Take Me Out to the Ball Game

...and yes, they did play that song between a couple of innings. The Yankees have a lot of history, and although we weren't at the original stadium (which closed in 2008), we still considered going to a Yankees game to be an essential part of the New York experience.

We both grew up loving baseball. I used to go to Calgary Cannons games all the time (until they were traded to Albuquerque). Kim has a more intimate relationship with the game, citing A League of their Own as her favourite movie of all time. Plus she actually used to play competitive ball. So it was a no-brainer that we would make this game a part of the trip.

It really is America's pastime, as evidenced by the wealth of conversations around us which had nothing at all to do with the game. That's not to say that there weren't hardcore fans who boo-ed every call the umpires made in the Astros' favour, but in contrast to faster-paced sports, the action is sporadic, providing for a greater social aspect to being at the ball game. There weren't any runs until the 4th inning anyway, so a lot of people got to chatting. We got down to business.

The business of hot dogs. Hebrew National hot dogs, that is...something that I've never seen in Canada. The dogs are kosher, catering to the very large Jewish community of New York, but more than that, they were delicious. The entire meal together (just two hot dogs plus beer; we didn't even get fries) came to $30, so bring deep pockets if you're going to a game...but that's good advice for any sporting event, really.

Kim's
-Hot dog: Hebrew National
-Ketchup: Yes
-Mustard: Regular type
-Toppings: No
-Rating: 8

James'
-Hot dog: Hebrew National
-Ketchup: No
-Mustard: Brown spicy
-Toppings: Frank's Red Hot Sauce
-Rating: 8

Kim had chosen to pair hers with a malty Guinness Black Lager, while I opted for a refreshing Yuengling Traditional Lager. We both agreed after a single bite that the dogs were damn good. I would recommend them to anyone who can find them in the States. There were even more expensive Italian sausages available, and I was really tempted to try one ($8.50 ea.) but I will wait until next time.

There were some entertaining moments during the game despite the Yankees' loss to the Astros (to be fair though, the Jays are my team so I wasn't that let down) and all in all it was a great evening. If you have the money and the time, I have to say that even up in the 4th level we had a clear, unobstructed view of the action. The packed subway was a little intense on the way back, but those trains are deceptively long and hold a lot of people, so it wasn't as bad as it first appeared.

Coming up tomorrow: The Museum of Modern Art and the Empire State Building, a.k.a. Crowds, Crowds and more Crowds.

--James

CAN YOU DIG IT? or Coney Island Part Two: In Which We Finally Talk About Hot Dogs

This cult classic was my first introduction to Coney Island. The Warriors was filmed at a time when Coney Island was at its lowest, the amusement parks torn down, the land caught up in endless court battles over development. Only the lonely 'Wonder Wheel' remains.

That was not, of course, the Coney Island that we witnessed. It was very much alive, and I'm sure that the crowds would have been maddening if we'd gone on the weekend. The long story short is that it was worth the lengthy train ride, hangover or no hangover.

If you want the even longer history of Coney Island, I won't bore you with it here if it's not your bag. Cliffnotes version.

We started our adventure with a slew of roller coasters, most notably the brand-new Thunderbolt:

Fastest I've ever experienced

We avoided the Cyclone because, although it is iconic and one of the last wooden roller-coasters out there, it can also be very painful (there have been some accidental deaths) and well, four other rides didn't do great things for my hangover.

We did, however, ride the Wonder Wheel, a piece of American history. Unlike most traditional Ferris wheels, the Wonder Wheel has cabins that slide back and forth on a track as you go up and down, making the wheel feel a bit more thrilling. Good view from up there.

We blew the last of our tickets on skee ball. Because skee ball.

Then finally, FINALLY, we got our first New York hot dogs from the original Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, the birthplace of the hot dog.

Kim's on the left.

Hot dog: Original

Ketchup: Yes

Mustard: Honey mustard. Medium grain.

Toppings: Fried onions.

Rating: 7/10

James' on the right.

Hot dog: Original

Ketchup: Yes

Mustard: Regular type.

Toppings: None

Rating: 6/10...shoulda had the onions.

Nathan's Famous are tasty. They have salty exteriors. These sloppy dogs were probably as close to the 'classic' Frank-in-a-bun experience as you could get...but the hot dog has come a long way since then, and we have been spoiled by a plethora of smokies, premium Italian sausage, etc. Having a Nathan's, the original, was an essential part of our New York experience, but it didn't exceed any expectations.

Coming up tomorrow: Kim blogs about the Met (not the Mets) and baseball (also not the Mets)

--James

Start Spreadin' the News

Why 'Hot Dog Blog', you ask?

Well, one of the first things Kim and I discussed when we talked about New York was the legendary street food, (I know, there are delis and Italian restaurants too, but bear with me, here). We thought it might be fun to eat a whole swack of hot dogs on the trip, discuss them, photograph them, rate them, digest them, etc. They were invented on Coney Island, after all, which is a part of our itinerary for this journey.

We'll probably keep this travel blog for other adventures, and at some point we'll regret the moniker 'hot dog blog' in a manner similar to the Goo Goo Dolls, but for now we feel like it has a ring to it.

Next question. Why New York? Kim offered some fun suggestions, delving into our similar pasts, but I'd also like to offer the following reasons:

 -It's a cheaper first vacation than somewhere off continent

-We have heard good things

-The American Museum of Natural History



- NEIL PATRICK HARRIS IS PLAYING HEDWIG



-Did I mention Coney Island?

I just found out they have burlesque shows there. Should I try to convince Kim to go to one with me?

I could go on and on but I'll probably just wait until we have a proper itinerary, lest the list become tedious. For now, welcome to the blog and we hope you enjoy how we document our journey through one of the biggest symbols of Americana. (formerly Dutchicana)

--James

Ladies First

Ladies should always go first, therefore I shall have the honour of composing the first post on "The Hot Dog Blog".

As one might guess from the title, this blog is of the serious variety. Only serious subjects shall be presented.

Hot dogs. What are they? Why do I find them so delicious? Exactly how many hot dogs can I eat on our trip to New York?

I hope to answer all of these questions--and more--on this blog.

It shall chronicle the Adventures of James and Kim. Two young whippersnappers on their first "real" vacation together. Having dated for a year and a half now, J&K have dreamed of their trip to New York since they started calling each other "babe" and "hon". Having both studied theatre in university, the decision of where to go on their first adventure together was easy. NYC. City of Lights. City that Never Sleeps. The. Big. Apple.

I'm going to take a picture, of myself, holding an apple, in New York. Oh yeah, I'm going to be that tourist. Beware New York, we're coming.

-Kim