Most food stories don’t include the FBI, but some do! Take hot dogs at the U.S.-Mexico border. One vendor actually faced an FBI investigation for extortion against his rival. Talk about a poor taste in business!
If you’ve spent time in Baja California, Sonora, California, Arizona, or Texas, you’ve seen hard-working vendors selling irresistible bacon-wrapped hot dogs. The smell of grilled bacon mixed with sautéed onions and peppers is a late-night delight when other food spots are closed.
Many of us might not realize that this beloved treat is not just American, but has deep roots in Mexico. The bacon-wrapped hot dog hails from Hermosillo, Sonora, where it’s as cherished as tacos or tamales. This tasty regional dish has been around longer than you think.
The origins trace back to the 1940s. Some historians believe American-style hot dogs made their way to Mexico thanks to traveling circuses, baseball games, or bullfights. A pair of entrepreneurs famously began selling them at Plaza Mexico and turned it into a thriving business.
As these hot dogs gained popularity, they evolved. Street vendors, or “dogueros,” close to the U.S. border played a big role in making them widely accepted in Mexican cuisine. Nowadays, you’ll find bacon-wrapped hot dogs topped with all sorts of goodies: cheese, avocado, and various salsas or even shrimp. The possibilities are endless!
One of the most famous places to get a bacon-wrapped hot dog is El Güero Canelo in Arizona, run by Sonoran immigrant Daniel Contreras. Since it opened in 1993, it has been celebrated for bringing this culinary creation to a wider audience, earning Contreras a James Beard award.
There’s a fun rivalry happening in Hermosillo over who makes the best hot dog. Local favorites include Dogos Del Miami, known for its unique offerings, like the “Golden Dubai Dog” topped with gold flakes. Each vendor has its own twist, and debates over the “best” hot dog are common.
These street food delights are not just food; they reflect creativity and culture. Paired with regional drinks, like “uvola,” a refreshing grape drink served cold, these hot dogs are a perfect snack for a day out in the sun.
This blend of culinary influences shows how food can unite cultures. The bacon-wrapped hot dog is proof that delicious ideas can cross borders and delight taste buds.
For more on the cultural ties between food and community, you can explore articles like this one from NPR.
Alan Chazaro, an acclaimed writer, dives into similar themes in his works. He captures the essence of food and its ability to connect us, highlighting the importance of culinary traditions in shaping cultural identities.
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