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Eat this: Elote Dog at Scoop Dog in Watsonville
I’ve eaten seven hot dogs in as many days this week, and not just because it’s summer, the unofficial but still totally official Hot Dog Season that stretches from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Well, I guess that’s partly why. Maybe it’s the warmer days, but hot dogs seem to be having “a moment” in Santa Cruz, with videos from local food influencers suddenly appearing on my Instagram feed – more on that in my story on Monday. I’m suddenly aware that Santa Cruz County has a mini-industry of hot dog vendors that stretches from Boulder Creek to Watsonville, who serve up creative and distinguished dogs all year long.
So, I traveled the breadth of the county to see what was up, and was surprised to find individual and unique approaches to one of America’s most iconic meals. Hot dogs are, by nature, customizable, and local purveyors are pushing the boundaries in the most delicious ways. Some leaned into elevating traditional toppings with artisan condiments, homemade chili, imported pickles and naturally fermented sauerkraut. I also found hot dogs topped with mac and cheese, made into BLTs, and loaded with homemade kimchi.
Look for my guide to Santa Cruz County hot dog vendors next week. Until then, head down to Scoop Dog in Watsonville for one of my favorite discoveries: a hot dog fixed like elote ($8), the popular Mexican street snack, with charred corn, cilantro, crumbled cotija and jack cheese, a swirl of mayo, a sprinkle of Tajin and a squeeze of lime. With the pop of sweet corn and a kick of spice over a snappy all-beef hot dog, it’s a true taste of summer.
45 Aviation Way No. 6, Watsonville.
Best of the Week Ahead
Below, find a curated list of the best food and drink events in Santa Cruz County for the coming week. At the top, I share my picks of unmissable local happenings.
News of the week
ICYMI – here are the food news stories from Lookout that you might have missed, plus important news from beyond our borders picked by yours truly.
This Boulder Creek hot dog stand serves the only true Chicago dog in Santa Cruz County (Lookout)
Hot dog-eating champ Joey Chestnut won’t compete this July 4. What’s the beef? (NPR)
Woman sues Cold Stone Creamery over lack of pistachios in pistachio ice cream (NBC)
What’s behind TikTok’s beef with Chipotle? (The New York Times)