By Jessica Wind (Contributor) – Email
Print Edition: August 21, 2012
33134 1st Ave, Mission
604.287.3294
Hours: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. (Wed & Thurs until 9 p.m./Fri & Sat until 10 p.m.)
Cost: Under $10
It’s a hot summer night, and the last thing you want to do is fire up the oven or barbecue to make dinner. If you have a hankering for comforting summer flavour and fresh ingredients, Dawg Gone Good Grill takes hot dogs to a new level with their 22 gourmet “dawgs” and vast selection of other equally homemade, locally sourced and fresh dishes.
I knew it would be dangerous for my bank account (and waistline) when I discovered this little gem down on 1st Ave in Mission. Nestled between James St. and Grand St., the establishment has been grilling up “dawgs” for just over a year, and they have already earned a following of happy regular customers.
From the first time my husband and I wandered through the rustic wooden door, we were greeted like old friends by one of the owners. She seated us and told us all about the story of their restaurant – ingredients are selected from Lepp Market, and made fresh daily. Unfortunately it means that on busy days they may run out of certain ingredients, but they are quick to sub in another equally scrumptious dog topping and sometimes the result is even better.
On this particularly hot summer night we were happy to dine in the comfort of a well air-conditioned restaurant. We ordered our “dawgs” and waited patiently. Our food was brought hot—the cheese on my husband’s “Phili Dawg”(beef, sautéed mushrooms, onions, red pepper, hot sauce and two melted cheeses) was still bubbling—in under 10 minutes.
The glorious meal in front of me was served on a lightly toasted whole wheat bun. It contained a 100 per cent pure beef wiener: no MSG, no by-products, no artificial colours or flavours, and gluten free. It was butterflied to allow for the next layer of flavour to blend. There was no separation between hot dog bites and topping bites. My choice, the “Coney,” was a glorious mix of mayo, horseradish, Dijon mustard and a generous helping of diced white onions. I feel that this is the point where I should warn you that this is not a “first date” kind of place. The dogs are big, they’re messy and certain choices like mine do not leave you with kissable breath. Not exactly an aphrodisiac, but oh so wonderful for my taste buds. I was already well into enjoying it when the server came by to check on us.
The decor provides an inviting family feel with a designated lounge area around the bar. Three big screen TVs allow for prime seating at any sporting event or anything else you may want to watch. Just ask them and they’ll switch it to the Food Network. It is perfect for a lunch break or those 50 minutes between classes; they have you in and out the doors in 30 minutes, or you can stay and relax for a hockey game. On occasions when we call in an order, they answer the phone and recognize our number (not because we go there that often, but because they’re that committed to customer service), remember our previous order and have it ready for us in 10 minutes by the time we make it over the bridge.
It is this kind of connection with its customers that has earned Dawg Gone Good Grill a feature on Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here! Show up sometime in late fall (as precise as they could be when I asked them), and on top of getting a great hot dog, you might make it on TV too!
