Tastemakers: House of Dogs/Tabone Parkling Cherry Juice

March 16, 2008

House of Doggs

Three years ago Nick McAllister and his family were living in Rockford (near Grand Rapids) when he lost his job. He had contemplated his own coney dog joint for a couple of years, and since there were plenty around his neck of the woods, he decided to move north where he had spent many summer vacations. In July of 2006 he opened House of Doggs, a play on his passion for music and the House of Blues.
For the past year and half HOD has grown into a destination eatery, and for good reason, as each of the 17 chili dog offerings is loaded with a choice of toppings. Another secret to the success is McAllister uses grade A Vienna dogs. Add in the fast and friendly service, and the House of Doggs takes home the Grammy.
Each dog pays tribute to music with the Grand Funk featuring Flint Coney sauce, mustard and onions. For those looking for something on the jazzy side, try the Jazz with chili, Chicago fire mustard, Cholula hot sauce, jalapeno, banana pepper, onion and celery salt. HOD has something for anyone who is a chili dog aficionado.
Last week morning show radio personality Omelette from 97.5 KLT “Omelette & Finster in the Mornings” tried to break the chili dog consumption record. The record was 15 in one hour, and while Omelette fell short, eating 14 1/2, in an hour he sparked a flurry that has led several to attempt breaking the record. A regular listener, Matt Alpers (pictured), bellied up and now holds the record at 15 1/2. Will anyone go for 16? For more on the House Of Doggs (located in Traverse City next to Jack’s market on Wellington and Front St.) and to look over their menu options, check out houseofdoggs.com.


Tabone Sparkling Cherry Juice (NA)
One sip of Tabone Sparkling Cherry Juice (non-alcoholic) and it is obvious why Tim Boyko selected it to be the first product his new company is representing. Last year Boyko launched Blue Truck Food with the mission to distribute “fine handcrafted food and drink from Northern Michigan.”
Tabone Sparkling Cherry Juice is made from 100% natural, no sugar added Montmorency cherries grown at orchards owned by Mario Tabone on the Old Mission Peninsula and near Petoskey.
Being in the heart of cherry country, we sometimes get an overdose, so at times it gets a little bit difficult to get excited about “another cherry product.” But Tabone’s Sparkling Cherry is not just another cherry product – it is a “celebration” in the bottle. Simply put, it is refreshing, light and balanced and not medicinal as so many artificial cherry flavored drinks tend to be. This is a perfect beverage to have on hand for those who do not drink alcohol, and kids will love this as well. It is also a great mixer. Try with a shot of True North Vodka or make a Black Velvet: fill a champagne glass half full with CEO Stout from Right Brain Brewery and carefully top off with Tabone Sparkling Cherry.
Apparently, Tabone Sparkling Cherry Juice is helpful in the smarts department. Mario Tabone’s son Mario Jr. graduated from high school at 15, college at 18, and by the time he was 2, Jr. had an MBA and a law degree.
He credits his academic success to his work in his family’s orchards, and certainly Jr. was drinking a lot of this cherry juice growing up. No guarantee that you will be smarter after drinking Tabone Sparkling Cherry Juice, but it tastes so good that it is worth trying to find out. Check out Bluetruckfood.com to find locations throughout Northern Michigan carrying it.