Finally got to Missy’s Top Dog today. Top Dog is a roadside weinermobile trailer in Portland (across the Connecticut river from Middletown) that has been in business since 1980. This was one of the places listed in the seminal Ct hot dog documentary, A Connecticut Hot Dog Tour that came out in 2010. The place closed briefly, the the new proprietor (Missy) took over in 2023. It is open now seasonally from Wednesday to Saturday from 10:30 to 3.
It was a cold blustery day today and I was worried they might not be open. I called the number, left a message,and then thinking they were closed, made other plans. Then I got a text back saying they were open, so I changed plans again.
Top Dog is located in a lot with several picnic tables available for dinners but my wife said it was too cold to sit out. I had to lean over to fit under the awning and talk to the proprietor, who was super friendly.* I ordered The Pepper Dog with sauteed sweet onions and peppers and the Cajun Dog with pepper jack cheese, hot relish and chili. They were served in light steamed rolls with steamed pork and beef dogs made by Thurmanns. The dogs, the brand which I was unfamiliar with, had an incredible Martin Rosol like snap that lasted through all the bites. I liked both dogs. I was startled by the relish in the Cajun dog. Keep in mind I was not a relish eater until I tried Blackie’s relish and I wasn't expecting relish in this dog when I bit into it, but there it was and it wasn’t bad. One of these days I am going to try and get over my aversion to ketchup and mustard, as well. The relish certainly gave the dog a more complex taste. I could have eaten several more.
Day 92 in the belly.