1600, or 843-332-5151.