hot diggity dog... with clams on the side...

A few weeks ago, I went on a much needed trip to Boston to visit my friends, Becky and Eric (... and company).  One of the things that was on my Boston To-Do List was to have a hot dog from Boston Hotdog Co. in Salem.  Unfortunately, paying taxes was not high on their list for this year and they were closed (the following is a picture of Eric embodying our frustration...excellent work). 

But not easily disheartened, we journeyed to the far lands of Rockport to feast of hot dogs at Top Dog, which is quite possibly America's favorite hot dog (according to their site and from personal experience).  I found their menu rather entertaining, using different dogs to represent what is on the hot dog, because that is exactly what I would do if I had a hot dog stand, so I felt an instant connection.  I, also, felt as if they knew exactly what I would want, because the day before I had mentioned that hot dogs and mac & cheese was a fabulous combination, and Top Dog just so happened to have the Golden Retriever, which is a hot dog with mac & cheese on it.  Genius!  Of all the years I have been eating hot dogs with mac & cheese, I have never thought about putting the mac & cheese on the hot dog.  It is so simple, yet so brilliant!  Bask in it's glory: 

But Top Dog is not just famous for their hot dogs.  They make amazing clams as well!  And they batter and fry them in front of you, making it fun for the kids... and myself...

So, if you are in Rockport, and you want so fabulous food that will give you heartburn later, check out Top Dog... and tell them 'Erin' sent you... they will have no idea what you are talking about...