As I sit here on a Thursday having finally digested 10 hotdogs I ate in five days last week, I was struck by something — no it's not a need for Pepto, the hotdogs were better than that. It's that people have good reason to be passionate about their hotdogs in this state.

When fellow reporter Keith Whamond and I embarked on this task of finding the best hotdog, we developed a pretty good system to spark a conversation and sometimes downright arguments over who has the best hotdog.

But I'd like people to also think in larger terms about the hotdogs in their communities. It sounds ridiculous right, but take a moment to consider the hotdog before taking a bite of one at the Merritt, Super Duper or Blackie's.

Connecticut is doggone lucky. I grew up in Reno. That's in one of the states west of the Mississippi. Reno's been booming like much of the Mountain West. Every few years I go home to see my folks, my brother and a few friends. And while the faces are familiar and the people are as good as anywhere else, Reno's become almost foreign to me. I can't find the places I used to know and some of the joints I liked, well, they're just not there.

I don't say change is bad. But it does concern me because it seems like my old home town has lost a little character. It's a problem that's haunting a lot of America right now. Because think about it. You could drive into a strip mall get out and visit the same dozen or so restaurants and shops and the only clue to whether

Advertisement
you're in Arizona or North Carolina are the license plates on the cars and accents.

It's become a world of sameness. Don't get me wrong. I think there's room for chains. They're profitable and widespread because people like them.

But what's great about Connecticut is the loyalty people have for their unique businesses. People think of Tomlinsons and Goodies, as theirs, like they're almost owners.

It's a wonderful thing.

So, you don't like the outcome of the contest. Well, that's OK. I can respect that, after all, your place didn't win this year, but maybe next year.

To the restaurants, thanks. You opened your kitchens to us on the spur of the moment, showing a great deal of confidence and pride in your businesses and what you do.

All your dogs did well on our Tasty Dog Enjoyment Index scoring more than 100, which is the sign of a quality dog. It should come as no surprise, all the places used Hummel Bros. hotdogs. The overall Top Dog Index was the great equalizer and a way to sort out a winner. Congrats Tomlinsons, but remember the Merritt and all the rest are right on your tail, so you gotta stay strong.

Until next year, keep on grilling and eating, but in moderation.