Aree’s Dawg House
1740 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC
I usually try to avoid taking one-off days off because, more often than not, when I go back from that one day, a lot has happened, which translates into having to take some time to catch up. As a result, if I take days off, I take them in a one-week block – if not two weeks block. However, since my work requires me to travel, I have days in-lieu in the case I have to fly on a weekend/late night. After my trip to Scottsdale, I had one such day and, given the opportunity, I tried to go to a place that, otherwise, I normally won’t have an opportunity to. However, by some odd twists of destiny, I had to drive around and ended up getting a hot dog. Was I pissed? You betcha! But, why a hot dog out of all possibilities? Considering all the hype given to Japadog (check here, here and here, not to mention Tandoori Tikka Dog and Mexidog), I wanted to try a “normal” dog. Not any “normal” hot dog, though. Rather, it was the one some periodicals hyped/voted as best hot dogs in Vancouver, even above Japadog: Aree’s Dawg House
Of course, I won’t let you hanging on which was the other place and why I had to turn around (not to mention why I was pissed). Where? Moderne Burger. Why I had to go around? Because the place was closed due to filming! I don’t really know what was being filmed but the picture below should be my evidence. What are the chances it had to be the day I took off… >_< My annoyance was multiplied due to the fact I do NOT like to go to that area of town. Yes, you got that right. Despite I have no love for Richmond, Kitsilano and Vancouver West Side are even in a lower rank. Those a personal reason and I won’t delve into it, just keep that in mind for a post I have in the queue…
Completely disappointed, I started to drive back. I wasn’t in mood for sushi (so that cut out Temaki Sushi and other nearby sushi spots), nor “fine” dining (which cut out over half a dozen places nearby). Then, I drove by past Burrard Street and when I was close to Future Shop, I recalled about Aree’s Dawg House. Was it destiny? In fact, was it destiny the fact there was an open parking spot nearby? I don’t really believe in coincidences so I just parked and walked towards the cart.
To a certain extent, if you have seen a hot dog stand, you have pretty much seen all of them. What really matters is what is being produced. With the ethnic specialties (i.e., Japanese toppings in the case of Japadog; tandoori sauces in the case of Tandoori Tikka Dog; Mexican-type toppings in the case of Mexidog), one should wonder how this one has stayed as the top dog (no pun intended?). While I was waiting for my order, I think this explain somewhat the why. They sure have some interesting sauces! In fact, I taste the roasted cranberry chipotle BBQ sauce one (with the hot dog, of course) and I will have to say it had a quite interesting taste to it! As for the rest (yellow mustard, catsup, etc. etc.), they are the same as you average hot dog stand so I won’t comment on that part.
When I got my hot dog, I was slightly disappointed. Could it be that after a couple of rounds of all the ethnic dogs, I have become so attracted to these odd toppings that I am now expecting them by default? Regardless if that is the case or not, nobody can deny it looks plain. Actually, there was something different at the same time. Notice the bun? At least it does not look like your average mass produced ones. It was light and fluffy which makes me think a bit too much yeast was used to prepare it. And, for good or for bad, it did not develop any crust-y type texture. As for the sausage… I don’t know, it just looks average…
I added my favourite hot dog condiment: mustard and took one munch. Add some of the sauces showned above and another munch. Again, for some reason, the sausage of the hot dog did not really excite me. Sure, the bread was light but nothing else. The sauces, again, were actually quite interesting but I wasn’t there for sauces, I was there for the dog! While it wasn’t your average dog, there wasn’t anything else to differentiate them from the rest. Could it be I ordered the “wrong item”? And that brings my overall thought: Was it worth it/was it as good as people say? In my opinion, no. When a hot dog will cost me $7, it better have something that separate them from the rest. In this case, they did not provide with much so, as a result, the answer for me will be “pass”.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Yah, it doesn’t look all that exciting. I still like Japadog, particularly the Terimayo. On that note, they’re opening up an actual store! Too bad you couldn’t try Moderne Burger. I hope you’ll give it another go.
Sherman, I think we all agree that the Terimayo makes it unique enough and none of the local carts have been able to duplicate it. However, at the end, it is just a topping… Yes, the sign of the store – right next to Viet Sub/same block as H-Mart in Downtown!
$7 for a hot-dog!? Hmm.. thats robbery! Anyways, thanks for the info on the new japadog store.. it’s just a block from my work. Mmmm… I can smell the wasabi mayo now
Jacqueline, it was actually $6.50 but, agreed, it is still darn expensive compared to what Japadog is offering for about the same price (if not slightly less).
And to think Kim, you could have parked your car and walked on set. Food Blogging Movie Star. Just think how great that would make your resume
First thought was the bun. Definitely a different option, too bad it didn’t live up. At least they pile the onions on. I agree about the sauces. At the end of the day, with most places probably getting similar sausages, it’s the little things that will make the difference….oh and the price.
Raidar, yup exactly my thoughts. Too many “but”s that, in the end, resulting in a sub-par experience.
Is that too many “buts” or “butts”? You never know what sausages are made of…
If you like sausages, never try to find out how they are made…!
Can’t believe you ate there.
I got one earlier this spring while shopping at FutureShop where he has his stand. I’ll upload some pics to Urban Spoon so you can see the bad excuse for a sausage that I got in my dog.
shokutsu, oh, if you only knew what places I have been…
That hot dog looks sooo wimpy! I’d be dissappointed! Just looking at your picture I’m dissapponted!
Mijune, that makes me wonder: who voted for it to be the best hot dog in Vancouver?
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