On a Roll Gourmet Hot Dogs

Gourmet hamburgers have been around for a while, but gourmet hot dogs is the new big thing. Even Abigail Donnelly suggested the same in her recent Eat Out article. While some places are offering a gourmet dog on their menu, the first dedicated gourmet dog spot has opened on Durban Road, Mowbray. On a Roll is over the road from the Fat Cactus, where the Greek restaurant used to be.

The owner is Peter Ayub from Sense of Taste, a catering company which also offers excellent cooking classes (I know because I’ve been to the classes). Pete asked me to come and check out his gourmet dogs, which I did last week. On a Roll has been open for just over a week so it’s still early days. I don’t like to review restaurants too soon as they need some time to settle in, so this is not a review, more like an introduction.

My pics were taken with my Blackberry so not great quality, but I thought I’d share them so you have an idea at least.

The place is decorated in a very casual style. Themed on tomato sauce and mustard, everything is yellow and red. There are two sections, one side is the smoking section which has a bar and foosball (don’t ask me why it’s called that) tables with several tables for eating. The non smoking section has only tables and chairs for eating.

And, now for the most important part, the hot dogs… They are very gourmet. There are served on 4 types of rolls, all created by Knead bakery. There are about 10 different types of sausage to choose from, they are from various suppliers and all very high quality. There is a vegetarian sausage and some are also halaal. To give you an idea, here are some sample dogs:

Double Chick (see pic below): Free range chicken sausage on a sourdough roll with brandy flamed chicken livers and a hint of chilli.

Chicago: Wiener on a ciabatta roll with yellow mustard, onion, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices and jalapeño peppers.

Chihauhua: Cabanossi sausage on a sourdough roll with charcoaled pineapple, guacamole and black eyed peas.

The sides are equally gourmet apart from the fries which are standard fries but delicious (see pic). Other sides include chickpea, lentil and capsicum salad with orange and chive viniagrette, or potato salad with buttermilk, swiss chard and crispy bacon.

There are 13 dogs to choose from, all served with chilli & garlic paste, gherkin relish & Portuguese prego sauce (pour this on your chips – yum!). Price range from R48 to R68. Sides are R25 each. For dessert you have only one option, soft serve ice cream in a sugar cone at R15.

So there you have it. Go smash some dogs in your face!