Hot Diggidy Dog

It's no secret that Americans love to eat tubes of mystery meat on a bun, otherwise know as the hot dog.

They're offered up at every major league sporting event. They're sold on the street out of portable hot dog steamers. They're sold in most movie theaters. They're available in every supermarket and at thousands of independent hot dog stands around the country.

New Yorkers boast that Nathan's of Coney Island serves the best hot dogs. While there are many Nathan’s locations in the New York area, the one actually at Coney Island is the place to go. Millions of New Yorkers also patronize the famous Sabrett's hot dog carts that can be found throughout the city.

Detroit lays claim to the best "coney islands," restaurants that specialize in chili dogs. Chicago also claims to have the best hot dogs with the most unique toppings, like pickle spears, tomato and relish.

Hollywood is home to Pink's, with its wide variety of topping-laced dogs named after celebrities and golden, delicious chili cheese fries. Its walls are adorned with pictures of hundreds of celebrities who frequent the joint.

As good as any of these hot dogs may be, there is a chain of hot dog stands in the San Fernando Valley called Cupid’s that out-dogs them all. Their menu is simply hot dogs, potato chips, and sodas.

Cupid's has been a Valley landmark since the chain opened in the early 1940s. They serve up their hot dogs with no pretences. A chili dog costs $2, and "everything" includes mustard, onions and chili. And while it is practically unheard of in Los Angeles, I take ketchup on mine.

The hot dogs are prepared on wooden paddles with curves on them that hold the bun and dog in place while the toppings are quickly applied by the expert staff. They can be eaten on the spot at the provided picnic tables or wrapped to go.

When you unwrap your Cupid’s dog at home, the chili stays on the dog thanks to a special dual wrapping process. One layer holds the chili in place while the second wrapper, placed at a 45 degree angle, covers the bun securely. The bun remains soft and chewy, and when you take that first bite, the flavors explode in your mouth.

The tart deli-style mustard gives the dog zing, while the onions provide a crunchy texture. The chili is soft, smooth and solid so you can safely eat the dog without worrying about dripping ingredients on your favorite shirt.

Given America's love of the hot dog, it's surprising that fast food chains haven't cashed in on that love. Yes, there is Weinerschnitzel, but no hot dog aficionado would willingly eat there.

We can be grateful for this lack of commercial interest in the hot dog. It leaves more room for the local and regional chains and independent stands. Could you imagine the McHotDog?