Sedona has the Best Hot Dog in the USA - A New Champion in the Hot Dog Title Fight!

While Yelping our way across Sedona, we stumbled into Simon's - and we have a new "Best Hot Dog in the USA"!

OK, OK, I know there are cynics among you out there who are going to notice that Simon's is attached to the Oak Creek Brewing Company, purveyor of fine ales, a fantastic IPA, and crafted beers.  You're going to say that this biased my decision, or that we'd been drinking when we voted, or some such slanderous accusation.  Not so!  As I was driving, I had one very small IPA.  The only other voter was my son, and at age 9, he wasn't impaired.  It was, however, a lively debate.

First, we considered the bun.  Here, Simon's wins hands down.  Simon's buns are as soft as a pillow, yet still crusty enough to hold the generously-sized sausage and helping of delicious toppings.

Next,we considered the dog itself.  While the Roanoke Wiener Stand's dog is more traditional, which would sway the vote their way in an Orthodox competition, we are not orthodox by any means.  Willie's Weenie Wagon, the other contender, has a great dog, but it is simply less tasty than the Roanoke Wiener Stand and Simon's.  Simon's hot dog was sized more like an English Banger, and it was steaming hot even on a cold Sedona evening, and bursting with juicy goodness.  In the dog category, again, Simon's won the judging.

Finally, there was the topping.  Here we split the vote.  My son prefers the Roanoke Wiener Stand dog with mustard, onions, and chili.  Their chili is some of the best hot dog chili in the world.  It is the standard by which all meat hot dog chilis are measured.  Again, to the Orthodox, the Roanoke Wiener Stand chili is the Ark of the Covenant of chili.  However, I had Simon's Wunderhund, with a creamy mustard-based onion, and pickle "salsa" topping that is so fresh, unique, and delicious, and such a perfect complement to Simon's dogs, and topped with a sprinkling of crunchy bacon bits.  For the first time ever, I questioned my devotion to the Roanoke Wiener Stand.  I, clearly, have a new favorite hot dog.

Finally, while it played no part in the voting, I have to say that Philippe himself (the proprietor of Simon's) is one of the nicest people that we have ever met.  He takes tremendous pride in his food quality and service.

My son's Cowboy Dog (if he had just added raw onions to the top, the deliberations on the Best Hot Dog would have been over in seconds):

My Wunderhund:

So, if you want a Guaranteed Positive Attitude Adjustment, forget the energy vortex and make a pilgrimage to Simon's for the Best Hot Dog in the USA!