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

Bass

Bell's Two-Hearted

Blue Moon

Columbus Brewing Co. IPA

Crispin Cider

Dogfish Head Raison D'Etre

Elevator Brewing Co. Bleeding Buckeye

Great Lakes Burning River

Great Divide Hibernation Ale Guinness

Harp

Lagunitas IPA

Left Hand Milk Stout

Leinenkugel Firehouse Nut

Miller Lite

Pabst Blue Ribbon

Stella Artois

Troegs HopBack