The Colombian Hot Dog: Dogilcious vs. Simon’s Hot Dogs
By: Brian Garrido
The Sonoran hot dog’s roots, although Mexican, is wrapped in American culture – and baseball. Its South American cousin, the Colombian perro caliente, comes from the streets and is a gut-busting bomb of crushed potato chips, onions, ketchup, melted cheese, garlic mayo, mustard and pineapple. To be considered a Colombian salchichas, it must have the chips, pineapple and the mayo. Remove the chips and you have a Hawaiian hot dog, and that’s a different thing altogether.
Along Colombia’s sea coasts, bordering both Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, foodies eat it topped with lettuce and chopped bacon. These are called perras. Overall, the sandwich is a full-bodied, textural concoction of sweet from the freshly cut pineapple and salty from the crushed potato chips.
Where to find the Colombian in the Valley? The first place is the much-loved Simon’s Hot Dogs, located in Scottsdale. Less than a year ago, the husband and wife team of Colombian-born Felipe and Marcela Roldan relocated Simon’s Hot Dogs from Sedona to the Valley. Indeed, their fame and fortune rests as creative cooks of the Colombian perro caliente. In fact, it’s the idea behind their restaurant and the subtitle of eatery’s name “Colombian Hot Dogs” – unusual hot dogs topped with different fare – not solely pineapple and potato chips – but definitely inspired by their country’s namesake.
In Glendale, Dogilicious is the new kid in town – not even opened for four months. Owned by another husband and wife team Vincent and Dahiana Sowa, who double as fitness trainers nearby. The atmosphere is a little more fast food oriented, with modern white as a predominant theme.
Simon’s Hot Dog: The Colombian
At Simon’s, the tropical flavors and crunchy papas are the signature dog and it’s been the tasty staple for the last six years. Walking into the eatery is an aromatic sensory experience and the dog doesn’t disappoint. For the sausage, it’s slightly toothsome, the way a hot dog should be – and it’s mounded in a finely chopped array of the fixings. It’s easy to eat without losing too much while chewing; but still a messy good time.
Simon’s also has a nice selection of craft beers and Colombian sodas, including the well-known but hard to find Colombiana. All sandwiches can be made with a meatless version. Beef version ($5.95). Vegan or Veggie ($6.95) and a bratwurst ($7.55).
4280 North Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale
(480) 426 – 9218
Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Dogilicious: The Colombian
Aromas of simmering sauces hit the diner upon entering. Freshly made steamed hot dogs, some even made from the locally-based Schreiners’ are served up along with Belgian waffles, sliders from pork to beef and some nicely crisped lettuce salads. Aside from the Colombian, other variations include mac and cheese, a pizza variation, a Vietnamese “banh mi,” and a Cuban.
Our desired Colombian is chunky and meaty, possibly because of the Viennese hot dog used. Deliciously chaotic with a too small bun (or a too large salchicha) – you decide. There was mucho queso, so you’re going to need a fork to eat it all. ($5.95).
5060 West Bell Road, Phoenix
(602) 900 – 5059
Monday – Saturday 11:00am – 8:00 pm, Sunday 11:00 am – 6:00pm
https://www.facebook.com/doglicioushotdogs/
Our verdict:
Start in Scottsdale and then walk to Phoenix. Or vice-versa. After eating one, you will need the exercise and you can’t stop without having the other.
Dedicated to Christina Barreuta, Write On Rubee, who suggested Dogilicious.
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