This week's warmer temperatures inspired the Foodie to dine al fresco in downtown Brunswick. Getting a Cote's cone was a given, but she didn't know which wiener stand to choose! Danny's, Wrappers, and Pop's all look inviting, and one might think they serve equally good fare. The Foodie has discovered, however, that each stand has its own virtues.
Pop's is the old-fashioned car that first greets diners on the strip. The Foodie must admit that the best part of the Pop's dining experience is the atmosphere. Where else can one order a hot dog from a red enamel Model T? Right where the front passenger seat would be, there's even a little glass-encased mechanical clown that stirs popcorn. His rhythmic, almost hypnotic motion held the Foodie's attention while she waited in a long line to order.
The Foodie requested a small bag of popcorn, hoping it might come from the clown's popping pot, but, alas, Pop's attendant scooped her popcorn from a bag on the other end of the car. It seems the clown is just for show. The corn the Foodie received was unremarkable: somewhat stale and brightened with a little Yellow Dye #5.
Pop's "snappy pappy," or regular-length dog, wasn't available, so the Foodie ordered a grilled "long dog" instead. It was indeed very long, extending almost an inch past the bun on either side! If only the dog were hotter in temperature, the Foodie would have given it high marks.
Wrappers, a mint-green, rectangular structure, is a few car-lengths down from Pop's. The Foodie was disappointed to learn that this stand only offers boiled hot dogs, but the dog she did receive, though an unappealing pale beige color, was thick and juicy. There was even a little squirt when the Foodie took her first bite.
Wrapper's fresh-squeezed lemonade, however, outshone the hot dog, and it was a highlight of the entire hot dog stands tour. Both tart and sweet, the juice tasted of pure lemon, not diluted to save costs. At $2.50, the lemonade is twice as expensive as a plain Wrapper's hotdog, but it's worth the price.
The best dog of the bunch is served at Danny's, the last on the strip. The Foodie received hers in an instant, and with a warm smile from the server. It was a surprisingly thin wiener, with shiny, brick-red, delicate skin that punctured easily. Deep slashes in the grilled dog allowed smoke from the grill to enter the meat, making for a nice contrast with the fluffy, white-bread bun.
Maine Survivor ice cream from Cote's was the perfect finish to the Foodie's outdoor sojourns. Packed with peanut butter cups, chocolate chunks, chocolate chip cookies, and Spanish peanuts, this dessert had a surprise at every turn. Equally pleasing was the frozen yogurt blended with fresh blueberries, a refreshing treat.
But friends! So concludes the Foodie's final foray into the Brunswick dining scene. Over the years, the Foodie has learned that Brunswick has much to offer the discriminating diner, but she truly believes the best restaurateur in Brunswick is Bowdoin Dining Services. Friendly faces behind the counter serve fresh, appealing dishes and make every accommodation to guests' needs. Best of all, one doesn't even need a reservation! The Foodie will remember Thorne and Moulton with great fondness.