Alfred Dogs are no joke

Alfred students brave winter’s sequel to experience some of Hot Diggity Dogs’ not-so-dainty morsels.

Whether you’re looking for the after-hour melodrama of GJ’s at closing time, or you’re just plain hungry, you can find satisfaction at Hot Diggity Dogs.

While I’m not in the habit of going out for hotdogs at 2 AM (or anything short of a Ben and Jerry's crisis, for that matter), I have been meaning to try the popular hotdog stand for the better part of this semester. Patrons often stop for a quick bite on their way to, or home from one of the area’s proximate bars.

Between the hours of 9 PM and 3 AM, Mike Edwards and Mary Bailey, Owners/Chefs of Hot Diggity Dogs (aka Alfred's Street Meat), run the operation out of a vending trailer on Church St. in Alfred Village. The pair also set up shop on Main St. in Wellsville during weekdays, and will cater parties of up to 50 people.

With this reasonably priced menu, there is no reason to go home hungry.

I thought about ordering the “garbage truck” just to try a little taste of everything, but my arteries vetoed that idea. For $12, the plate consists of 2 hot dogs, 2 cheeseburgers, 2 pulled pork, 2 hash browns, macaroni salad and baked beans. Unfortunately, no matter which way I looked at it, I could not fit into my week’s allottment of calories (you must be 25 or younger to experience this meal). Watching other people enjoy it would have to suffice.

“Alfred dogs are no joke,” AU student, Jay Gioia asserted, firmly but patiently in response to my apparent ignorance on the subject. Clearly the stand has a loyal following and with the fast, friendly service, I understand why.

Trusting Gioia’s recommendation, I opted for the "Alfred hotdog," which consists of a hotdog with mac ‘n’ cheese and topped with chili. I added a spoonful of onions to complete the package and wandered off to plan my attack.

Overall I enjoyed it, but I thought the mac ‘n’ cheese was a touch on the bland side. The chili was pretty good, but I generally like it a little spicier and with more beans.

I will tip my hat to anyone that can eat one of these without a bib and still retain the status of civilized member of society. I failed miserably, but a “food fail” is fine so long as it only costs you three bucks and no one is watching.