I’m Hanging Out With A Giant Hot Dog!
Well, it’s just another example of how New York City never fails to surprise!
In early May, I was walking south along Broadway, heading somewhere to do something – and I came across this!
It’s just the kind of thing that happens all the time here…let me explain:
Welcome To Times Square!
Here’s a shot of Times Square I found online – it captures the lights of the area – a part of the city that is always crowded – day and night – and always full of surprises, like this photo I took one night – AT MIDNIGHT:
Even the characters that pose for pictures take time for some mental stimulation like a midnight game of chess….I always think that nothing surprises me, yet imagine my surprise when I walked to Times Square one night and found this! Look directly above the head of the motorcycle rider!
Yes, it’s a giant hot dog! I know you are wondering why, and I’ve got the answer!
The “Times Square Arts” Organization put this on and bravo to them! This terrific group keeps NYC focused on all sort of unique art, with exhibits, pop-ups, interactive art and more – and late this spring, that meant a giant hot dog!
“To Be Frank: A Hot Dog Summit!”
Yes, they decided to honor the frankfurter! FYI, you can buy them everywhere in the city: they are sold at any of the more than 8,000 food carts in the city like this:
Here is how they described the exhibit:
“Frankfurters, wieners, Coneys, red hots! Dynamic artist duo Jen Catron and Paul Outlaw take street meat to new heights with a sculpture of the iconic New York City style hot dog. Complete with hydraulics and bursts of confetti, this spectacular animatronic installation sited in the heart of Times Square will also be an anchor for serious talks, playful performances, and political debate. At 65 feet long, Hot Dog in the City will top the record for World’s Largest Hot Dog Sculpture.”
The hot dog actually would rise up at one end to tower over people, and I got some footage of just that!
Here is some much-needed history of the hot dog, thanks to the Times Square Arts group:
“Introduced to the American masses by central European immigrants as a working-class street food in the 1800s, the hot dog has since become synonymous with contemporary American culture — a staple at baseball games and Fourth of July celebrations, and even employed as a tool of US international relations, referred to as “hot dog diplomacy.” As a symbol and a street cart offering, the hot dog is also a mainstay throughout Times Square and a New York City icon, akin to the yellow taxi cab, the pretzel, the deli cup, and the Playbill.”
Here is another walk around of the giant Frankfurter:
While it is gone now, I will always have this footage to remind me of my encounter with the giant frankfurter…and for those who follow me, I shared a bite of the city’s most iconic hot dog as well:
Gray’s Papaya is legendary, and you can find out more of they history and their menu by clicking on my taste test here with video:
I’ve been sharing many of my food explorations in the city, like this “gas station smash burger!”
Check out this “smacking burger” sold in a gas station, and why it’s one of the city’s best burgers!
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Categories: Bite Eat Swallow, Bite! Eat! Repeat!, Food, Food Pictures, Food Porn, Food Travel, Travel, Wacky Food, World's Wildest Food
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wow! I do love a good Nathan’s!
Nathan’s is icon ic indeed – and their hot dog carts surround Central Park! Thanks for the comment!
woah!
Yes, had no idea it was there but hard to miss!
You couldn’t miss that its certainly a whoppa !
I like that kind of street art, but watching the video made me want a hot dog!
Best wishes, Pete.
Me as well Pete!