Table Talk: Rad Dog
Jennie Scheinbach has expanded her vegan food empire to include a popular hot dog cart. The founder of Pattycake Vegan Bakery in Clintonville has purchased Rad Dog from Tawd Bell.
It was hardly a hostile takeover. The two have been friends for years and Bell once worked at Pattycake, 3009 N. High St.
Scheinbach said she fell in love with the Rad Dog product: natural, mostly organic hot dogs, bratwurst and Italian sausage, using locally grown toppings. The wheat buns are baked locally by Stan Evans Bakery. "I think the brand is brilliant," she said.
Bell, who founded the hot dog cart more than two years ago, said he needed a break from the day-to-day duties of the cart. "I felt like I needed some freedom," Bell said.
So, as weather permits, Bell still will be seen Downtown and other points across Central Ohio. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday, he will be parked in front of Pattycake, where customers can take the Rad Dog "Sticky Bun" challenge. It includes a beer brat topped with sauerkraut, mustard, and grilled onions and green peppers. The sticky bun weighs in at around eight ounces. Total cost is $8.25. Those who eat the entire meal can get their pictures on Pattycake's wall of fame.
Scheinbach said Bell's preparation is what sets him apart: He splits the dog, made from tofurkey, down the middle and browns both sides. The bun also is toasted.
Bell agrees that many omnivores are taken by his dogs. "I fool meat-eaters all the time," he said. "It's mostly psychological."
The intent is to have the food cart operating until the weather gets too cold. Then, next year, the two will figure out a way to put more Rad Dogs in the hands of customers.
Scheinbach said that Pattycake simply has outgrown its 650-square-foot storefront. Her long-term goal is to find an industrial kitchen and open a cafe.
For more information, call 614-784-2253.
To Gary Seman Jr.'s blog, visit thisweeknews.com
Polaris Grill
1835 Polaris Pkwy., Polaris
614-431-5598
Web: polarisgrill.com
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Price: $$ ($10-$20 per person)
Patio: Yes
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday, 12-10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30-9 p.m. Sunday
Patio: Yes
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