NFriday wrote:Hi- I know that this is a lot to ask, but can anybody recommend a good whole wheat or even whole grain hot dog bun? Natural Ovens used to make an acceptable one, but they don't make it any more, and the other possibilities are kind of hohum. I am referring to Brownberry, Fit for Life and similar supermarket brands. Thanks, Nancy

When it comes to Hot Dogs, I am a purist and usually just buy S Rosen, but there is a brand I had recently at a cookout called Rudi's Organic. They were 100% whole wheat organic buns, and were not that bad. I just had the hamburger buns, but there were hot dog buns there also. Despite being whole wheat, they were fluffy and not "grainy" in texture, so they won't put off the kiddies. The person having the cookout buys all of Rudi's gluten-free products. They make GF hot dog and hamburger buns, as well as pizza crusts and wraps. They also carry Vegan products. My friend bought them at Whole Foods, but suggested that they may be available at Treasure Island also.

Even after 42 years in Chicago, where I tried all kinds of hot dogs, buns, and condiments, I always come back to good old Rosen's buns with poppy seeds. But I cannot stand them if they have been frozen. I like my buns when they just arrived to the store and preferably when they are on sale for $2.50 a pack. I also have given up trying other brands than Paulina's Market wieners. They are the only kind that provide me with the proper "snap" when I plant my teeth in them. On the condition that they have not been staying for more than 12 minutes in a covered pot of very hot but no longer boiling water. And Dijon or hot Dusseldorf mustard and a bit of "Simply Heinz" ketchup (the one that does not have corn syrup in it) will be more than enough to jazz them up a bit. I am sure that purist Chicagoans will be offended by my use of ketchup and for preferring Dijon to Yellow mustard. Similarly I am not a big fan of wieners that are not completely encased in natural pig or lamb gut membrane. Sorry, these must be left-overs from my European culture.

OK, I'll admit to a bit of Schadenfreude as I watch my Fellow LTHers discuss hot dogs + buns, and the difficulties originaging therein. Although we don't have any *great* buns, weve got some awfully good "pain doré" buns from Premiere Moisson, a fab bakery here in Montréal. But my guilty pleasure comes from realizing that Piller's, an Ontario sausage-maker, and a super great one, makes and absolutely correct Weiner, as from Wein. Damn isn't it good! The skin pops when you bite in, the juice suffuses your mouth, and thr flavors bowl you over. Oh boy!

And guess where you buy it? Heh-heh, Costco! Yesssss!

Next time you come up to MTL, give one a whirly, you'll just die.

Geo