Short Leash Hot Dogs Sit...Stay
A recent journalism assignment involved an interview with Short Leash Hot Dogs owner Brad Moore. I've been a fan of these delicious dogs wrapped in naan bread since my first introductions at the Devoured culinary festivals.
Why naan? As Brad explains, "I hate hot dog buns, they're structurally terrible." He did a lot of research to find the perfect vehicle to hold the plump Schreiner's sausages and creative toppings they offer, and puffy, pliable naan bread was the winner. The interview also gave me the chance to finally visit Sit...Stay, their first brick and mortar location that opened in 2013. The restaurant has a full bar featuring local spirits, Arizona wine, and an immense selection of 80+ canned craft beers. The expanded menu includes their signature hot dogs, along with appetizers, salads, entree-size dishes, and dessert. Sit and stay with plenty of room in the main dining room, comfortable bar, and shady patio.
After a fun time learning more about Brad and Kat Moore and their inspiring business and philosophy (look for that article in the Spring 2016 hardcover travel publication Where GuestBook), my husband and I stayed for lunch. We started off with crunchy jalapeno poppers stuffed with gouda and pimento cheese and served with buttermilk ranch to cool down the spicy bites. I sipped on a CoCoNut PorTeR from Maui Brewing Company, a robust brew with notes of coconut, chocolate, and coffee.
For our dogs, my husband went for the Chicago Dog with pepperoncini, mustard, onions, relish and tomatoes with an accompaniment of coleslaw. I ordered the Bear with fried pickles as my side. I love the unexpected yet addictive combination of flavors. Peanut butter, gouda cheese, BBQ sauce, crumbled bacon, and caramel coated popcorn harmoniously create a perfect blend of salty, tangy, sweet and spicy. I also took the advice to choose a spicy Beer Hot for the meat and it was a winning choice. Creative, flavorful combinations wrapped in warm naan - it's easy to see why Short Leash has been winning accolades since they started selling these inventive dogs out of their 80-foot trailer six years ago.
We'll be returning soon to explore more of the menu, maybe on a Tuesday, when appetizers are $2 off and all craft cans are only $2 (from 2 to 9 pm). I have my eye on items such as cheddar and cracked black pepper hush puppies, fried green tomatoes with roasted corn, avocado, and blue cheese dressing, the bratwurst-stuffed pretzel, and apple fritters. Next time!
