El Guero Canelo, Tucson AZ (Sonoran Dog)

Yesterday, Nancy and I got another craving for hot dog. A ride back to Jimmy's in Bisbee would be out of the question so we decided to review our options locally. After a extensive search of the area we decided to try El Guero Canelo located at 5201 S. 12th ave here in Tucson.

El Guero Canelo is a very popular place and as you can see from the picture of the menu above, they serve a lot more than just hot dogs. But that's not why we went. We went to sample the "Sonoran Dog".

A Sonoran Dog, for those not in the know, is a bacon-wrapped, char-broiled, hot dog, stuffed into a home-made, sweet, steamed bun, smothered with pinto beans, tomato's, onions, mustard, jalapeno sauce, and mayo. We ordered ours "Sammy Style" which means you get two dogs in one bun. I highly recommend this as the toppings can overwhelm the dog if you only have one in the bun.

I can best describe the Sonoran dog from El Guero Canelo as a fiesta in a bun! The hot dogs are served blazing fresh off the grill. The toppings are fresh and cool and the bun is warm, soft and sweet.

If you find yourself in the Tucson area and craving a dog with a Sonoran flair, stop by El Guero Canelo and order a "Sammy Style" Sonoran Dog. You'll be happy you did!

Have a great day!

Be safe!

Noah

Palatianos Restaurant- Greek, American, Italian, Food

After listening to weather reports yesterday, Nancy and I figured we would be snowed in today so we decided to stock up on supplies at Walmart down in the valley. While there I stocked up on the essentials that no one should be without while snowed in... Bacon, Ice Cream, 18 extra large eggs, Milk (for the ice cream), Bread, more Bacon... etc. Once all the essentials had been hunted and gathered we decided to stop at Palatianos on the way back and grab some take out for dinner.

Palatianos really packs 'em in pretty good here in Benson, AZ. so we figured they must be pretty good. The restaurant sits on the corner across from Safeway off highway 80. The parking lot is pretty decent sized but usually pretty full too. Inside the restaurant is decorated in a truck stop diner motif. The staff is attentive and friendly.

We could not find their menu on line so we will post it here:

As you can see their menu provides pretty good selection and decent prices. The prices get even better once you realize how GIGANTIC the portions are. Their motto is "The restaurant that leaves the whole family satisfied" and that is for sure the truth. If you are hungry, really hungry, this is your place!

As for the food, Nancy went with the Chicken Parm and I went with the Fettuccine with Chicken and Broccoli. Both servings were, again, huge even as take out (you get even bigger servings when dining in). Nancy's Chicken Parm was a real breast filet of chicken pounded flat and breaded, served over al dente angel hair pasta covered with marinara and cheese. My Fettuccine was served with pan seared chicken medallions and broccoli in a creamy Alfredo sauce. Sounds good doesn't it? Well it was, but I wouldn't go any further than that. I would rate the food quality and taste as average. The chicken was tough and the flavor of my sauce and Nancy's was a bit washed out and bland.

Both meals came with salad and garlic bread (we asked for Blue Cheese dressing and received Ranch) but I'm not sure who could eat the full salad, bread and meal all at once.

Palatianos is a great place to take the family if they are really hungry and want food that is good, even if it is a bit bland.

Side Note: I'm not saying this is related for sure, but I ended up being up half the night with stomach issues. Nancy on the other hand was fine and slept like a baby.

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!!

Noah

The Best Hot Dog in the Southwest!

Just a few short miles past historic downtown Bisbee, out past the Lavender Mine on Highway 92 (across the street from Safeway) lives the hot dog mecca of the southwest, Jimmy's Hot Dog Company. You'll probably recognize it by the 12 foot high weenie on the roof, if not, the mustard yellow walls with ketchup red doors might catch your attention.

Walk through that ketchup colored door and you are instantly transported back to your favorite hot dog joint as a kid. The familiar smells even the vintage designed dining area all conspire to make you believe you have actually been taken back to that place. Except this place is in southern Arizona.

You can't get a decent hot dog in Arizona can you? Turns out you can do better than that! Jimmy's hot dogs are wonderful! All the hot dogs are Vienna Beef franks and I recommend getting them "Chicago Style" with mustard, onion, relish, tomato wedges, dill pickle, sport peppers and celery salt on a seeded bun.



Chicago style dog.... Ummmm, yummmy!

 Their fries are brined and then fried, skin on natural style and just full of the right amount of grease to make you feel good and guilty!

The menu is well rounded and contains more than simply hot dogs. I myself had the Maxwell Street Polish Sausage and it ate like a meal. We ate at Jimmy's around 2pm and as I sit here at 8pm I barely managed to force down a bowl of ice cream while typing up this review!

Jimmy's Hot Dog Company - a great restaurant run by great people with a great story.  If you happen to find yourself in Bisbee AZ, stop on by and have a dog.