I was at Goodyear ballpark in AZ a couple of days ago. They made a nice attempt at a Chicago dog (a dollar off because the Cubs were visiting), even down to the sport peppers, celery salt and pickle spear. However, they used deli mustard instead of yellow and no onions. Thankfully, onions were available at the condiment stand. Tasty.

When going for ketchup by dispenser, I don't like how some squirt part air and some part ketchup. You would think with technology nowadays, they would have figured out a solution for this age old problem.

Plus, I think when a ketchup container goes empty, how much ketchup goes to waste not being dispense. Again science a solution to simple things in life?

Just think of these as signs not to put ketchup on hot dogs. :D

LOL ^

Ketchup (catsup) is a condiment without merits on anything. It's acceptable on an el-cheapo burger, and for dipping fries in if there isn't something better available, but even there... there are better options.

On a hot dog, it's particularly bad, as the sweetness of the ketchup tends to overwhelm the dog.

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To the original question, a good hot dog needs only sauerkraut, or a pickle if kraut isn't available.

A bland hot dog is best avoided entirely, but if you have to eat it at all is best regarded as a protein base under chili and shredded cheddar.

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As for buns, the New England style (crust only top and bottom) is the best.

Yeah, ugh.

When I lived in El D.F., taco shops gave you meat on a tortilla, with maybe some onion mixed into the meat; everything else was little pots of seasoning on the table.

Some of the places out here in California add beans, which I understand is a regional Mexican thing but always seems badly out of place.

Now, ground beef tacos in a shell should have lettuce and shredded cheese, but those are about as Mexican as an American style hamburger is actually from Hamburg.

Doesn't sound that bad. I've occasionally when out of buns and kraut had a hot dog in a slice of cheap white bread. That, American-cheese grilled cheese, and cinnamon toast are about all that sort of bread is good for.

Ok, I'm getting all confused. I'm at a Padres baseball game at Petco Park and I want a hot dog... what should I ask to go on it?

Chances are, you won't have to ask for anything. It will come to you plain and you can please yourself at the condiment stand. No one else will have to know about your bad choices. ;)

It isn't a hotdog without catsup.:-:

You got that backwards, it isn't a hotdog with catsup!

CMK10 is correct. And who are you going to believe, CMK10, Harry Callahan and I or that other guy? ;)

Not to mention that other guy ain't from around these parts ;)

Ok. I can please myself... good to know. I like fried onions and ketchup but am willing to mix it up a little. I will be in the all you can eat section, is there a quantity of hot dogs beyond which I will be frowned at?

No, go for it! Are you in the section behind home plate where you can go in and help yourself to the buffet prior to the game? If so, I think I'd enjoy other things besides hot dogs - unless you just have to have them since you're at a baseball game. :)

I have no idea. My in laws have kindly bought tickets so it'll be a surprise! This is my first baseball game. Hopefully its as exciting as ice hockey!

OT but please note there's a reason it's referred to as the National Pastime, rather than National Sport. There's a lot of apparent waiting around, and one of the most exciting events in baseball is a game in which there are no hits. ;)

I suspect you may be making more than one trip to the concession stand. :D