Crosspost from Wine: Champagne and Hot Dogs

[Hoke]

http://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2012/04/champagne-and-hot-dogs-at-new-london-hotspot/

So, whattaya think? Would you go? Will you go? Think it'll survive?

London contingent: give us a report.

[Jeff Grossman/NYC]

Sure, I'd go. They won't be around long....

[Mike Filigenzi]

I'm with Jeff. I can't remember the last time I had a hot dog, but pairing a good one with a good champagne sounds like it might be pretty tasty. That aspect of the restaurant doesn't seem like something that could last, though. Maybe the idea is for the hot dog thing to get attention for the more traditional side of the restaurant? I could see that being a good strategy.

[Hoke]

I'm not at all opposed to hot dogs and champagne. Neither am I in any way opposed to hot dogs---at least a "good" hot dog and not just a tepid tube of indiscrimate origin plucked swimming from a bath of pink greasewater and plopped into a dry cold bun, but a GOOD hot dog!

But, yeah, gimmicky marketing rears its head here with the appeal smacking of hipsterism running rampant. There may be enough there to support the place staying open...but I'm skeptical. And once you've lost Grossman...

[Jeff Grossman/NYC]

It reminds me of a certain gelato place in downtown NYC. They offered, at an elevated price, a champagne sorbetto made with Dom Perignon.

After you eat that once, the store had better have some other charms to keep you coming back.

[Jeff B]

I adore both but can't imagine pairing them together.

Then again, unconventional matches can sometimes surprise you!

But when I think of my ideal kind of hot dog, it's typically a baseball game hot dog or those we grill outdoors. In such cases I do pair them with bubbles but it's always in the form of soda. I'm more prone to enjoy champagne in a more intimate fashion where I can just linger over it.

Jeff

[Lou Kessler]

Doesn't everyone accompany their hot dogs with Champagne? I believe a vintage Champagne which is primarily made from pinot noir goes best. Something in the style of a Bollinger Gran Annee would really be quite keen. It's really much too good for the commoners.

[Frank Deis]

Champagne and Popcorn is considered a classic match, at least in some circles.

I can totally see a hot dog meshing with the flavors of Champagne in a very similar way.

Salt and grease + bubbles, acidity, and a nice bouquet...

Champagne and a soft drink may be miles apart culturally, but on the palate, there isn't nearly as much distance.

Spoken as a Champagne aficionado BTW.

[Jeff B]

Indeed, I love champagne with small foods where they either mirror those found in the champagne (peanuts in an aged champagne) or where the champagne can act as a tactile cleansing agent (French fries or grilled cheese sandwiches).

Jeff

[Mike Filigenzi]

I can totally see a hot dog meshing with the flavors of Champagne in a very similar way.

Salt and grease + bubbles, acidity, and a nice bouquet...

Just what I was thinking. When I do the mind experiment of putting hot dog and Champagne in my mouth, the results are good.

[Doug Surplus]

I am so going to have to try this combination soon!

[Frank Deis]

Actually I have my own "classic match" of this sort. You know those "kettle chips" that come in 100 flavors? I can't remember the name, and there's more than one brand. But the ones I am thinking of come in "dark" -- crunchy little potato chips, almost burned. Terrific match with Champagne, and maybe I remember that they are extra good with rosé Champagne.

PS Herr's dark russet kettle chips are the ones I've had. But I read good stuff on the web about a similar product from Utz's.

[Jenise]

Champagne and Popcorn is considered a classic match, at least in some circles.

I can totally see a hot dog meshing with the flavors of Champagne in a very similar way.

Salt and grease + bubbles, acidity, and a nice bouquet...

Champagne is great with salty food period. Potato chips are another great champagne snack. Fresh made even better. I have no trouble imagining champagne being great with a hot dog--the question for me has more to do with why eat hot dogs at all. If I want salt and grease with my 'poon, I can do better.

[Jeff Grossman/NYC]

Eric Asimov is totally lurking us: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/dining/reviews/pizzas-bubbly-companion-the-pour.html

[Mike Filigenzi]

Eric Asimov is totally lurking us: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/18/dining/reviews/pizzas-bubbly-companion-the-pour.html

Damn, what a picture. I WANT that pizza!