Danger dog

This article is about the hot dog variation. For the UK law about harmful canines, see Dangerous Dogs Act.

A deep-fried, bacon wrapped "Jersey breakfast dog."

Danger dog is the slang term for a type of hot dog first sold by street vendors in Tijuana, Mexico, and is also known as a "Tijuana bacon dog" or a "dog dog." A danger dog is a hot dog wrapped in a piece of bacon, fried in oil and served on a bun with grilled onions and chili sauce.

The term "danger dog" originates from this form of hot dog's reputation as being of cheap quality (or presumed low quality, as it is usually sold by unlicensed street vendors). Danger dogs have recently turned up north of the border and are now being sold by street vendors in urban areas such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City.

On the east coast of the United States, a variation has appeared with the bacon-wrapped hot dog being deep-fried and called a "Jersey breakfast dog". There is a tradition in New Jersey of serving hot dogs that have been deep-fried in hot oil until they rip apart ("rippers") or just blister lightly (an "in and outer"). The Jersey dog is usually served atop fried or scrambled eggs.

In Los Angeles they are known as the Street Dog. Vendors can be found cooking them on a stainless steel baking tray over sterno heat sources outside of bars, concerts and other late night establishments.

In Chicago there is a variation called the Francheezie. This is typically found at greasy spoon restaurants, it is a Jumbo Hot Dog, split in the middle and filled with Cheddar cheese (or Velveeta). It is wrapped in Bacon and deep-fried, then served on a toasted bun.

References

• "60 Things Worth Shortening Your Life For", Esquire Magazine, Published: April 18, 2007. Accessed October 3, 2007.
• Food Fight: Battle of the Bacon Dogs, Reason TV
• "Frank Talk about Francheezies", Chicago Sun-Times, Published: April 14, 1989 Author: Pat Bruno. Accessed April 5, 2011