Lucky Dog, New Orleans

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I usually try to keep a balanced diet, even when I'm traveling. But after a night out on Bourbon Street, most resolutions tend to go out the window, and that's how we ended up grabbing a "lucky dog". You'll find the hot dog-shaped carts at different street corners in the French Quarter. They've been around since 1948, and very few visitors make it back from New Orleans without having tried at least one. I got mine "with everything" on it, and that included some delicious chili sauce, mustard, ketchup, onions and relish. For someone who doesn't normally eat hot dogs, it was quite the experience! The man who tended the cart was super nice, and after chatting for a while we ended up parting with a big hug :o) Where else but in New Orleans will buying a hot dog from a street vendor turn into one of your favourite travel memories?!

I'm including Lucky Dog in my list of restaurants, not because we grabbed a bite from this vendor, but because it is such a part of the New Orleans streetscape.

After Hurricane Katrina made its appearance, most of the restaurants were closed. Those people who remained in the city or individuals who had come to provide help had few sources of meals at first. It was a happy day when the Lucky Dog cart began appearing on the streets once again.

A simple hot dog signified hope to the flooded city, for it meant that life as they knew it was slowly returning to The Big Easy.

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What happens when you get hundreds of people walking the streets in between bars having cocktails? The need for street vendors of course. In this case, there is a common theme among the hot dog vendors, and that is the name Lucky Dog. The consistency is not as common as the carts, but non the less, most of the hot dogs were extremely good (but fairly pricey).

I had the all-beef dog all the way, including chili, mustard, onions, relish, and a few more onions for taste. This particular dog was not done as well as I would have liked, but I think it was because the vendor was busy listening to the LSU football game on the radio. A hot dog with everything is $5.75, no discount for a plain dog.

Favorite Dish: A hot dog all the way.

Well, I committed a mortal sin. I visited New Orleans and didn't try a Lucky Dog. Oh well. People seem to enjoy the hot dogs and if you're in a hurry or you don't want to spend much money, this is a great alternative.

Favorite Dish: A Lucky Dog is around $4.

While your on Bourbon Street and need a quick food fix you MUST have a Lucky Dog. The vendors are on just about every corner and the dog is great. They cost $4.75 USD and the vendor puts what every you want on them.

Favorite Dish: The vendors are homeless persons that make a living by selling hot dogs. They keep some of the proceeds from the sale but they are working for tips so please give them something for their service.