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Community Corner

The Craving: Hot Dogs

Just in case the craving for classic Dodger game fare strikes, this Friday's story has the go-to places in Culver City.

Hot dogs are what I like to call the ultimate ball park craving--and what I like to eat even when I'm miles away from a stadium. Thus, I went on the hunt for hot dogs that hit a home run right here in Culver City.

1) Let's Be Frank Dogs

Father's Office frequenters can catch sight of the lines at lunch time for this stand that outshines its other hot dog competition. With a restaurant-like focus on quality, signs promise that all hot dogs are "grass-fed, environmentally conscious, ethically raised, fairly traded and economically sustainable."

The other sign bares other good news--an affordable price. The choices come down to beef or pork with either the Frank Dog or the Brat Dog, one boasting grilled onions, the other, a healthier take on pork.

I walked away with a Frank Dog full of green onions--and a smile on my face.

The price of hot dog heaven: $5 a piece.

Let's Be Frank Dogs, Helms Avenue between Washington Boulevard & Venice Boulevard at the Helms Bakery Complex; 888-233-7265.


2) Johnnie's Pastrami Restaurant

Since pastramis are a favorite of mine, I tried to resist coming to Johnnie's for a hot dog, but had heard too many good things about them to stay away successfully. I am glad that I gave in and ordered a Charbroiled Hot Dog; it was flavorful and perfect with mustard and ketchup. I admit to being a Plain Jane when it comes to my hot dogs, however, other topping choices are: Cheddar Cheese Dogs, Chili Dogs and the Chili Cheddar Cheese Dogs.

The price of hot dog heaven: $4.95-5.95 depending on toppings.

Johnnie's Pastrami Restaurant, 4017 Sepulveda Blvd.; 310-397-6654

3) Big Tomy's

For all of my previous talk about being a hot dog purist, I hope not to bark up the wrong tree when I say that sometimes an added food item or two can make a hot dog even better. The Chili Cheese Dog stood out right away when I saw it while standing in line.

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I promptly switched my order from my plain classic and was happy with the results--an onion and chili-topped hot dog. It was so good that Tina Fey's "30 Rock" story line about hot dog addiction suddenly made sense.

Really, it was that good.

Big Tomy's, 5421 Sepulveda Blvd.; 310-390-1049

The price of hot dog heaven: Approx. $5, $8 as a combo meal.

4) Green Truck

A healthier hot dog option that still satisfies my craving? Sold. I quickly ordered a 1/4 Niman Beef hot dog; I was about to order the works when I was tapped on the shoulder.

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After being convinced that I shouldn't taint the truly superior taste, I ordered the same dog--plain. I'll have to try the works next time, or maybe not; I realized what a hot dog should taste like, and might not ever be able to go back to imitators. A good hot dog is like good coffee--it doesn't need to be covered up.

The price of hot dog heaven: $6 for a plain hot dog, and $2 more for the works.

Green Truck, 3515 Helms Ave.; 310-204-0477

5) Joxer Daly's

An Irish pub is the first place I'd think to try for a good pint, and--admittedly--the last for a hot dog, especially when I had to look really hard to find it on the menu.

Known for its loud crowds during Monday night football and corresponding fried food fare, I was slightly nervous when I finally asked if the place had a plain hot dog.

The answer was a something between an "of course" and an eyebrow raise. When the hot dog came out, right along with my neighboring table's hot wings, I was still nervous about a hot dog that wasn't at all promoted. After one bit into the warm and flavorful hot dog topped with ketchup and mustard, I realized that maybe some of the best things are kept a secret, so I won't argue with the reasoning.

Joxer Daly's, 11168 Washington Blvd.; 310-838-3745

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