A Hot Dog + a Glass of Rose'

I'm in New York City. It is, for me, one of the greatest cities in the world.  You can get just about anything you could ever want or need in this city, no matter how much money you have.

A hot dog from a local street vendor for two bucks could be your only sustenance for the day.

Or, you could be sitting at DBGB , Daniel Boulud's new bar /restaurant on the lower east side kicking back on a lazy Friday afternoon eating a Tunisian house-made lamb and mint hot dog topped with yogurt cucumbers and harissa sauce. A cool, crisp glass of rose' on the side to quench the thirst.

Life is good when food is on the table.

{All men are hungry. They always have been. They must eat, and when they deny themselves the pleasures of carrying out that need, they are cutting off part of their possible fullness, their natural realization of life, whether they are rich or poor.}
-- MFK Fisher   How to Cook a Wolf


Here's our own version of the hot dog we enjoyed. We call it Mediterrean Slaw Dog. 

Mediterranean Slaw Dogs

These dogs are best cooked over a hard wood grill for added flavor + texture.  Use all natural beef dogs for the best flavor, or a flavored sausage, such as lamb or mint. 

To Make the Slaw:

1 small napa cabbage {about 3 cups sliced}

1/3  cup mayonnaise

2 Tablespoons cider vinegar

¼ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Cut the cabbage in half, then in quarters. Remove the core and discard. Slice each quarter cabbage into ¼ inch thin slices.  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt and pepper.  Taste for seasoning. Toss the cabbage with the dressing until well coated.  Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

To Make the Topping:

1/2 cup greek yogurt

1 Tablespoon Mint Pesto 

1 cup diced Persian or English cucumbers
plus

1 cup  sliced grape or chopped heirloom tomatoes {for garnish}

In a small bowl, mix the yogurt and pesto until blended well. Fold in the cucumbers. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

To Assemble the Slaw Dogs:

Place a grilled  hot dog  on a toasted bun.  Spoon on the minted yogurt mixture. Top with a couple of Tablespoons of slaw mix.  Finish with a garnish of sliced tomatoes. 

Enjoy!

Toppings make enough for 10-12  slaw dogs. 

Buon appetito! copyright 2010 Alisa Barry