SNAPSHOT
In 1916, the Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker, armed with a $300 loan from two friends and his wife’s secret spice recipe, started a nickel hot-dog stand on Coney Island. Today, Nathan’s is arguably the most famous hot dog in the world, with restaurants in every reach of the country, products in supermarket aisles everywhere, and millions of fans across the globe. And yes, the original Coney Island restaurant is still there—at the corner of Surf and Stillwell—where, come July 4, the annual Hot Dog Eating Contest will heat up once again. The contest doesn’t end after its short 10-minute Independence Day run; curious consumers of the dog and the race for its record-breaking consumption can follow “Chasing the Mustard Belt,” a video series Nathan’s puts out that follows major storylines of some of the winners as they crunch hot dog numbers on the road. Of course, while a jaunt to Coney Island remains one of the coolest and most quintessential of New York summer experiences, there’s also another city summer ritual: the Nathan’s cart. When the heat is on and you’re craving, say, that Deluxe Nacho Dog, that California Dreamin’ Dog, that Ultimate Chili Dog, or that classic Empire New York Dog, chances are there’s a Nathan’s cart around the corner from your office to satisfy the urge. We happen to have a fondness for this one here, situated squarely at the steps to the shaded green seats at midtown’s Bryant Park. —Daniel Cappello 128 QUEST
DA N I E L C A P P E LLO
THE HOTTEST DOG IN TOWN