It’s not like gourmet hot dogs are a new trend. Do the names Buddha Dog and Japa Dog ring a bell?
And though it may sound like more of the same-old, Dinah Koo’s newly launched Fusia Dog (65 Duncan, at Queen W, 647-274-7303) is street meat of a different stripe. Take the celebrity caterer’s globe-trotting signature, a 100% all-natural beef frank that’s not only kosher but gluten-free to boot wrapped in Indian paratha flatbread. Dressed with Korean kimchi, sweetly pickled Vietnamese slaw, fresh coriander and wasabi mayo, it’s a multi-culti meal in itself.
Located around the corner from Koo’s legendary and long-gone Tiger Lily café, Fusia Dog marks her return to her old stomping grounds after years uptown. How does it feel to be back in the nabe?
“It’s so much busier down here now,” says Koo as she assembles a Rowe Farms Chicken Chop Suey Dog topped with Chinese veggies stir-fried in hoisin “ketchup” and Hostess hickory sticks (both $6.95). “Where did all these people come from?”
Although it’s only been since Monday, they’re already lined-up out the door, not that difficult considering the place is so tiny the fourth person in line is on the sidewalk.
“We’re only open from 11 am to 5 pm for now,” says an already-rushed-off-her-feet Koo. “But we’ll be staying open late every weekend once we get through Thanksgiving.”
Might we suggest a Turkish Turkey Dog?
