Plus...a Free Harbor Cruise, Michael

Dear Michael:

Doggone Dave was excited. He was squirming in his seat, bouncing his legs up and down, and clapping his hands. We were driving down Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach. It was a bright sunny Southern California day with temperatures in the high 70's, a few wispy white clouds in the sky. A perfect day to eat the greatest meal "Ever".

Finally… there it was. Right across the highway from the Pacific Ocean. A plain, white, rectangular building with double red doors. Large single pane windows with pictures of 1950's era coca-cola bottles framed the doors. On the roof, I couldn't believe my eyes, was the biggest hot dog I'd ever seen. It was at least eight feet long in a bun two feet too short. A yellow mustard swirl, a few mounds of fluorescent green relish, white onions and a pickle slice topped the dog. On the front of the bun was the name of our restaurant, WILD WEENIES.

Doggone jumped out of the car while it was still rolling and ran through the red doors. I slammed on the brakes and was close behind. I was stopped in my tracks by the tantalizing scent of fresh hot dogs cooking on a flat grill. A cloud of delicious smelling steam mixed with the spicy aroma of chili, onions and peppers came floating out from behind the counter.

Michael, I know you usually like a nice romantic dinner and a vintage bottle of wine overlooking the ocean. But now and then, when you feel it deep in your soul, you just gotta have a dog. And do I have some dogs for you, not just any dogs, but the greatest dogs "Ever".

Southern California's Worst Kept Secret

Once we regained our senses we looked around the joint. We were back in the 1950's! We were in a brand new diner, but it looked like the old days. It was a neon-trip back in time. You would love it Michael. The floor tile was a checkerboard of black and white. The walls had a matching black, white and red circle and square pattern. Vintage coca-cola and posters of Life Magazine covered the walls. Pictures of familiar icons of the days such as Frank Sinatra and your favorite, Elvis Presley were on display. Red vinyl chairs and counter stools with stainless steel legs surrounded the black top tables and counters. I closed my eyes and I could almost hear Elvis, "You ain't nothing but a hound dog...". Wait, it was Elvis. He's playing on a real Wurlitzer juke box with the neon yellow, purple, blue and green tubes; its distinctive round top and classic walnut finish. Each song's just a nickel, can you believe it? I realized this was not just another hot dog stand.

Tammy, a Wild Weenie regular I met inside says:

"Wild Weenies has the intimacy where everybody knows your name, employees and customers alike, not to mention the best hot dogs EVER!"

From the counter lined with original coca-cola bottles we watched the construction of the dogs. It was immediately apparent Wild Weenies was a class act all the way. Steve, our dog handler, looking good in his official Wild Weenie white apron, red polo shirt and red hat, flipped and finessed the dog trimmings expertly. We checked out the menu. Chicago dogs, kraut dogs, mustard dogs, chili dogs and corn dogs. Last but not least was the award winning Wild Weenie. It was our turn to order…

Discover a New Indulgence

Doggone ordered the Chicago Dog and the Wild Weenie. I went with the Kraut Dog and the Wild Weenie. In record time Steve had our dogs ready. One of the nicest things about Wild Weenies is the way the food is presented. A decadent delight is the Wild Weenie. A polish sausage buried in chili with large beef chunks, pastrami, freshly grated cheddar cheese, onions and a slice of pickle in a huge sesame seed roll. This is a real dog, not a scrawny tiny weenie made from a mystery meat in a fluffy white bun.

The Kraut Dog had a large, firm white bun with sesame seeds, piled high with roughly shredded and fresh kraut which did not conceal the thick and firm all beef dog protruding from both sides of the bun. Along the top nestled in the kraut was a fresh, bright green pickle spear nearly as long as the bun. The Chicago Dog was sitting in its large bun almost too pretty to eat. The fluorescent green of the relish, the bright orange of the cheese and the rich red of the tomatoes was as pretty to me as any bouquet of flowers I'd ever seen.

Dining Out in Newport Beach wrote in their May, 2005 issue:

"In the battle of the weenie wars, Wienerschnitzel should be sending out spies to the top dog, Wild Weenies."

Finally, a Meal Better Than Its Hype

I stared down at the Kraut Dog. It took two hands to lift the monster without spilling the kraut. The bun was soft and warm. I closed my eyes and took a bite. Snap. The all beef dog burst in my mouth with a spicy flavor packed juice. The kraut was just sour enough to kick start every taste bud and offered some crunch without being chewy. A perfect combination.

It was Dave's turn. I watched him as he slowly licked his lips and raised the Chicago Dog to his mouth. He took a bite. He closed his eyes. Doggone was in such a state of hot dog bliss he was speechless for a moment.

"Dave, Dave," I implored. "Tell me how it is."

"Perfect," he said. "The bun is warm. The dog gives the proper pop, it's tender, yet chewy and just the right amount of warm dog juice. The mild onions, sweet relish, tomatoes and pickle are fantastic. The sport peppers taste just like a real Chicago blend of hot and sour. They tingle my tongue, but don't overpower the dog."

Now it was time for the Wild Weenie. I took a deep breath and concentrated on the task before me. The Chili had soaked and drenched the sesame seed bun. As I lifted this huge weenie some of the warm chili fell on my hand, giving me a preview of my first bite. The spicy chili and the pastrami hit the taste buds first. Wow! Pop. Spicy polish sausage flavor exploded in my mouth. The melted cheese, onions, tomato and pickle melded together as one. The blending of flavors was nothing short of magical. This is one serious sausage. I glanced at Dave. With his mouth full, he nodded a big Wild Weenie smile.

At Last, Junk Food to Die For

The Riverside's Press Enterprise Fast Food Dude thinks it's worth the trip.

"Wild Weenies, the place for serious sausages, serves up some top dogs. Steamed buns, big sausages and piled on portions of chili set this place apart. You may need to eat these dogs with a fork, and you'll need plenty of napkins."

We sat and enjoyed the Hot Dog Afterglow forawhile, watching the cars whiz by on Pacific Coast Highway. On the back of the menu, we read Wild Weenies was voted the 2005 Southern California Hot Dog place of the Year and the Wild Weenie dog was voted best dog in the Super Dog class at the 2005 California State Fair.

And Don't Get Me Started on the Sides

Chili with freshly grated cheddar cheese all piled on top of a freshly opened bag of Fritos. Yes, Michael, Fritos, fondly known locally as the coronary bypass special. My eyes went yes, and my brain said no. My nose caught the aroma of hot, spicy chili with freshly grated cheddar cheese and said yes, my brain screamed no. I took my first bite anyway. Crunch. Spicy, warm chili mixed with melted cheddar cheese and the crunch of Fritos. My brain said oh no, but my taste buds said, oh yeah.

Announcing a New Look at an Old Dog

Is Wild Weenies satisfied with its dogs? No. They are introducing a new hot dog delicacy this weekend. It's called the German Dog. German knockwurst with freshly grated sauerkraut, onions, cheddar cheese, brown mustard and a pickle spear. Sounds fantastic Michael. I can't wait to bite down on it. Leave it to Wild Weenies to keep pushing the envelope.

Who Said a Hot Dog Couldn't be the Greatest Meal "EVER"

• Dine on an award winning gourmet hot dog, the Wild Weenie.
• Enjoy the Chicago Dog, just like you were in Chicago.
• Try the new German Dog
• Travel back in time and relive the 1950's while you enjoy your dogs.

You were told Wild Weenies was the greatest meal "Ever". Now you know why. Get over to Wild Weenies and have a great time.

Your friend,

Larry Gibson

P.S. This weekend only, buy one Wild Weenie and get one free.

P.P.S. FREE, this weekend only. Wild Weenies is celebrating the new German Dog by giving its first 20 customers a German Dog FREE, starting at noon Saturday.

P.P.P.S. Michael, the best deal of all, buy any hot dog at Wild Weenies this weekend and get a free ticket for a Newport Bay harbor cruise. This one time offer is good this Saturday and Sunday ONLY! Make your plans for some great dogs and a great cruise now!

Larry Gibson
1125 Via Ravenna
Redlands, Calif. 92374
info@llgibson.com
(909) 794 6224