Snappy Dog

Last night I had a mediocre meal at an acclaimed establishment downtown. This morning I found myself at my local hot dog food truck and simply enamored with the best hot dog ever. Considering that no beef is a rule here, you’re probably thinking “she ate a hot dog?” Rest assured, it was a turkey dog.

I know food trucks are all the rage right now. NY and LA seem to be teaming with them. I recently had a conversation with Chef Tyler Florence and he was detailing how the fall of the economy in 2008 left many talented chef’s without a traditional front to open their restaurants. It takes considerably less cash to open a food truck and allows for a profit in days with affordable food options for customers. I would hope this is the trend of fast food in this country.

Boston has a few gems I know of. On the Rose Kennedy Greenway there are six trucks there for the summer, with hopes for more next season. They all focus on an international flare and do what most trucks do by specializing in a limited menu done well. Snappy Dog in Hopkinton, MA is no exception.

Tucked away on Route 85 right behind Colella’s market, you find a red wooden food truck made by the chef’s Lisa and Teresa and a little help from others! It is typically open from April 1st to the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The women are vivacious and fun. They operate in a line format and cook to order so it is fast and fresh. The women’s spirit and energy is as good as the fare. When a moment in the line allowed, they were around to check in with us. The owners care and that alone is refreshing.

Their menu included both big and small hotdogs with beef and turkey options. There is a special of the day and plenty of homemade relishes. Divine little homemade desserts are delectable and sized right for a lunchtime snack. The prices are reasonable considering the quality.

My table is very happy with their selections, all diverse and all yummy. I am having the special of the day, The Slum Dog. It is a turkey dog with spicy cabbage and curry, topped with toasted coconut and fresh mango salsa. Simply outstanding! I am blown away with each bite at how sweet and sharp the flavors are. The fresh baked potato roll is a nice host for delivery of flavor from the Slum Dog which seems to tingle my taste buds long after my bite.

It is worth a quick stop by or a drive for lunch while the weather allows to have a seat at one of their outdoor tables.