Evening Edge

Some you have to travel to sample, some are available right here. All will ensure you never use the phrase "just a hot dog" again.

• How 'Bout Them Varsity Dogs: The original Spring Street outlet is a uniquely Atlanta institution where locals are comfortable ordering "naked" (a plain hot dog on a bun) and would-be presidents go to get elected (being photographed chowing down on a slaw dog with gusto is a campaigning must in Georgia).

• Parlez-vous Hot Dog: In Paris, Frank-ophiles enjoy them nestled in a baguette smeared with honey Dijon mustard and rich béchamel sauce. It's all topped with a layer of shredded Gruyère cheese, then toasted.

• The Golden Nugget: This brilliant, bite-size twist on the corn dog is available only in a few Atlanta Nathan's locations (most notably the Lenox Square food court). Dipped in a slightly sweet cornmeal batter and then deep fried, they go down fast enough to feel practically guilt-free.

• The Crazy Northerners Dog: What the beautiful people in Manhattan are eating, according to New York magazine. Celebrated chef Wylie Dufresne's Wylie Dog recipe calls for the dog to be nestled against his signature deep-fried mayonnaise, and served with tomato molasses, freeze-dried onions and shredded romaine.

• The Only-in-Georgia Dog: The only thing that tastes better at Turner Field than the Georgia Dog, made with our very own Vidalia onion relish, is sweeping the Mets. Again.